The Living Will

The Living Will is a written document in which you state your wishes and instructions for health care. It includes specific advance directions regarding life-prolonging treatments and the instances in which you would or would not wish to have such treatments carried out.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

(Also known as "Proxy Directive") The Durable Power of Attorney is a written document which appoints another person, usually a close relative, to make health care decisions for you, in the event of your suffering a disability. It will set forth your wishes and will govern your appointee to act according to your wishes and in your best interests. The Durable Power of Attorney offers another method by which you are assured that your wishes are carried out. The individual whom you appoint should be one who knows your wishes, wants and needs and will be able to speak for you and on your behalf should the need arise. This individual can be your spouse, an adult child, or other family member or a close friend. Your physician may not be appointed to act on your behalf in these matters. It is also advisable to appoint an alternate in the event that your original named proxy cannot serve in that capacity.