What is a living will?

A living will is defined as a document that provides explicit instructions regarding healthcare decisions in the event that an individual becomes unable to communicate their wishes due to a medical condition. This document typically outlines the types of medical treatment and life-sustaining measures a person does or does not wish to receive, particularly in end-of-life situations or during serious health crises.

The focus of a living will is on healthcare preferences rather than financial decisions, making it distinct from other legal documents like powers of attorney for finance. Additionally, while a living will is indeed a form of end-of-life planning, the key aspect that defines it is its role in guiding healthcare choices, hence addressing the specific situation of medical treatment rather than the broader context of all end-of-life planning options. A directive for hospital admissions does not encompass the full scope of a living will, and it typically relates more to how and under what circumstances a person is admitted to a facility, rather than the healthcare decisions made during treatment.