What is a living will?

A living will is a document that allows a person to provide instructions regarding their own medical care. It is also known as an advance healthcare directive. A living will allows an individual to make decisions about what medical treatments they want and don’t want when they become incapacitated or unable to make those decisions for themselves. In Tennessee, a living will is also referred to as a “declaration of desire for a natural death”. This declaration is used to allow a person to describe the types of treatments that they would want to receive at the end of their life. These treatments can include things like artificial nutrition and hydration, resuscitation, and any other medical treatment that may prolong the individual’s life. Creating a living will is an important part of estate planning. It allows individuals to make sure that their wishes are respected if they are ever unable to communicate them. This document also serves as guidance for the individual’s family and healthcare providers. It can help make sure that the individual’s last wishes are followed and that no disputes arise when making decisions about medical care.

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