Definition

Noun: A legal document in which a person, while still of sound mind and capable, states their wishes regarding the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining medical treatment in the event they later become terminally ill or permanently unconscious and unable to communicate their decisions.

Usage

A "living will" is an advance healthcare directive. It is used to guide medical professionals and family members about the type of care a person desires if they are no longer able to express their wishes. It specifically addresses end-of-life care.

Examples

• After her father's stroke left him in a persistent vegetative state, the family followed the instructions in his living will.
• Many people create a living will alongside appointing a healthcare proxy.
• The lawyer advised her client to review and update his living will every few years.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a living will": To possess such a documented directive.
  • It is a relief to know that my grandfather has a living will.
• "To draw up/create a living will": To formally prepare and execute the document.
  • They decided to draw up living wills after attending an estate planning seminar.

Variants and Related Words

• Advance directive (n): A broader term that can encompass a living will, a healthcare power of attorney, and other instructions for future medical care.
• Healthcare directive (n): Another general term for documents outlining wishes for medical treatment.
• DNR order (Do Not Resuscitate order) (n): A specific medical order, often separate from a living will, instructing healthcare providers not to perform CPR.

Synonyms

• Advance healthcare directive
• Instruction directive (in some legal contexts)

Related Phrases

• "To be spelled out in a living will": To be clearly detailed within the document.
  • His wish to avoid mechanical ventilation was spelled out in his living will.

Noun

1. a document written by someone still legally capable requesting that he should be allowed to die if subsequently severely disabled or suffering terminal illness
   • after he discovered he had AIDS he drew up a living will