How to Write a Living Will

Preparing a living will is a smart decision that gives you a say in how you want to be treated at the end of your life. Here is what you should know, along with some resources to help you write one.

What to Prepare

To adequately explain your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment you need two legal documents: A “living will” which outlines the kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney” (or health care proxy) which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to.

In some states, these two documents are known as an “advance directive” and will only be utilized if you are too ill to make medical decisions for yourself. You can also amend it at any time in the future.

It is not necessary to hire a lawyer to prepare an advance directive. Each state has its own laws relating to signing and witness requirements, and some states have standard forms that you may use. In addition, there are several free or low-cost “do-it-yourself” resources available to help you create one, and it takes only a few minutes from start to finish. These resources are offered by various companies and not-for-profit agencies.

You should search online to find assistance using key search terms such as “make a living will” or other variations. You will want to look for well-established organizations and review the services they provide and any associated fees. For ease of access, consider using a company that will electronically create and store your living will. If you are a veteran, the VA also provides a free advance directive form specifically at VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-0137.

Add-ons

You should also consider executing a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) as part of your health care planning. A DNR may protect you from unwanted emergency care like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). To create a DNR, your doctor must fill out a state-approved form and you both will need to sign it.

Another tool that will complement your advance directive is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) or the Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST). A POLST or MOLST translates your end-of-life wishes into medical orders that must be honored by your doctors. These are prepared by your medical provider and address concerns relating to specific conditions. To learn more about these documents and to see if they are appropriate for you, consult with your medical provider.

Inform Your Family

To ensure your final wishes are followed, make sure to inform your family members, health care proxy and doctors of your preferences. You should also provide each of them with a copy of your advance directive or, if you create a digital version, make sure you share it electronically.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.