Decide what medical treatments you do or do not want if you cannot speak for yourself
Review your state or country’s legal requirements for a living will
Use the official living will form if one is available in your area
Write your full legal name and identifying information on the form
State your treatment preferences clearly
Include choices about life support, resuscitation, feeding tubes, hydration, and pain relief
Name a healthcare proxy or medical decision-maker if your form allows it
Choose an alternate decision-maker if possible
Sign and date the document according to local legal rules
Have witnesses sign if required
Get the document notarized if required
Make copies for your doctor, healthcare proxy, family members, and attorney if applicable
Keep the original in an accessible but safe place
Share your wishes with your healthcare proxy and close family
Give a copy to your primary care doctor and ask for it to be added to your medical record
Review and update the living will after major life changes or changes in your wishes
Replace old copies after making updates