Written by Benjamin Kingsley
Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.
Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.
A living will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your preferences. Here is an explanation of a living will and how it relates to a medical power of attorney or advance directive for healthcare:
A living will allows you to specify the types of medical treatments you would or would not want to receive if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious with no reasonable chance of recovery. This can include instructions on whether you want to be kept alive on life support systems, receive artificial nutrition and hydration, or have other life-prolonging measures taken.
A medical power of attorney, also known as a healthcare proxy or healthcare agent, is a separate legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This person, known as your agent or proxy, has the authority to interpret your wishes as outlined in your living will and make decisions about your medical care based on your previously stated preferences.
An advance directive for healthcare combines both a living will and a medical power of attorney into a single document. It outlines your wishes for end-of-life care and also names a healthcare agent to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. The advance directive provides clear instructions to your healthcare providers and your appointed agent about your desired medical treatment in various scenarios.
Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.
Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.