How Much Do You Know About Advance Directives?

How important is it to draw up a living will? Take this quiz and find out.

1. The two most common forms of advance directives are the living will and durable power of attorney.
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A regular will is a document that states how you want your estate handled after your death, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). It takes effect after you die. A living will is a document that states what kind of medical care you want (feeding tubes or artificial breathing, for example) if you are too ill to make that decision. It does not go into effect unless you are incapacitated because of illness. It does not allow you to name someone to make medical decisions for you. A durable power of attorney is another kind of advance directive. In this, you name a person who will make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself. A third kind of advance directive is a do not resuscitate order. This means you do not want medical staff to try to revive you if your heart stops beating or if you stop breathing.
Grandfather sitting with son and grandson --- Image by © Tomas Rodriguez/Corbis

Being a Healthcare Proxy 

A healthcare proxy represents another person when that person can’t speak for himself or herself. The name of this role varies by state.

Mallorca, Spain --- Man in bed with oxygen mask --- Image by © Wavebreak Media Ltd./Corbis

The Dying Process 

The body goes through many changes in the dying process. Knowing the common symptoms of impending death may help families be prepared for them when they happen.

Close-up of a senior couple holding hands of each other --- Image by © Mike Kemp/Rubberball/Corbis

Elder Care 

As more people reach their 80s and 90s, the number of elderly adults needing assistance with daily living increases.