A Living Will makes your preferences for certain end-of-life decisions known. Say, for example, you feel strongly about not wanting to be connected to life support if you are in a coma, but that you are ok with a feeding tube.
There are no right or wrong answers to decisions like these. What’s most important is that this document lets your loved ones know what you want, so that they can make sure your wishes are followed.
A Living Will is NOT the same as a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) Order!
What if you are severely hurt in a car crash? EMTs will do whatever they can to save you and keep you alive — even if your Living Will says you don’t want life support.
A DNR means what it says: that you do not want to be resuscitated. Doctors will do whatever they can to make you well again, regardless of what your Living Will says. The Living Will only comes into effect if you are not going to recover.
A Living Will is effective as soon as you sign it, unlike a Last Will and Testament. You can change your Living Will at any time (as long as you are competent to do so).
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