Five Wishes: A National Living Will

Aging with Dignity, a national non-profit group, has taken up the cause of creating a living will document that says in one’s own words what a person would like their family or friends to do in case of a major, life-threatening illness.

Their proposed document, called “Five Wishes,” has been adopted for use in 40 states and is used by lawyers to discuss clients wishes in the other 10 states. This advance directive – also called a living will – designates the person to whom you grant legal authority to make health care decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. It also directs the person in life support treatment options, allowing you to state what you want or don’t want. The group will be promoting its adoption on April 16 for National Healthcare Decisions Day.

To learn more about “Five Wishes,” visit the Aging with Dignity Web site.

(photo credit: Newscom)