Through a properly drafted legal document, you name someone to carry out your wishes for your medical care in the event that you are unable to make those decisions yourself. Again, you can be very specific as to what treatments you would agree to and which ones you don't want. Having your wishes on paper can take the pressure off family members to make difficult decisions regarding your care.

The document can be drafted by a lawyer, or you could do it yourself, as long as you follow all the steps that make such documents legal in your province or territory of residence.

It's also a good idea to review your living will with your doctor. The doctor can ensure that you have understood the choices in the living will and that the instruction directive is suitable for your own health situation. If needed, get the opinion from a few doctors.

How do you revoke your living will?

You may revoke your living will by communicating this desire to your doctor. You may use any means available to communicate your intent to revoke. Your mental or physical condition is not considered, so you do not need to be of sound mind. Someone acting on your behalf may also tell your doctor that you want to revoke your living will. Revocation is effective only after your doctor has been notified.

Destroying the original and all copies of your living will may revoke your living will as a practical matter. However, if you have discussed this issue with your doctor, be sure to tell your doctor that you have revoked your living will.

If you sign a new living will, be sure to revoke all prior living wills that may be inconsistent with your new living will.

Where should you store your living will?

Keep the original in a place where you or your family members may find it easily. Some lawyers suggest that you sign several copies and have each one witnessed and certified. Then, you may give an original to each of the appropriate people. However, if you change your mind and revoke your living will, make sure that you destroy all the original copies.

If you have named a health care agent, give him or her a copy of your living will. You may appoint a health care agent with a health care power of attorney or with a general durable power of attorney. Ask your lawyer for details.

Give a copy of your living will to your doctor and any medical facility where you have regular appointments. Give a copy of your living will to your family so they understand your wishes. Also, carry a wallet card stating that you have a living will, where the original is located, and who to contact to get the original.

If you put the original of your living will in a lock box or safe deposit box, make sure someone knows where it is and has access to it. Otherwise, your living will may be found too late. It is a good idea to entrust your living will to your lawyer, or at least make sure your family members know about your living will!