A Living Will and Understanding It

Irreversible Condition, "Artificial nutrition and hydration" means the provision of nutrients or fluids by a tube inserted in a vein, under the skin in the subcutaneous tissues, or in the stomach (gastrointestinal tract).

Irreversible condition means a condition, injury, or illness:

1. That may be treated, but is Never Cured or eliminated;

2. That leaves a person Unable to Care for Oneself, or make decisions

3. That, without life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with the Prevailing Standard of Medical Care, is fatal.

Many serious illnesses such as cancer, failure of major organs (kidney, heart, liver, or lung), and Serious Brain Disease such as Alzheimer's dementia may be considered irreversible early on.

There is no cure, but the patient may be kept alive for prolonged periods of time if the patient receives life-sustaining treatments. Late in the course of the same illness, the disease may be Considered Terminal when, even with treatment, the patient is expected to die. You may wish to consider which burdens of treatment you would be willing to accept in an effort to achieve a particular outcome. This is a very personal decision that you may wish to discuss with your physician, family, or other important persons in your life. "Understanding Living Will: Irreversible condition, Artificial nutrition and hydration.

Jeffrey Broobin is a free-lance writer on family and finance issues; his main goal is to help people during their complicated period of life. Website: http://www.legalhelpmate.com Email: jeffreyb@legalhelpmate.com