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Advance Medical Directives Directory
An advance medical directive is paperwork you fill out to detail what medical care you do and do not want should anything happen to you. It explains to your family and doctor how to proceed if you cannot tell them yourself. A living will explains what care you want, and a power of attorney places one person in charge of treatment decisions for you. That person becomes your health care agent (health care proxy). You should note whether you want to receive treatments such as CPR, breathing machine, feeding tube, and more. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how advance medical directives work, how to begin writing one, how to choose a health care proxy, and more.
Medical Reference
Legal Issues of Caregiving
WebMD explains legal issues around caregiving, including living wills and guardianship.
Choosing a Hospital
There is a difference in the quality of care from one hospital to another. Here's what you need to know to make the best choice.
Alzheimer's Caregiving When You're Far Away
With careful planning, and the help of technology, you can stay connected and feel a sense of control over your loved one's day-to-day care.
End Of Life and Family Issues
If you or a loved one were ill, maybe dying, and unable to speak, who or what would speak for you? Your advance care plan could. Learn more about discussing it with your family.
Features
Putting Affairs in Order Before Death
Experts explain the steps you should take to make sure your family knows your wishes on everything from funeral plans to end-of-life care.
Making Your Last Wishes Known
Making Your Last Wishes Known
Florida Case Spotlights the Need for Advance Directives
Experts Urge Family Members to Discuss Their Wishes for End-of-Life
Forced to Live
Marshall Klavan wanted to die. His physicians wanted him to live. Who had the right to decide?