A living will lays out what type of medical interventions or treatments you wish or do not wish to undergo should you become physically unable to communicate your wishes due to illness, injury, or in end-of-life circumstances. Your living will can be as general or specific as you like. It may state that you do not want any life-prolonging measures applied should your condition be terminal or vegetative. A more specific document may outline what types of medical intervention you would allow or not allow, such as pain management, feeding tubes, ventilators, or resuscitation.

Other documents that can be used in connection with a living will include:

• Health Care Power of Attorney: Names another person to make medical decisions should you become incapacitated. This person is expected to understand what your wishes would be and make them accordingly.
• Durable Powers of Attorney: Gives someone else the authorization to handle your affairs should you become medically incapacitated, such as handling financial transactions and other personal matters.

For further assistance, please read this PDF file.