“In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin
This quote is certainly a frank assessment of life from Benjamin Franklin, but one that highlights the need to plan for all stages of life, including the end. The combination of a litigious society and an increasingly complex health care system can make it difficult for your wishes to be met if you are seriously ill, unless you have documented them in advance.
Enter Five Wishes. Five Wishes is an easy to use legal document written in everyday language. It enables adults of all ages to plan how they want to be cared for in case they become seriously ill. It is America’s most popular living will with more than 15 million copies in circulation. Five Wishes is recognized as a legal document in 42 states, including all of the New England states.
None of us can know or anticipate when, or if, we will become seriously ill or incapacitated. That is why planning is so important. Using Five Wishes to articulate how you want to be cared for, should the worst happen at any age, will instruct healthcare providers and guide your family. Five Wishes will also relieve loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions about your care without clearly knowing your wishes. Your advance preparation will prevent angst, regret and trouble among friends, family and loved ones.
To obtain a copy of the Five Wishes document, visit: http://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php
