Living Will Registries -- Worthwhile Eldercare Services

Photo by Patrick W. Moore

My mother, who lives in Washington State, recently updated her estate planning documents including her will, her financial and healthcare powers of attorney, and her advance medical directive.  As a part of the package of documents, her attorney included information on the Washington State Living Will Registry.

I’d never heard of a Living Will Registry, but based on what I’ve learned it’s a great idea and a great service that Washington State provides to it’s citizens -- elderly and otherwise.  The Registry provides a central repository for citizens to deposit copies of their advance medical directive and healthcare power of attorney and it also stores information about emergency points of contact.  When you deposit your healthcare documents with the Registry, you receive a wallet card and stickers to affix to your driver’s license and insurance card.  Medical facilities throughout Washington State will look for that wallet card and stickers if they provide you with emergency treatment, and your doctors will be able to retrieve your emergency contact information and your guidance concerning treatment from the Registry.

If you’re the victim of a medical emergency, your emergency contact information and your wishes for care will be available to the doctors treating you.  Your loved ones can be notified quickly about the emergency and your doctors can begin treatment in accordance with your wishes.  Your doctors will not have to ask your loved ones if you have an advance medical directive, and your loved ones will not have to search for a copy to bring to the hospital if you do have one.  Your doctors will always have your most up-to-date guidance concerning care.

So far there are living will registries in three states -- Washington, Vermont, and Nevada.  The US Living Will Registry also provides services through a number of healthcare networks in other states, and you can always just register as an individual with the US Living Will Registry for only $125 for a lifetime membership.  Whether you take advantage of this service through your state, through your healthcare network, or as an individual, the Registry provides a vital service to ensure that you receive healthcare according to your wishes.