What is a Living Will / Advanced Directive?

A Living Will — sometimes called an Advance Directive — is a legal document that tells doctors and caregivers what kind of medical care you want if you're ever too sick or injured to speak for yourself.

It answers hard questions ahead of time like:

Do you want to be on life support?

Do you want CPR if your heart stops?

Would you prefer to pass peacefully, without aggressive medical intervention?

This isn't about giving up. It's about being in control, even during emergencies.

What Does a Living Will Cover?

Depending on your state and personal choices, a Living Will can include:

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Do you want doctors to restart your heart if it stops?

Ventilation: Would you want a breathing machine if you couldn’t breathe on your own?

Feeding Tubes & IV Fluids: Do you want artificial nutrition and hydration if you're unconscious or in a coma?

Comfort Care (Palliative Care): Would you rather be kept comfortable with pain medication, even if life-extending treatment is stopped?

Organ Donation Preferences

Religious or spiritual considerations

What Is a Medical Power of Attorney?

A Living Will often goes hand-in-hand with another document called a Medical Power of Attorney (or Healthcare Proxy). This names a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf — based on your wishes — if you're not able to.

This person can:

• Talk with doctors

• Approve or decline treatments

• Make decisions if your Living Will doesn’t cover a specific situation

Tip: Choose someone who understands your values, and who will stand up for your wishes even under stress.

Why Is This So Important?

Making these choices now:

~ Prevents your loved ones from guessing or arguing later

~ Ensures your dignity is respected

~ Helps medical teams act fast with clear direction

~ Brings you peace of mind, knowing it’s handled

Even if you're healthy today, an unexpected illness or injury can change things quickly. This document is a gift to yourself and those who love you.

How Do I Make One?

Good news: You don’t need a lawyer.

You can:

1. Download your state’s official Advance Directive form (we provide Florida’s!)

2. Fill it out at your own pace

3. Sign it in front of a witness or notary (depending on state law)

4. Give copies to:

~ Your doctor

~ Your medical POA (if you’ve named one)

~ A trusted family member

~ Keep one in your medical folder or wallet

Common Questions

Do I need to be sick to make one? No — in fact, it’s best to do this while you’re healthy, so your wishes are clear and thoughtful.

Can I change my mind? Yes. You can update or cancel your Living Will anytime.

What if I don’t have family? That’s okay. You can still name a friend, neighbor, or trusted community member as your healthcare proxy.

Click here to get your own.

Bottom Line:

Making a Living Will is one of the most loving, empowering things you can do — for yourself, and for the people who care about you. You're not just preparing for “what ifs.”

You're creating clarity, calm, and control for the future.

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