What is a living will primarily used for?

A living will is primarily used to describe the specific types of medical care and interventions an individual wishes to receive in the event that they become terminally ill or unable to communicate their preferences due to a medical condition. This legal document allows individuals to articulate their healthcare preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation efforts, and other critical care decisions, ensuring that their wishes are respected even when they cannot speak for themselves.

By focusing on an individual's desire for particular medical actions or the refusal of specific treatments, the living will serves an essential role in advance care planning. It helps avoid potential conflicts among family members or healthcare providers about what actions to take and ensures that an individual's values and preferences guide their medical care at the end of life.