Imagine you're in the hospital, unable to speak for yourself. Doctors are asking your family tough questions about your care, but no one knows what you want. Your loved ones are stressed, arguing, and feeling guilty about making choices for you.
This nightmare scenario is all too real for many seniors who haven't planned ahead. But you can avoid this. Taking the time to understand a living will vs advance directives isn't just learning. It's you taking control of your future.
Des Moines, IA, known for its vibrant community and excellent senior services, provides a supportive environment where older adults can access essential resources for planning their future care.
In this article, we'll explain what living wills and advance directives are. Armed with this knowledge put's you one step closer to feeling more in control of your future.
A living will is a document that tells doctors what medical treatments you want if you're too sick to speak for yourself. It's like leaving instructions for your care team. You can use it to say whether you want machines to keep you alive or if you prefer to let nature take its course.
Your living will helps ensure your end-of-life wishes are respected, even when you can't communicate them yourself. For example, you can:
However, a living will only covers certain medical situations and doesn't let you choose someone to make decisions for you. It's a good start, but it's just one piece of the pie in estate planning for aging adults.
An advance directive is a broader term that includes several types of legal documents to guide your future medical care. Your advance directive acts as a comprehensive plan for your healthcare decisions, covering more situations than a living will alone.
It typically combines a living will with a medical power of attorney, which names someone to make medical choices for you if you can't. You can also use an advance directive to express your preferences on a wide range of medical treatments, not just end-of-life care.
For instance, you can state your views on things like:
An advance directive gives you more control over your healthcare and helps your family and doctors understand your values and wishes in various medical scenarios.
When deciding between a living will vs. advance directive in Des Moines, it's important to think about the kinds of situations you want to prepare for. A living will is best if you're focused on end-of-life care and want to make specific choices about treatments like life support or resuscitation.
On the other hand, an advance directive is more flexible and covers a wider range of medical situations, not just those involving terminal illness. If you're worried about who'll make decisions for you when you can't, an advance directive might be the better choice because it lets you name a healthcare proxy.
In Iowa, this person is legally allowed to speak for you and ensure your wishes are followed. A living will doesn't give anyone the authority to act on your behalf-it only provides written instructions for doctors to follow.
For many seniors in Des Moines, combining both documents can offer the most peace of mind. A living will can clearly state your wishes, while an advance directive ensures someone you trust can step in when unexpected decisions arise. Taking the time to choose what works best for your situation is paramount to helping you feel more secure about your future care.
Considering your healthcare needs is just one piece of advance care planning. Your estate plan should also include documents like a will, financial power of attorney, and possibly trusts.
A complete estate plan helps protect your assets and ensures your wishes are carried out for both your health and your wealth. It's important to note that Iowa does not recognize transfer on Death (TOD) deeds. So you might want to explore options like revocable living trusts, which can help manage your assets and potentially avoid probate.
Local estate planning attorneys in Des Moines can guide you through creating a plan that aligns with Iowa laws and your personal needs. Remember, your estate plan should work seamlessly with all your senior legal documents to provide a complete roadmap for your future.
As a senior in Des Moines, you have several local resources to help you with advance care planning. The Iowa Department on Aging offers free counseling services to guide you through the process of creating your advance directive or living will.
You can also attend workshops at the Polk County Senior Services Center, where experts explain Iowa's specific laws about healthcare decisions. Moreover, many Des Moines hospitals, like UnityPoint Health and MercyOne, provide advance care planning clinics where you can get personalized advice from healthcare professionals.
When it's time to discuss your plans with loved ones, start by choosing a comfortable setting, like a family dinner or a quiet afternoon at home. Be open about your wishes and explain why you've made certain decisions. Encourage questions and listen to their concerns.
Lastly, make sure you review your plans regularly, especially after major life events or changes in your health. This will ensure they still reflect your current wishes and healthcare needs.
Planning for your future healthcare doesn't have to be overwhelming. Understanding the differences between a living will vs advance directive is an important step toward making sure your wishes are honored.
If you're looking for a senior living community that values your independence and supports your planning efforts, Addington Place of Des Moines is an excellent choice. Located near beautiful parks and offering a welcoming atmosphere, Addington Place provides personalized care and a strong sense of community.
Schedule a tour today to see how their team can help you live confidently while preparing for the future.