It's important to think about your wishes concerning medical care and to put them in writing in the event that you become too ill to communicate. Having such instructions, called advance directives, will comfort you and save your family members from having to make difficult decisions without knowing what you want. It is important to put your wishes in writing and make sure family members know where you keep important documents, such as wills and advance directives.

Keep in mind that, since advance directives are legal documents, you must write them while you are still mentally competent, so it is important to plan ahead.

Let a family member or close friend know where you keep important papers, such as financial statements, advanced directives, and your will.

Although laws vary from state to state, there are basically two types of advance directives:

Health Care Proxies

A health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint an agent to make medical decisions for you when you are unable to do so. You can select anyone you trust, such as a friend or family member. Generally, your agent may make health care decisions whenever you cannot speak for yourself.

Living Wills 

A living will is a legal document that allows you to state your wishes about which medical treatments you do and don't want in the event that you are unable to communicate for yourself at the end of life. Typically, living wills direct health care personnel whether or not to prolong life if the patient is suffering from an incurable or irreversible condition. For example, your living will can have a "Do Not Resuscitate" order, which means that you will not be revived if your heartbeat and breathing stop. It can also state whether you want your organs donated.

Be sure your advance directives comply with laws of the state in which you live and that your doctors, lawyers, and other trusted persons have copies. Health personnel can follow the directions of the living will only if they have a copy of it. To obtain forms that are valid in your state, contact the state ombudsman program or a hospital or medical society in the area (see Additional Resources).