ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

A Right to Control Your Own Affairs

Health-Care Decision-Making Issues

What is an advance directive for health care?

An advance directive is generally a written statement, which you complete in advance of serious illness, about how you want medical decisions made. The two most common forms of advance directive are a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care, although in many states you may combine these into a single advance-directive document.

An advance directive allows you to state your choices for health care or to name someone to make those choices for you, if you become unable to make decisions about your medical treatment. In short, an advance directive enables you to have some control over your future medical care.