Living Wills and or as known in England and Wales “Advance decision” is the formal name for a living will.

It allows you to indicate that you wish to refuse certain types of medical treatment, should you be unable to make or communicate a decision about your treatment in the future.

When you’re ill, you can usually discuss treatment options with your doctor and then jointly reach a decision about your future care. However, you may be admitted to hospital when unconscious or unable to make your own decisions about your treatment or communicate your wishes.

Why make an advance decision?

If you have strong feelings about particular types of treatment, you may wish to make an advance decision. You may want to refuse a blood transfusion, or an amputation. More commonly, if you have been told you have a terminal illness or dementia, you may wish to indicate which types of treatment you would not wish to receive in the future. An advance decision can give you peace of mind knowing your wishes won’t be ignored.