Beyond the Living Will: Making Advance Directives More Useful

Abstract

Various forms of Advance Directives (Living Wills; Durable Powers of Attorney) are available that allow individuals to leave instructions about the conditions under which they would and would not want to be allowed to die. These Directives are often worded too vaguely to be helpful. A series of specific questions is described giving more precision to Advance Directives. All competent adults should consider and answer these questions; attending to this matter while one is able may prevent future suffering for both oneself and one's loved ones.