Learn more about preparing a living will. In a living will, you can say which common medical treatments or care you would want, which ones you would want to avoid, and under which conditions each of your choices applies. 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.The two most common advance directives for health care are the living will and the durable power of attorney for health care. Many people also choose to put their preferences in writing by completing legal documents called advance directives.Īdvance directives are legal documents that provide instructions for medical care and only go into effect if you cannot communicate your own wishes. Having meaningful conversations with your loved ones is the most important part of advance care planning. What is advance care planning?Īdvance care planning involves discussing and preparing for future decisions about your medical care if you become seriously ill or unable to communicate your wishes. It may also help your loved ones grieve more easily and feel less burden, guilt, and depression. Research shows that you are more likely to get the care you want if you have conversations about your future medical treatment and put a plan in place. In one study, people guessed nearly one out of three end-of-life decisions for their loved one incorrectly. You may assume your loved ones know what you would want, but that’s not always true.

How can you get started with advance care planning?ĭuring an emergency or at the end of life, you may face questions about their medical treatment and not be able answer them.Other advance care planning decisions and forms.Will an advance directive guarantee your wishes are followed?.What happens if you do not have an advance directive?.

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