A Personal Care Profile and a Living Will are similar in that they both describe personal preferences when it comes to certain health care decisions. However, there are characteristics of a Living Will that distinguish it from a Personal Care Profile:
When properly executed, a Living Will is a legally binding document. Generally, health care providers are required to follow the instructions in this document.
A Living Will contains specific directions regarding medical treatments (e.g. you can specify whether or not you want life support if you ever fall into a coma). These directions exist for situations in which you are unable to communicate your wishes.
LawDepot's Living Will can be combined with a Medical Power of Attorney, which allows you to name someone to make your health care decisions. Your representative can only act on your behalf once a doctor determines you are incapable of making decisions for yourself.
In contrast, a Personal Care Profile:
Is not legally binding or enforceable
Specifies personal details (e.g. personality traits, dietary restrictions, physical limitations, etc.) that are meant to be used as guidelines for your caregiver as they help you manage the tasks of daily life
Cannot be used to grant someone legal authority to make health care decisions on your behalf
While a Personal Care Profile and a Living Will are two distinct documents, together they can address your personal preferences when it comes to health care decisions in several different situations (e.g. where you're dependent on a caregiver or are incapacitated). As such, these two documents are important to consider when thinking about your future and creating your Estate Plan.