A University of Michigan study found that those with advance directives like living wills were more likely to enjoy higher quality end-of-life care, and that the cost of care averaged 14 percent less than those without advance directives.
Researchers found that a patient’s advance medical directives were a powerful tool in allowing families to control end-of-life care and its costs. Those with living wills experienced quality improvements, including less aggressive treatment when death is near, hospice care and the ability to be at home. Patients with living wills were found to be much less likely to die in the hospital.
Advance directives like a living will provide your instructions to healthcare providers if you become terminally ill or are in a persistent vegetative state. These instructions may include your desire either to refuse life support or to use all available methods to prolong your life. Whatever your wishes may be, it is important to create advance directives and inform your family and caregivers about the type of care you want to receive if you are unable to make those decisions for yourself.
Our experienced and trusted estate planning attorneys have been serving Treasure Coast families for decades, and Michael Fowler is one of only four Treasure Coast attorneys who is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Elder Law. Contact us for your initial consultation at one of our conveniently located offices in Fort Pierce, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, and Okeechobee.
