In general, a Living Will indicates whether you want certain treatments withheld or withdrawn if they are only prolonging the dying process or if there is no hope of recovery. As a general rule, Living Wills only go into effect if you're no longer able to make your own health care decisions. For example, if you suffer serious brain damage in a car accident or suffer an incapacitating stroke, you may be permanently unconscious and unable to communicate with your doctor. In this case, a Living Will lets your physician know your wishes concerning certain medical procedures. An Advance Health Care Directive combines the features of a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney along with some other options.
Some states have a specific advance directive form.
Choosing an Agent Choosing an Agent for your Advance Directive could be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Unless you state otherwise in your directive, your Agent generally has the same authority to make decisions about your health care as you would. Since this person will be acting on your behalf if you become unconscious or unable to make health care decisions, this should obviously be someone you know and trust thoroughly. And he or she should be someone who cares deeply about your welfare. People often choose their spouse or other close family member to be their Agent.