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

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 them Know your options and make sure your decisions are respected Know the law-before it's too late Understand 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