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by: LarryD.Johnson
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A Living will is a written, legal document that spells out the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you do and don't want, such as mechanical breathing (respiration and ventilation), tube feeding, resuscitation. In some states the living will may be known by a different name, such as health care declaration or health care directive.

Living wills and other advance directives aren't just for the elderly. Unexpected medical conditions and end-of-life situations can happen at any age. Even still many Americans do not have a living will or a medical power of attorney to ensure their wishes are adhered to. If you don't have a living will, get one. Then register with a Living Will Registry.

A Living Will Registry allows you to store your living will documents in a secure, online database. Only authorized health care providers may access and view your documents in the registry. Access is given 24-hours a day 365 days a week. The registry also stores your emergency contact information so that family and next of kin can be contacted. In most cases participants are contacted annually to update any advance directives.

The biggest advantage of making a living will is that it allows you to voice out your preferences on the subject of life support measures and other medical treatment options. Even though your family and friends may not hold the same philosophy about the matter, the creation of such a legal document gives you an opportunity to confer with them and explain your choices.

Since these documents are supposed to be legally binding, make sure that everything is put in writing. Every state has its own set of policies regarding this matter. The law in one state, concerning living wills, may not be consistent with that of another state.

You can write these documents in a number of ways. First is by using a form that supplied by your physician. Aside from that, you also have the option to ask for the appropriate form from the health care department of your state, or your health care provider. You can go the traditional route and hire an attorney to draw up the forms for you. Of course you don't need to pay attorney for these documents. In our resource box we provide a link where you can get do-it-yourself state specific documents that you can personalize yourself.

Once you have completed the proper forms, hand copies of the living will to your immediate family members, friends, and family doctor. If you have appointed your own health care surrogate, don't forget furnish him or her with a copy as well. On no account should living wills be stashed in a safe deposit box. Doing so will only make it harder for your loved ones to get hold of the document when the need arises.

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