Tag Archives: medical care decisions

Advance Directives: Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney

Today’s five-year anniversary of Terri Schiavo’s death is a reminder that we all have to face end-of-life decisions, for ourselves and often for loved ones.   Most of us don’t like talking about end-of-life issues.  Even more of us never get around to putting a plan in writing.  Then-26-year-old Terri Schiavo didn’t either.
Terri was diagnosed as [...]

Tool # 3 in the Life Planning Toolbox – the Living Will

What are your wishes if you are in a persistent vegetative state or have a terminal condition, and death is imminent?
Do you feel strongly about resuscitation, insertion tubes or other life-sustaining procedures?
How do you best ensure that your wishes are honored?

A Living Will is not a last will and testament.  It is a written statement [...]

Medical Care Decisions for Gay and Lesbian Partners

Being able to step in and make medical decisions for a seriously ill spouse is unquestioned.   Being able to do so for a seriously ill gay partner is not.  Unlike married couples, same-sex couples have no legal rights or protection without clear legal documents that spell them out.
To be certain that medical decisions stay in [...]