Ensures that a person receives the care they want

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 136 views

When it comes to making decisions about end-of-life medical care, it's essential to understand the different orders and directives that can be put in place. One of the most critical documents is a living will, which outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences. In this article, we'll explore the different options and determine which order is associated with a living will.

What is a Living Will?

A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a written document that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences. This document is typically created when a person is of sound mind and is able to make informed decisions about their own care. A living will can include instructions for life-sustaining treatments, such as CPR, ventilators, and feeding tubes, as well as other medical interventions.

Understanding the Options

Now that we've defined a living will, let's take a closer look at the options listed in the discussion category:

A. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a specific type of medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR or other life-sustaining treatments in the event of a cardiac arrest. While a DNR order is an important part of end-of-life care, it is not the same as a living will.

B. Advance Directive

An advance directive is a broad term that encompasses a living will, as well as other documents that outline a person's wishes for medical treatment. An advance directive can include instructions for life-sustaining treatments, as well as other medical interventions.

C. Against Medical Advice (AMA)

An Against Medical Advice (AMA) order is a type of medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to provide certain treatments or interventions, even if they are medically necessary. While an AMA order can be an important part of end-of-life care, it is not the same as a living will.

D. Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that grants someone the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person. While a POA can be an important part of end-of-life care, it is not the same as a living will.

Which Order is Associated with a Living Will?

Based on our discussion, it's clear that the correct answer is B. Advance Directive. A living will is a type of advance directive that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences.

Why is Understanding the Order Important?

Understanding the order of end-of-life medical decisions is crucial for several reasons:

Ensures that a person's wishes are respected: By creating a living will, a person can ensure that their wishes are respected, even if they become unable to communicate their preferences.
Reduces conflict: A living will can reduce conflict among family members and healthcare providers by providing clear instructions for medical treatment.
Ensures that a person receives the care they want: A living will can ensure that a person receives the care they want, rather than receiving treatments that they may not want.

Creating a Living Will

Creating a living will is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:

Choose a format: A living will can be created in a variety of formats, including a written document, a video, or an online platform.
Choose a template: Many organizations offer templates for living wills that can be used as a starting point.
Consult with a healthcare provider: It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the living will is complete and accurate.
Sign and date the document: Once the living will is complete, it should be signed and dated by the person creating it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a living will is a critical document that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences. By understanding the order of end-of-life medical decisions, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected, reduce conflict, and ensure that they receive the care they want. If you're considering creating a living will, it's essential to choose a format, choose a template, consult with a healthcare provider, and sign and date the document.

Additional Resources

For more information on living wills and end-of-life care, consider the following resources:

National Institute on Aging: The National Institute on Aging offers a wealth of information on living wills and end-of-life care.
American Bar Association: The American Bar Association offers a variety of resources on living wills and advance directives.
Hospice and Palliative Care Association: The Hospice and Palliative Care Association offers a wealth of information on end-of-life care and living wills.

A living will is a critical document that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about living wills.

Q: What is a living will?

A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a written document that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences.

Q: Why do I need a living will?

A living will is essential for several reasons:

Ensures that a person's wishes are respected: By creating a living will, a person can ensure that their wishes are respected, even if they become unable to communicate their preferences.
Reduces conflict: A living will can reduce conflict among family members and healthcare providers by providing clear instructions for medical treatment.
Ensures that a person receives the care they want: A living will can ensure that a person receives the care they want, rather than receiving treatments that they may not want.

Q: What should I include in my living will?

A living will should include the following information:

Instructions for life-sustaining treatments: This can include instructions for CPR, ventilators, and feeding tubes.
Instructions for other medical interventions: This can include instructions for pain management, antibiotics, and other treatments.
Designation of a healthcare proxy: This is the person who will make decisions on behalf of the person creating the living will.
Signature and date: The living will should be signed and dated by the person creating it.

Q: How do I create a living will?

Creating a living will is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:

Choose a format: A living will can be created in a variety of formats, including a written document, a video, or an online platform.
Choose a template: Many organizations offer templates for living wills that can be used as a starting point.
Consult with a healthcare provider: It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the living will is complete and accurate.
Sign and date the document: Once the living will is complete, it should be signed and dated by the person creating it.

Q: Can I change my living will?

Yes, you can change your living will at any time. However, it's essential to update your living will to reflect any changes in your wishes or circumstances.

Q: Do I need to have a lawyer to create a living will?

No, you don't need to have a lawyer to create a living will. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the living will is complete and accurate.

Q: Is a living will the same as a power of attorney?

No, a living will and a power of attorney are not the same. A living will outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment, while a power of attorney grants someone the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person.

Q: Can I create a living will if I have a terminal illness?

Yes, you can create a living will if you have a terminal illness. In fact, creating a living will can be an important part of end-of-life care.

Q: Can I create a living will if I'm under 18?

No, you cannot create a living will if you're under 18. However, you can create a living will if you're 18 or older.

Q: Can I create a living will if I'm incapacitated?

No, you cannot create a living will if you're incapacitated. However, you can create a living will if you're of sound mind and are able to make informed decisions about your own care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a living will is a critical document that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences. By understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected, reduce conflict, and ensure that they receive the care they want. If you're considering creating a living will, it's essential to choose a format, choose a template, consult with a healthcare provider, and sign and date the document.

Additional Resources

For more information on living wills and end-of-life care, consider the following resources:

National Institute on Aging: The National Institute on Aging offers a wealth of information on living wills and end-of-life care.
American Bar Association: The American Bar Association offers a variety of resources on living wills and advance directives.
Hospice and Palliative Care Association: The Hospice and Palliative Care Association offers a wealth of information on end-of-life care and living wills.

By understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected, reduce conflict, and ensure that they receive the care they want.