Wants, Wishes, and Wills: A Medical and Legal Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family in Sickness and in Health

Description

Take Control of Your Medical Care, Your Estate Planning, and the Legacy You Leave   Includes checklists, examples, definitions, ideas, and a plain- English glossary of the terms you need to understand   “Whether you are single, married, old, young, parent, or child, this book will be useful. The authors’ combination of medical and legal expertise make this an exceptionally comprehensive guide for thinking through important health, end-of-life, and estate planning issues that we all face. It certainly helped me open a dialogue with my family and spurred me to take control of my own wants, wishes, and wills.” –Cynthia J. Smith, Lecturer, Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business and Department of Anthropology   “Over many years of helping patients and families deal with the end of their lives, I am always struck by how hard it is to face that inevitable event. Thinking straight when you can makes sense.Wants, Wishes, and Wills can help you do it now. Tomorrow is already here.” –Deborah Y. Kamin, PhD, Senior Director of Cancer Policy and Clinical Affairs,American Society of Clinical Oncology   “Wants, Wishes, and Wills is a ‘must read’ for anyone needing to access the U.S. health care system.” –Vickie Yates Brown, President-Elect (2007-2008), American Bar Association Health Law Section   “As you read the sound advice from Wynne Whitman and Dr. Shawn Glisson, think about your own life circumstances. Think about your family, friends–and yourself. Remember that thinking about its end may be the most eloquent way to celebrate your life.” –from the foreword by Dr. Joseph S. Bailes,M.D., Medical Oncologist, Co-Chair, Government Relations Council, American Society of Clinical Oncology   A terminal diagnosis...a life-threatening disease... recognition of one’s own mortality...or simply planning ahead. These all lead individuals to contemplate difficult end-of-life decisions. But when they do, they find themselves confused, desperately seeking guidance: about Living Wills, about health care proxies, about their own care, wishes, and affairs. Dr. Shawn D. Glisson and Wynne A.Whitman, Esq., help people face these issues every day– Glisson as a respected oncologist,Whitman as an experienced estate lawyer. Now, they’ve come together to give readers all the tools they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. The authors provide compassionate, up-to-date, plain-English guidance you need to decide for yourself and stay in control of your life. Understand your choices and take control of themKnow your options and make sure your decisions are respected Know the law–before it’s too lateUnderstand directives, health care proxies, Living Wills, and powers of attorney The authors answer questions such as: How can I make sure I get the best possible care to fight my disease? How do I prepare a Living Will that accurately expresses my views? Will alternative therapies help me? What should I know about hospice? What’s the best way to plan my estate and minimize my taxes? Above all, how do I make sure my wishes are followed? Foreword Introduction Section I    The Wants, Wishes, and Wills of Your Health and Medical Situation Chapter 1        Health and Medical Wants: Your Personal Health Care System  3 Chapter 2        Health and Medical Wishes: Providers, Facilities, and Programs 11 Chapter 3        Health and Medical Wills: Your Medical Conditions  33 Section II    The Wants, Wishes, and Wills of Your Personal Situation Chapter 4        Personal Wants: Doctors and Dialogue  43 Chapter 5        Personal Wishes: Screening and Counseling  51 Chapter 6        Personal Wills: Drugs, Diets, and Devices  63 Section III    The Wants, Wishes, and Wills of Your Medical-Legal Affairs Chapter 7        Medical-Legal Wants: Understanding Interventions  83 Chapter 8        Medical-Legal Wishes: Defining Capacity, Consciousness, and Contingencies  95 Chapter 9        Medical-Legal Wills: Directives, Definitions, and Discussions  111 Section IV    The Wants, Wishes, and Wills of Your Selfless Contributions Chapter 10      Selfless Contribution Wants: Donating Time, Tissue, and Treatment Data  137 Chapter 11      Selfless Contribution Wishes: Individual Purpose, Production, and Protection  145 Chapter 12      Selfless Contribution Wills: Donation Requirements, Responsibilities, and Rights  153 Section V    The Wants, Wishes, and Wills of Your Estate Planning Chapter 13      Estate Planning Wants: Purpose, Preparation, and Protection  161 Chapter 14      Estate Planning Wishes: Caring for Family, Friends, and Foundations  181 Chapter 15      Estate Planning Wills: Testaments, Trusts, and Other Tools  193 Section VI    The Wants, Wishes, and Wills of Your Legacy Chapter 16      Legacy Wants: Providing Ideas, Intentions, and Instructions  219 Chapter 17      Legacy Wishes: Assisting Family, Friends, and Future Generations to Remember  233 Chapter 18      Legacy Wills: Your Safety, Your Rights, and Your Records  241 Conclusion  255 Additional Resources 261 Glossary  265 Index  279