Advance Directives are not really the kind of thing that the majority of us ever think that they will ever have to deal with. However, the reality is that, in the event that your health were to deteriorate significantly, it could save your loved ones a considerable amount of pain and emotional turmoil in the event that there are difficult decisions to be made. With this in mind, Laura Richardson considers the key points associated with the need for an Advance Directive in Colchester or anywhere else throughout Essex . . .

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An Advance Directive, also referred to as a Living Will, is a legally binding record of your wishes for healthcare treatment. It is only relevant in the event that you lack the capacity to make the necessary decisions for yourself due to the deterioration of your health. It can often be useful to have an Advance Directive alongside a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare, in order to assist your Attorney in making decisions on your behalf regarding your healthcare during the period of time that you are unable to make such decisions for yourself.

Arguably the most important advantage to making an Advance Directive is that it allows you to control the elements of your treatment when you are not in a position to be able to communicate these wishes. You can have the peace of mind that your wishes are legally binding and must be adhered to.

Of course, there are some limitations upon what can be included within your Advance Directive. Euthanasia, for example, is illegal in the UK and so could not be requested within your Advance Directive. Similarly you would not be able to refuse basic care to keep you comfortable.

However, your Advance Directive allows you to control the decisions regarding such life sustaining treatments as artificial nutrition, resuscitation and extended use of ventilation assistance. It is important to acknowledge that the removal of life sustaining treatments such as these is not euthanasia, but rather it would be hastening a death that is imminently anticipated.

Your Advance Directive in Colchester can also state that you do not wish to have treatments that you object to on a religious basis, such as a blood transfusion. Additionally, our Advance Directive in Colchester can be as detailed or as simple as you deem necessary, and need only include the elements of your treatment of which you hold strong views.

However, an Advance Directive in Colchester can also include minor details, which may seem trivial but are important to you. It is your way of ensuring that your wishes are legally binding and therefore adhered to by your social care and medical care teams.

As well as the advantages to yourself, now and in the future, your Advance Directive in Colchester will enable your family to be able to enact your wishes regarding your healthcare treatment, which will not only give them the peace of mind that they are fulfilling your requests, but also removes the often difficult decisions regarding end of life care. Removing these types of decisions from your loved ones, will go some way towards easing their stress and upset during what can be a very sad and uncertain time.

Whatever your wishes are for your future healthcare treatment, we at Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services will be happy to discuss your options for your Advance Directive. Therefore, if you would like any further information, please contact us today via www.andrewdouglaswills.co.uk to discuss your options in Colchester or anywhere else throughout Essex.

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