Control your quality of life at all times
However much you love life now, would you want to be kept alive by machines if you were unconscious and had no prospect of recovering? You control your life now but if you were to have an accident or suddenly be taken ill, decisions relating to your welfare and what's best for you will mainly be taken by strangers who don't know you and your views on life.
This is a sobering thought and one which most people hate, yet the truth is that very few people actively do anything about it.
Until recently, the law was vague and understandably people were reluctant to waste money on something that might not be effective.
More recently, however, there have been two important developments:
1. The development and recognition of 'living wills'
2. The Welfare Power of Attorney
A living will is a document which allows you to speak for yourself after your ability to actually communicate has gone. You can use it to refuse most types of medical care in certain situations which you provide for in the document. Like any type of will you can revoke it or change it at any time whilst you are still mentally able to do so and therefore you can change your mind if circumstances change.
A Welfare Power of Attorney is a new document which only came into effect on 2nd April 2007. Under this document you can give someone you trust the power to make your welfare decisions for you if you are no longer able to make those decisions yourself. This means the person or people you chose will be responsible for all those big and little decisions you would normally make about your comfort and surroundings for example.
While none of us like to think about future bad health, a lot of us have very strong opinions about what they would or would not like to happen and a combination of a living will and a welfare power of attorney can make these a reality. Don't leave your lifestyle in the hands of a stranger - do something about it today.
If you want to discuss these or any related matters contact Heptonstalls LLP Solicitors on 0800 9178267 and speak to Claire Green, Jeff Leighton or Sarah Spencer.