Types of Living Wills
Living wills are in place so that people can state their wishes in the event that you become terminally ill or in a comatose or vegetative state. Some people choose to have their life prolonged and others do not. Normally, the living wills are used only in the event that you are unable to make your own decisions because of a brain injury, a stroke, or something of that nature.
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Standard Living Will
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Most states enforce some laws about living wills and a person's ability to make their own choices about any future medical care well in advance of actual time it may occur. In the event that a person has a living will and they become unable to express their wishes for their medical care, the living will would then be executed and fulfilled.
Living Will Directive to Physicians
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A living will directive to physicians is another type of living will. This type basically allows a physician to use his best judgment about how your medical care will be handled in the event that death is imminent or you are unable to represent yourself. Two physicians must agree on the extent of your condition.
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Living Will With Designation of Surrogate
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If you can no longer make decisions about your own medical care because you are too ill, have been in an accident, or have dementia, a living will with designation of surrogate allows someone that you trust to make decisions on your behalf.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
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A durable power of attorney for health care is very similar to the living will with designation of surrogate except the decisions regarding your medical care are generally left to your attorney.
DNR
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A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) is an order that be added to your living will or even if you are able to do so while in the hospital. This simply states that there will be no life-prolonging treatment in the event that death is near.
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