A living will, also known as an advance decision, is a legally binding document that details your preferences for medical treatment in situations where you are unable to make decisions for yourself due to incapacity or severe illness. It guides your healthcare providers and loved ones in making health care decisions that align with your values and desires. It’s recognized under UK law and ensures that your preferences are respected.

A living will specifically addresses your wishes regarding medical treatment and care during your lifetime, particularly in circumstances where you cannot communicate your decisions. In contrast, a last will and testament takes effect after your death, directing how your assets should be distributed and handling other affairs like guardianship of minors.

Anyone over the age of 18 can benefit from having a living will. It’s especially important for those with strong preferences about medical care, those with dependents, or individuals with chronic or potentially incapacitating conditions. Having a living will is a proactive step in personal healthcare planning.

Any adult with mental capacity can create a living will. Organisations like Macmillan, Age UK, and the NHS provide information and advice to guide you through the process.

A living will becomes effective when you are unable to communicate your healthcare wishes due to medical conditions or incapacitation. It must be presented to and acknowledged by your healthcare provider, who will adhere to its directives as long as they apply to the current circumstances.

Yes, if properly drafted and signed, a living will is legally binding under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Healthcare providers, including the NHS, are required to respect your wishes unless there’s reason to believe you’ve changed your mind.

The document must be signed and witnessed to make it legally valid. Include a statement confirming that you understand the implications of refusing treatment.

A living will is not legally valid unless it is signed and witnessed. Always double-check that you sign all your documents before considering it final.

Yes, you can revoke or amend your living will at any time, as long as you have mental capacity. Be sure to update any healthcare providers or family members to avoid confusion.

While it’s not mandatory to have a lawyer, seeking legal advice can ensure your advance decision complies with the law. Organisations like Macmillan and Age UK provide templates and guidance, but a lawyer can help clarify complex scenarios.

Your living will should clearly state:

• The treatments you want to refuse and under what circumstances.
• A declaration that the decision applies even if your life is at risk.
• Your personal details, including full name and date of birth.
• The date the document was made and your signature, along with a witness signature.

Copies of your living will should be given to your primary healthcare provider, a trusted family member or friend, and your appointed healthcare proxy if you have one. It’s also wise to keep a copy in a safe but accessible place where it can be quickly retrieved in an emergency.

Yes, you can request copies back if you update or revoke your living will. Always inform those holding the old document and provide the updated version to avoid confusion.

Your living will should be kept in a safe but accessible location. To ensure it is acted upon:

• Share copies with your GP and loved ones.
• Upload it to your health records or ask your GP to include it in your NHS data.
• Notify those responsible for your care, such as family or caregivers, about the document.

No, a living will can only refuse treatment such as life-supporting interventions. It cannot be used to refuse basic care, like food, water, or pain relief, unless provided through clinical interventions (e.g., tube feeding).

You can refuse treatments such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or life-supporting measures. However, the decision must be clear and specific about the circumstances in which the refusal applies.

If you lose mental capacity, your living will serves as a legal guide for your health care team and loved ones. This ensures your refusal of treatment is honoured, provided your advance decision is valid and applicable.

In some cases, a healthcare provider might question a living will if:

• There is information suggesting you changed your mind but did not update the document.
• The document is unclear or does not apply to the specific situation.
• You lack capacity to confirm your wishes and there is no evidence of notice about your refusal.

A living will does not directly impact your employment, but it’s wise to inform close colleagues or HR if your health situation might affect your work arrangements.

Many organisations provide education and guidance on creating a living will, including the NHS, Macmillan, and legal aid services. These resources can help ensure your document is clear, legal, and reflects your preferences.