What is a living will?

A living will is a specific legal document that clearly articulates an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their preferences. This type of advance directive typically addresses various medical interventions, such as life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation efforts, and the use of artificial nutrition and hydration.

The importance of a living will lies in its ability to inform healthcare providers and loved ones about the individual's desires concerning end-of-life care, ensuring that their personal values and choices are respected even when they are unable to voice them. This is particularly significant during critical medical situations where decisions must be made quickly.

Other options provided relate to different legal documents and concepts. For example, designating an executor pertains to a will concerning estate distribution upon someone’s death, while a healthcare services contract deals with financial agreements for care rather than personal treatment preferences. The power of attorney for financial decisions grants authority to manage someone else's financial matters, which is separate from medical decision-making. Thus, the living will stands out as a document focused explicitly on medical treatment preferences.