Legal and planning
Living will
A living will is a legal document that tells doctors how you want to be treated if you cannot make your own decisions about emergency treatment. You can say which treatments you want, which you want to avoid, and when each choice applies.
Why it matters for your family
The National Institute on Aging calls the living will one of the two most common advance directives. It works with a health care proxy, who can speak when the document does not fit a new situation. A living will cannot predict every event. A common mistake is to confuse it with a last will, which covers property after death. It is also not a medical order, so emergency staff may need a form such as POLST. Share copies with your doctor, proxy and family, and tell any home caregivers where it is. Review it each year. Requirements vary by state.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: What is Elder Law and Do You Need an Elder Care Attorney?
Related terms
- Advance directiveAn advance directive is a legal document that states your health care wishes in case you cannot decide for yourself.
- Healthcare proxyA healthcare proxy is a person you name to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself.
- Last will and testamentA last will and testament is a legal document that says who receives a person's property after death.
- Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)POLST is a portable medical order for seriously ill people.
- Do not resuscitate order (DNR)A do not resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical order that tells health care professionals not to perform CPR if a person's heart or breathing stops.
- Advance care planningAdvance care planning is the process of thinking about and sharing your wishes for future medical care.
