What should a living will state?

A living will is a legal document that expresses an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate these preferences themselves due to incapacitation. The primary purpose of a living will is to provide guidance to healthcare providers and family members about what life-sustaining measures should be taken if the individual can no longer provide informed consent. This can include decisions about resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, or other medical interventions in critical situations.

By stating specific wishes about life-sustaining measures in the living will, the individual aims to ensure that their preferences are respected and that they receive the kind of medical care they desire in accordance with their values and beliefs. This document is particularly important in scenarios where decisions need to be made quickly, and there is no opportunity for the individual to express their wishes verbally.

Other options do touch on important aspects of estate and healthcare planning, but they don't accurately reflect the primary function of a living will. These elements are more relevant to different types of documents: financial measures relate to power of attorney, property distribution pertains to a will or trust, and preferences for healthcare during routine illnesses are generally discussed in advance healthcare directives rather than a living will.