Taking Control of Your Healthcare Decisions

Thinking about medical decisions in advance isn't easy—we understand that. However, taking the time now can offer tremendous peace of mind and control, ensuring that your healthcare wishes will be respected if a time comes when you cannot communicate them yourself.

 

Understanding the Value of a Living Will

Why is it called a "living will"? Unlike a traditional will that only takes effect after death, a living will becomes active while you are still alive but unable to make or communicate medical decisions due to illness, injury, or incapacity. It "lives" with you, speaking on your behalf when you cannot speak for yourself.

 

A living will is an essential legal document under Illinois law that ensures your healthcare preferences are clearly documented and legally binding. It allows you to maintain control over critical medical decisions by specifying what treatments you want or don't want—such as resuscitation, life support, artificial nutrition, and pain management—should you become unable to voice your choices due to terminal illness, permanent unconsciousness, or other serious medical conditions.

Reduce the Emotional Burden on Loved Ones

Having a properly executed living will lifts a tremendous emotional and decision-making burden from your loved ones during already stressful times. They won't be left guessing what you would have wanted, instead receiving clear, legally documented guidance during difficult moments.

 

Key Benefits:

• Legal clarity for medical providers: A living will removes ambiguity for doctors and healthcare teams, providing them with clear legal authority to follow your documented wishes
• Protection for family members: This legal document serves as your voice, ensuring that your healthcare preferences are heard and followed precisely, while relieving family members of making these difficult decisions alone
• Compliance with Illinois requirements: A properly drafted living will meets Illinois statutory requirements and works in conjunction with your healthcare power of attorney

Time for a Living Will Review

If you haven't created a living will yet, or it's been several years since you've reviewed yours, now is an ideal time for evaluation. Life circumstances, medical advances, and personal values can change over time, making periodic review essential to ensure your living will still accurately reflects your current wishes and medical preferences.

Consider reviewing your living will if:

• You've experienced significant health changes
• You've had major life events (marriage, divorce, birth of children)
• Medical treatment options have evolved
• Your values or religious beliefs have changed
• Illinois law has been updated (though changes are infrequent)

Take Action Today

Taking the proactive step to create or update your living will demonstrates thoughtful planning that benefits everyone involved. By addressing these important decisions today, you're investing in peace of mind for both yourself and your loved ones.

 

Important Legal Note: Living wills must comply with specific statutory requirements to be legally enforceable. This includes proper execution, witness requirements, and specific language addressing various medical scenarios. We recommend consulting with qualified legal counsel to ensure your living will meets all legal requirements and accurately reflects your healthcare preferences

 

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Individual circumstances may require specific legal guidance to ensure compliance with Illinois law and proper document execution.