Creating a Living Will

Put your preferences for life-sustaining treatment into writing and make sure the right people can find them.

A Living Will records your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate and certain health conditions apply. It can help your loved ones and care team make decisions that reflect your wishes.

A Living Will is one type of Advance Directive. The legal form and signing rules vary by location, so use an approved local form or qualified legal guidance. Your care team can help explain medical choices, but this page is not medical or legal advice.

Think About What Matters to You

Consider what quality of life means to you, which abilities or relationships matter most, what outcomes you would find unacceptable, and whether your beliefs shape treatment decisions.

Topics the Form May Cover+

CPR and breathing support.
Artificial nutrition and hydration.
Dialysis or other life-sustaining treatments.
Comfort-focused care and pain relief.
Organ or tissue donation.
The conditions under which your instructions apply.

Questions to Ask+

When does this document take effect?
How specific should my instructions be?
Can I change or revoke it later?
Who decides whether the stated conditions have been met?
Where should copies be stored?

Make It Usable+

Discuss your choices with your Health Care Proxy, loved ones, and clinicians. Give copies to the people and health systems that may need them, and keep an accessible copy with your important records.

Review the document when your health, relationships, beliefs, or location change.