Advance Directives are documents that communicate your health care wishes if you cannot speak for yourself. They may include a Living Will and a Health Care Proxy, Medical Power of Attorney, or similar appointment of a decision-maker.
Names, forms, witnesses, notarization, and other rules vary by location. Use official local forms or qualified guidance. This page is preparation, not medical or legal advice.
Choose a Decision-Maker
Choose someone who understands your values, can stay calm under pressure, will ask questions, and is willing to follow your wishes even when others disagree. Name a backup when the form allows it.
Talk Before You Sign
Discuss what quality of life means to you, treatments you would or would not want, what comfort-focused care means to you, and how much flexibility your decision-maker should have.
Complete the Documents
- Confirm which forms your location recognizes.
- Follow witness and notarization requirements exactly.
- Use your full legal name consistently.
- Ask questions about any section you do not understand.
- Confirm how to update or revoke the documents later.
Share and Store Copies
Give copies to your decision-maker, backup, clinicians, and hospital system. Keep a copy where trusted people can reach it, not only in a locked or unknown location. Add the documents to your patient portal when possible.
Review the Plan
Revisit your Advance Directives after a new , major treatment change, hospitalization, relationship change, move, or shift in what matters to you.