Living Wills

A living will is another tool that allows you to make health care decisions now for those times when you are unable to do so.

It is a document that gives instructions to your physician and other health care providers as to the circumstances under which you want life sustaining treatment provided, withheld, or withdrawn.

It is different from a durable power of attorney for health care because it does not cover anything besides your wishes for life sustaining treatment.

Like the durable power of attorney for health care, living wills should be created by an attorney to make sure your special needs are included. You should also consult with your physician, family, and religious advisor, telling them that you have created and signed a living will. You should also make sure someone knows where to find it. You can choose to amend or revoke a living will at anytime.