Living Will

An advanced decision, more commonly known as a living will is a document detailing your wishes if you are not able to express them. It helps family and friends make decisions about your health on your behalf, in accordance with your requests.

Home
/
Legacy
/
Living Will

Guide to setting up a living will

1

Why do I need an advance decision?

It allows you to be in control of your care even if you can not express it, removes ambiguity or stress from your loved ones.

2

The areas a living will covers

Treatment you do or do not want in the event of specific medical conditions such as brain disorders or terminal illness. What is covered in a living will

3

What will it not cover

You can not choose specific treatments or anything illegal such as euthanasia or removal of essential care.

4

How to complete one

Download a template, discuss with loved ones then complete the template, sign it in front of witnesses and make it easy to find for loved ones and also ambulance crew.

Living Will template

Fill in a template created by 'compassion in dying', ensure you discuss with loved ones and get it signed.

In this guide

Related articles

Jargon buster

Mental capacity

The ability for someone to make their own decisions.

Living will

the old term no longer legally binding for an Advanced Decision.

Advanced statement

This is a document that details your wishes if you are ill, it can be used in conjunction with a power of attorney so they know your values and preferences for care.

Advanced decision

Previously known as a living will, it is a legally binding document where you can express your wishes when you get seriously ill. This needs to be done when you have the mental capacity to do this. If you have been diagnosed with a serious illness or if you are advancing in age this may become very important.

Book reviews

The book about getting older by Dr Lucy Pollock

Links to the book review

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

Links to the book review

The End in Mind by Kathryn Mannix

Links to the book review

Tools & Resources

Templates for Living wills (advance decisions)

Advance Decision Pack by Paul Satori

Opens in a new window

Compassionate in dying living will template

You need to create an account so your wishes are saved

Opens in a new window

Opens in a new window

Opens in a new window

Opens in a new window

Accessing advanced decision options

Jewellery

So anyone can quickly access your advanced decision

Opens in a new window

Lions Message in a Bottle

Medics are trained to find this bottle in the fridge. 

Opens in a new window

Digital store

Opens in a new window

Power of attorney

Opens in a new window

Opens in a new window

Share this guide