I just finalised a living will

[gjhdiver 0]

I suggest that you all do the same if you haven't already, unless you want the likes of Randall Terry attempting to rape your corpse, when you'd much rather be left in peace to go on your way.

[Jeth 0]

I have one.

"At 13,000 feet nothing else matters."
PFRX!!!!!
Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109
My Jump Site

[wmw999 2,149]

When you do, make sure that the people who will be called know about it, and can get to it.

I have a sign on my refrigerator saying where my living will is (upstairs in my house). And my boyfriend, son, brother, and ex-husband know what I want.

If it's with your will that someone will eventually think of days later it's not so good.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[PhreeZone 15]

Living Will and Power of Attornys are all signed, sealed and placed with family members that know exactly my wishes. I feel every one should do this. Expecially jumpers.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[Skolls081102 0]

Not that living wills aren't great and all....but I was watching TV the other night, and a legal analyst was saying to not getting a living will...she said insted to get an Advanced Directive. And also assign power of attorney to someone in case you end up in a situation where you can't make your own decisions.
For the record, I think its a great idea that you did it- just figured I'd let you know what I heard. (I have to go out and do my Advanced Directive anyway...)

The sole intention, is learning to fly.Condition grounded, but determined to try.Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies.Tongue tied and twisted, just an Earth bound misfit.

[vdschoor 0]

Ok, so we've been talking about this a lot at home, how specific do you get when you say "I want to go in peace" for example.

Personally, I do not want to live "like a vegetable" where I need all sorts of machines just to keep me alive...
How do you define "when I get like this, turn them off.. " cause sometimes there is hope, people have come out of comas after being on machines for years..

Any suggestions?

[PhreeZone 15]

Through Living Wills you can state specifically at what point you want them to stop. For example I know someone that does not even want CPR done and another that if they are unable to breathe on their own they do not want on a resperator if they are not consious.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[wmw999 2,149]

You have to find someone you can trust; tell them your general intent, and trust them to make the right decision. Often it isn't that cut-and-dried.

In the early days after a devastating injury, it might not be clear whethere there is a possibility of significant recovery. And, well, what you think is reasonable right now might change if you're aware enough to think about it.

You can't predict every possible situation.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Jeth 0]

Quote

Ok, so we've been talking about this a lot at home, how specific do you get when you say "I want to go in peace" for example.

Personally, I do not want to live "like a vegetable" where I need all sorts of machines just to keep me alive...
How do you define "when I get like this, turn them off.. " cause sometimes there is hope, people have come out of comas after being on machines for years..

Any suggestions?

You can spell it all out in your living will. I used Quicken Family Lawyer software to do mine. It is really easy to use, you just answer questions. And you can state exactly what your instructions are. Mine is very specific.

I had heard about an advanced directive, too. Anyone know whats the difference? I think I'll look it up.

"At 13,000 feet nothing else matters."
PFRX!!!!!
Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109
My Jump Site

[shropshire 0]

I understand that a living will doesn't have any statutory legal status in England, but there is a lot of debate at the moment, so things could change.
But it is generally recognised as a good idea to make one and ensure that all of your close relatives are aware of you beliefs and requirements.

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[wildblue 4]

http://www.uslivingwillregistry.com/

They say if you register with them (either direct or through a care provider) then your advanced directive will be available 24 hours a day to health care providers all over the US.

A number of good links on there, such as the American Bar Assoc. 'learn the basics of advanced directive' : http://www.abanet.org/aging/toolkit/home.html
Also a list of the state specific forms:
http://www.uslivingwillregistry.com/forms.shtm

it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality

[Jeth 0]

Ok, found it. A living will is a type of advanced directive. But apparently it only applies if you are terminally ill. There are other advanced directives like Power of Attorney and DNR. I did both a living will and a Power of Attorney. When I did it, the living will seemed to cover any scenario when I am incapacited and not expected to recover enough to speak for myself. (Not neccessarily just a terminal illness.)

