Once you begin planning for your health care arrangements in the event you become incapacitated, you will find that there are nuances to dealing with this unpleasant possibility. Some terms you will hear are interchangeable, such as “health care proxy” and “health care surrogate.” The term “living will” is something altogether different. It is important that you get a clear understanding of what is what and make the best use of each legal instrument.

A living will is a document in which you spell out your desire for treatment in certain circumstances, if you are unable to communicate your desires at that time. For instance, you might declare that you do not want life support if you have been deemed to be brain-dead. You might say you do not want extreme measures if you are gravely ill, but this leaves open interpretation in a specific situation to your family members or health care providers.

There is always the chance that you will never need a living will, but you will not have the opportunity to write one if you are unconscious or have lost your ability to make good decisions.