A Living Will (Advance Directive) is a legal document that records how you want to be treated if you can't speak for yourself - from life-support decisions to pain management and organ donation. It complements your healthcare power of attorney by giving doctors and family members unambiguous instructions about your medical care preferences.
When paired with a Healthcare Power of Attorney, a living will lifts the burden from loved ones during difficult times and ensures your medical wishes are followed exactly as you intended, protecting both your dignity and peace of mind.
The best time to create a living will is now, while you're healthy and can make informed decisions about your medical care preferences.
Here are the most common situations where having a living will is essential.
When facing surgery or medical procedures where complications could leave you unable to communicate your medical care preferences to doctors and family.
When diagnosed with conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or other progressive diseases that may affect your ability to make medical decisions.
As you age, documenting your end-of-life care preferences ensures your values and wishes guide medical decisions when you cannot advocate for yourself.
When you want to relieve your family from the burden of making difficult medical decisions by clearly documenting your preferences in advance.
Don't leave things up to chance. Create your living will while you still can.