I am at the early stages of Alzheimers and have not created a living will yet. How do I proceed?

Question: I am in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and am taking measures now in anticipation of when I am completely incapacitated.  One of the documents I am considering drawing up is a living will, and I would like to know all that a living will can do in my situation.

Response: A living will directive allows you to leave instructions to physicians in case of your incapacitation.  You can designate the type of care you want to receive as well as what measures you don’t want taken at the end stages of your condition.  However, even with a living will directive to a physician, the attending physician must determine the probability of recovery before any life-prolonging procedures are withheld.  This measure protects the doctor and hospital from liability. 

In addition to a living will, you should also consider drawing up a durable power of attorney to designate who will be responsible for your medical decisions once you are no longer able to make those decisions for yourself.   The designated person will then following the instructions of your living will as a guide.  At this stage of your condition, please consult with an estate planning attorney to draw up these documents according to your wishes so that there will be no confusion as to what you want to happen when you have become fully incapacitated.

Answered by Sharon Cullars

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