Blog

The Importance of Having a Living Will for Your College Aged Child

• April 11, 2024
Leer en Español

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A LIVING WILL FOR YOUR COLLEGE AGED CHILD

As young adults venture out into the world, pursuing education, careers, and new experiences away from home, it's essential for both parents and their children to consider the challenges life may present, and how a parent can be involved in crucial decisions for unforeseen events for their young adult child.

 One crucial aspect of responsible planning is the creation of a living will. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of having a living will for your young adult child when they are away from home.

Living Will (Advance Healthcare Directive):

A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment if they become unable to communicate or make decisions. For young adults navigating the uncertainties of life away from home, a living will provides a framework for their medical care, ensuring that their wishes are respected.

1. Empowering Autonomy: Creating a living will empowers young adults to express their healthcare preferences and values. By detailing their desires regarding medical interventions, end-of-life care, and organ donation, they retain control over their healthcare decisions even when they cannot communicate them directly. This autonomy is especially crucial for young adults navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems in a different location. 

2. Clarifying Medical Preferences: In times of medical emergencies or incapacitation, having a living will eliminates ambiguity for both healthcare providers and family members. It clarifies the young adult's preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, pain management, and other critical medical decisions. This clarity helps guide healthcare professionals in delivering care aligned with the individual's wishes. 

3. Reducing Family Burden: The absence of a living will can place a tremendous emotional burden on family members who may be tasked with making difficult medical decisions on behalf of their young adult child. A living will alleviates this burden by providing clear guidance, allowing family members to honor the individual's choices without the added stress of uncertainty. 

4. Ensuring Consistent Care: For young adults studying or working in different regions or countries, healthcare systems and practices may vary. A living will ensures that their healthcare preferences remain consistent, regardless of their location. This is particularly important in emergency situations where timely decisions need to be made, and having clear instructions streamlines the decision-making process.

Conclusion:

While no one likes to contemplate the unexpected, creating a living will is a responsible and compassionate way for young adults to plan for the uncertainties of life away from home. It not only empowers them to articulate their healthcare preferences but also provides peace of mind for both the young adult and their loved ones. Encouraging and assisting your young adult child in creating a living will is a proactive step towards ensuring that their wishes are respected, even when they are far from home.  It is important to consult with an Attorney such as Antonucci Law to help in properly protecting your family.