Living Will Can Take Profession into Consideration

A doctor who specializes in dementia recently wrote about a possible solution to the problem of when to stop practicing your profession, according to the Washington Post in “Reflections of a dementia specialist: I want to stop working before I embarrass myself.”

The idea is to create an occupational living will. This is a document that sets out certain signs requiring the affected doctor to take on fewer responsibilities and to eventually stop working completely. The document is tailored to his specific situation.  However, other people can do the same thing for themselves. The document is then shared with trusted colleagues and loved ones, who can inform the doctor when it is time to retire.

This occupational living will does not have legal effect.  However, it might still be a good idea for people in all professions who want to retire, before they tarnish their legacy by working past the time they are able.

An estate planning attorney could advise you in creating an estate plan that fits your unique circumstances and perhaps an occupational living will.

Reference: Washington Post (April 15, 2018) “Reflections of a dementia specialist: I want to stop working before I embarrass myself.”