Understanding the various options for advanced directives is an important part of determining how you want your end of life care handled in Ohio. The differences between arrangements allows you to select the legal document that is right for you and your situation. For many people, a living will offers everything they need to make their desires known as they near their life’s end.
According to Mayo Clinic, a living will can detail the exact steps you want taken if you are unable to dictate them yourself. You can specify whether or not you want to be resuscitated if your heart stops and how long you want to exist on a mechanical ventilator.
If you develop an infection or contract a disease, doctors may also need to use antival or antibiotic medications. While this may not be the cause of your incapacitation, you can still specify whether you want these to be used or you prefer to let your body to fight the germs without them. Another common treatment that you may be given is dialysis. If you do not want to continue living if you have lost function in your kidneys, you can specify this.
You may also wish to explain your wishes after your death. If you want to donate your body to science, you can specify this in your will. Other forms of tissue and organ donation can also be detailed for your loved ones to follow. This information is intended for your education and should not be taken as medical or legal advice.