"At 13,000 feet nothing else matters."
PFRX!!!!!
Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109
My Jump Site

[gjhdiver 0]

Quote

Ok, so we've been talking about this a lot at home, how specific do you get when you say "I want to go in peace" for example.

Personally, I do not want to live "like a vegetable" where I need all sorts of machines just to keep me alive...
How do you define "when I get like this, turn them off.. " cause sometimes there is hope, people have come out of comas after being on machines for years..

Any suggestions?

It's all in the directive. It covers comas, PVS, terminal illness or injury, or any other incapacity to direct my own care. Each one has specific instructions on what I want done, which all boil down to keeping me out of pain, and not doing anything heroic to keep me going after I really should have gone.

[pyke 0]

Did mine last year....feel a whole lot better about it too!

They're not just for the terminally ill...it's for anyone wanting to avoid the hassles of probate, legalities, etc. Basically - it signs your life over to someone you trust/love. When you can no longer function in your life...it becomes 'their' life. And if they know your wishes...it solves a WHOLE lot of problems!!

I highly recommend it....and I tell everyone I know to think about it!

Kahurangi e Mahearangi,
Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

[gjhdiver 0]

Quote

Not that living wills aren't great and all....but I was watching TV the other night, and a legal analyst was saying to not getting a living will...she said insted to get an Advanced Directive. And also assign power of attorney to someone in case you end up in a situation where you can't make your own decisions.
For the record, I think its a great idea that you did it- just figured I'd let you know what I heard. (I have to go out and do my Advanced Directive anyway...)

That's actually what I have. A power of attorney and an advanced health care directive. My first power of attorney goes to a person who is a licensed health care practitioner with critical care experience.

[demoss99 0]

One thing I harp on my clients is to make sure you make several copies of your adv. directive and have an original secured in a safe or safe deposit box etc... and then have a copy on file with your GP or specialist so that there is no question as to your wishes in such an event. Some clients have them on file with all of their health care providers.

"I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."

[elizfowler 0]

There is also an online, National Registry. This is where the documentation can be accessed by medical professionals, the family member, legal representative or other delegated individual(s) that you have protecting your desired actions.

What I didn't realize until looking at my previous and less detailed request is that not only do they ask for your wishes down to the smallest detail but under a variety of different circumstances. It also can change slightly as per a new state you move to.

Don't leave a single thing out! Be very, very, very detailed and have more than one individual that loves and respects you and your deepest wishes.

Remember to enjoy every day as if we wouldn't have to use such a document most of all!

[Remster 24]

So Gareth, are you fair game now? I mean, your life cant be really worth living with that personality of yours....

Remster

[gjhdiver 0]

Quote

So Gareth, are you fair game now? I mean, your life cant be really worth living with that personality of yours....

I also decreed that I am to be stuffed and mounted at the DZ as a reminder to you all of my transcendant qualities, and to how much I am beloved by all of you.

[wmw999 2,149]

Quote

I also decreed that I am to be stuffed and mounted at the DZ as a reminder to you all of my transcendant qualities, and to how much I am beloved by all of you.

Quoted before you notice the grammar and spelling and fix them

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Girlfalldown 0]

Quote

Quote

So Gareth, are you fair game now? I mean, your life cant be really worth living with that personality of yours....

I also decreed that I am to be stuffed and mounted at the DZ as a reminder to you all of my transcendant qualities, and to how much I am beloved by all of you.

Can't we just make your hide into a pillow and throw you on one of the couches?

--------------

(Do not, I repeat DO NOT, take my posts seriously.)

[dorbie 0]

Quote

You have to find someone you can trust; tell them your general intent, and trust them to make the right decision. Often it isn't that cut-and-dried.

You mean like tell your husband?

I think I foresee potential problems.

[wmw999 2,149]

Quote

You mean like tell your husband?

I think I foresee potential problems.

Well, it should be made clear to more than one person -- that way it's clear and consistent with what you've said all along.

But yes, if you're married you should trust your spouse. Why wouldn't you?

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[diablopilot 2]

Cool, so what am I getting when you shuffle off?

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[Deuce 1]

If this happens, kill me.