Google | Generative AI
Generated on March 19th, 2025
An advance directive is a broad term for legal documents outlining your wishes for medical care if you become unable to make decisions, while a living will is a specific type of advance directive that focuses on end-of-life medical treatment.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
- Advance Directive:
- This is the umbrella term for legal documents that allow you to make decisions about your future healthcare, should you become unable to make them yourself.
- It ensures your wishes are respected, even when you can’t communicate them.
- Common types of advance directives include living wills and health care powers of attorney.
- Living Will:
- A living will is a specific type of advance directive that focuses on your preferences for medical treatment, particularly end-of-life care.
- You can use it to state which treatments you want or don’t want, and under what conditions.
- It’s important to note that in Canada, there’s no specific document called a “living will,” but the concept is covered within the broader framework of advance directives.
- Health Care Power of Attorney:
- This type of advance directive names a person (your health care proxy) who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to.
- Your proxy should be familiar with your values and wishes.
- Having a health care proxy helps plan for unforeseen situations.
Generative AI is experimental. For legal advice, consult a professional.
Google | Generative AI | Prompt: “what is the difference between an advance directive and a living will”
