What should be included in a living will?

A living will is a legal document that outlines a person's preferences regarding medical treatment in the event that they become unable to communicate their wishes due to incapacitation. It specifically addresses the types of medical interventions that an individual may or may not want, such as life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation efforts, and palliative care options.

Including medical treatment wishes in a living will ensures that healthcare providers and family members are aware of and can respect the individual's desires during critical situations where they cannot convey their preferences. This aspect is crucial for ensuring the patient’s autonomy and maximizing their comfort according to their values and beliefs.

While preferences for organ donation, insurance policy details, and final arrangements for a funeral are important considerations, they are typically addressed in separate documents or discussions. A living will specifically focuses on healthcare decisions during medical emergencies, making medical treatment wishes the primary element of this type of document.