An advance directive is a legal document that specifies what actions should be taken for a persons health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. It is also known as a living will, personal directive, medical directive, or advance decision. Advance directives are important because they allow individuals to communicate their treatment preferences in end-of-life situations when they cannot speak for themselves. There are two common types of advance directives for healthcare: the living will and the durable power of attorney for healthcare.

• Living Will: This document tells healthcare providers which treatments an individual wants if their life is threatened, including dialysis and breathing machines, resuscitation, tube feeding, and organ or tissue donation after they die.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document names a persons healthcare proxy, someone they trust to make healthcare decisions for them if they are unable to do so.

Advance directives are legally recognized documents that provide instructions for medical care and only go into effect if the individual cannot communicate their own wishes. They are not legally binding, but healthcare providers and proxies will do their best to respect the individuals advance directives. Advance directives can be obtained from healthcare providers, attorneys, local Area Agencies on Aging, and state health departments.