There are two common types of Advance Directives. Once is called a "Living Will." The other is called a "Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care."
In a Living Will, you say what health care you want, or do not want, in the event you have a medical emergency and are either mentally or physically not able to speak for yourself. This is called a Living Will because it takes effect while you are still living.
It is important for you to show your Living Will to your doctor to be sure that your instructions are understood and can be followed. Give your doctor a copy of your Living Will to put in your medical file. Also, let a family member or a close friend know that you have a Living Will and where they can find it if needed.
In a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, you pick another person to make decisions about your medical care. That person will make medical decisions for you when you are either mentally or physically not able to speak for yourself.
This other person is called your "agent." Your agent can be a family member, other relative, close friend, or another trusted person such as your lawyer. If you prepare a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, you may want to name two people as your agents. The first person would be your primary agent. The second person would be your alternate agent. The second person would make medical decisions for you only if the first person cannot be reached at the time you have a medical emergency.
Make sure your agents understand what care you do or do not want in a medical emergency and that they are willing to follow your wishes. If you want to, you can put directions for your care in a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, just as you would in a Living Will.