you may want to consider advance directives such as living wills and durable power of attorney. the living will exercises a patient's right to refuse or accept medical treatment that artificially prolongs his/her life and provides clear instructions regarding the patient's choice of extended medical care. this document is prepared while the patient is fully competent in case he/she becomes unable to make this decision at a later time. the durable power of attorney for health care is the right of patients to appoint another person to speak for them if they become incapable of expressing their medical treatment preference. an attorney should devise this document so that it conforms to state laws and court precedents
what if i become unable to make decisions about my health care?