New Article On Living Wills And President Obama

One of my clients has written a great article on the importance of having a living will, and why President and Michelle Obama have one. You should, too.

Good stuff.



Living Will: Why President Obama Recommends That Every American One

There are many articles circulating around the country about changes to “end of life” health care reform and whether anyone will have a choice in deciding their fate. Most of the comments are misinformation. Living Wills (Advance Directives) are still the preferred documentation to address your wishes. President Obama announced the completion of his Living Will while addressing AARP. It was not to change any area of health care but to show responsibility for this very important step with his, and our, personal journeys along the health care path. The bottom line is responsibility!

Our President with all the pressures of the United States, and the world baring down on him each and every day, took the time to look at his responsibility to his wife, children and family to make sure his choices for “end of life” care will not be a burden on them. Instead, he has documented his choices for them to follow with a Living Will. His “health care representative” will have a guided plan to follow, as well as physicians, hospital, and his family. Obama addressed AARP and stated,

“The problem right now is that most of us don’t give direction to our family members, so when we get really badly sick … the [doctors] are making decisions in consultation with your kids or your grandkids and nobody knows what you would have preferred.” Both he and his wife, Michelle, had already made living wills, Obama added.

Obama is much more closely followed by White House scrutiny for his health care needs and this would play a role with his care. Most of us will never have to be under that scrutiny and therefore rely only on our well-thought-out plans and choices. Our responsibility is no different from that of President Obama’s. We should not put our families in a position of guessing what should be done in an “end of life” crisis. Emotions, fear and lack of medical knowledge for those not having a Living Will to follow can change someone’s outcome leading to prolonged suffering and financial burdens.

Take on the responsibility to understand what the content of a Living Will (Advance Directive) is saying and make your decisions based on discussions with family, close friends or an attorney. None of us will escape the inevitable of not passing from this earth. While having a sound mind and good health, start those discussions and make a goal of completing your choices for your spouse, children and family. It is your Responsibility.

Now that you have completed your Living Will what do you do with it? President Obama probably has a very secure place for his. He also has many staff that can access it when and whereever he needs it. How about you? Most people store their important documents in a file or in a drawer where no one has access to it in an emergency situation. Does your “health care representative” know that location? When you travel can you or your “health care representative access your Living Will?

The only way to have easy access to your living will is to carry it with you everywhere you go! What a hassle! The best way is to store your important health care documents as an online “electronic file” that can be accessed 24/7. There are a few firms out there that can help accomplish this. I recommend www.advancedirectivellc.com.

You should electronically file your Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney, Durable Power of Attorney, copies of your health insurance card, and even your driver’s license. This allows you or who ever is taking care of your medical health, estate or health insurance to have access to important information that will be required to make important decisions for you. I recently took care of my uncle who lived in San Diego, CA from Medford, OR using the online electronic file and giving access to the hospital, doctors and medical insurance company to provide information that was required to complete his care.

The reason President Obama recommends every American to have a Living Will is RESPONSIBILITY. Your Responsibility!

Gregory L. Gilbert, MSA
Advance Directive LLC