A living will is a legal document that lets a person who may become unable to participate in decisions about their medical care express their wishes about life-sustaining treatment in advance. It guides the medical team and allows the patient to set limits on what is done to them in certain situations. It is possible to personalise your living will by including specific statements about the use of medical treatments that may apply to your condition e.g. cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mechanical breathing and surgery.
As a living will is a legal document, it has to be prepared with the help of a lawyer. As your health condition changes, it is important to revisit the decisions that are listed in the living will and be sure that they reflect your current wishes.
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