Names a Decision-Maker
You can identify the person you trust to speak with doctors and help make decisions if you cannot.
End-of-Life Preparation Guide
Advance Healthcare Directive / Living Will
An advance healthcare directive, sometimes called a living will, helps explain your medical care wishes if you are seriously ill, injured, or unable to speak for yourself.
This page is for general education and organization only. Healthcare directive rules vary by location,
so it is wise to speak with a qualified professional or your healthcare team before signing any document.
What this page helps you do
- Understand what an advance directive is
- Think through care preferences
- Choose a healthcare decision-maker
- Prepare questions for your doctor or attorney
- Preview or print a preparation worksheet
Plain-English Explanation
What is an Advance Healthcare Directive?
An advance healthcare directive is a planning document that helps communicate your healthcare wishes if you cannot speak for yourself. It may include instructions about medical treatment, comfort care, life-sustaining treatment, and the person you trust to help make healthcare decisions.
The phrase “living will” is often used to describe the part of the document that explains what kinds of medical care you would or would not want in certain serious situations. Depending on your state or location, the document may also name a healthcare proxy, healthcare agent, or medical power of attorney.
This type of planning can help your loved ones and medical team understand your wishes more clearly. It does not mean you are giving up care. It means you are giving guidance about the kind of care that matters to you.
Why It Matters
A healthcare directive can guide difficult decisions.
During a medical emergency or serious illness, family members may feel overwhelmed. Written healthcare wishes can reduce confusion and help the people you trust make decisions that match your values.
Explains Care Wishes
You can write down preferences about comfort, treatment, quality of life, and medical interventions.
Supports Your Family
Clear instructions may reduce uncertainty for loved ones during emotional and stressful moments.
Before You Complete a Form
Information to think through first
Preparing these thoughts ahead of time can make conversations with your family, healthcare team, attorney, or trusted advisor more meaningful.
Healthcare Decision-Maker
The person you trust to speak for you if you cannot make or communicate medical decisions.
Backup Decision-Maker
A second person who can help if your first choice is unavailable, unable, or unwilling to serve.
Care Preferences
Your thoughts about life support, comfort care, pain relief, hospital care, and quality of life.
Faith or Personal Values
Beliefs, traditions, or values that should be considered during serious medical decisions.
People to Notify
Family members, friends, clergy, caregivers, or professionals who should be contacted if needed.
Document Location
Where your signed directive will be kept and who should have copies in an emergency.
Helpful Conversation
Talk about your wishes before there is a crisis.
A healthcare directive is most helpful when the people involved know it exists and understand what matters to you. Consider talking with your chosen decision-maker, close family members, your doctor, and any trusted professional helping with your planning.
Printable Worksheet
Advance Healthcare Directive Preparation Notes
Use this worksheet to organize thoughts before speaking with your doctor, attorney, healthcare team, or trusted family members. It is not a legal or medical document.
Advance Healthcare Directive Preparation Notes
Use this worksheet to prepare for conversations about your healthcare wishes.
1. Basic Information
Full legal name:
Date:
State / location:
2. Healthcare Decision-Maker
First choice name:
Relationship:
Phone / contact:
Backup choice:
3. Care Preferences to Think About
- Comfort care and pain relief
- Life-sustaining treatment
- Hospital care or home care preferences
- Breathing machines or feeding tubes
- Quality of life concerns
- Faith, spiritual, or personal values
4. People Who Should Know About This Document
Healthcare decision-maker:
Backup decision-maker:
Doctor / clinic:
Family member or trusted person:
5. Questions to Ask a Doctor or Attorney
- What healthcare directive form is accepted in my state or location?
- Who should receive copies of the completed document?
- Can this be added to my medical record?
- How often should I review or update it?
- How is this different from a medical power of attorney?
6. Document Location
Where the signed document will be kept:
Who has a copy:
Date reviewed or updated:
Reminder: This worksheet is for organization only. It is not a legal or medical document.
Common Questions
Advance Healthcare Directive FAQ
Is an advance healthcare directive the same as a living will?
The terms are sometimes used together, but they may not mean exactly the same thing in every location. A living will often describes treatment wishes, while an advance directive may also name a healthcare decision-maker.
Who should I choose as my healthcare decision-maker?
Many people choose someone they trust, who understands their values, can communicate clearly with doctors, and can handle stressful decisions. It may also help to name a backup person.
Should my family know about this document?
Yes. A directive is more helpful when the right people know it exists, understand your wishes, and know where to find a signed copy.
Can I change my healthcare directive later?
In many situations, people can update their directive if their wishes, health, relationships, or location change. Ask a qualified professional how updates should be made where you live.