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What is a Living Will?
In Manitoba, Living Wills are also called Health Care Directives. This is a legal document that sets out your wishes and instructions about medical treatments that you want for yourself if you are ever unable to give instructions to your doctor because you can’t speak or are mentally incapable. The Health Care Directive can also name a person that you want to make health care decisions for you if you can’t.
A Health Care Directive must be written, signed and dated. You must be at least 16 years old and able to understand the consequences of your decision in order to make a Health Care Directive.
Resources:
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Is there an example of a Health Care Directive that I can follow when writing out my wishes?
The Province of Manitoba has prepared a Health Care Directive form
It is a good idea to talk to your family doctor and discuss medical wishes that you may be considering for your Health Care Directive.
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Where should I keep my Health Care Directive?
You may want to give a copy to the proxy named in the health care directive and to your doctor for your medical records. It should be kept somewhere easily accessible in an emergency.