Living Will

A living will makes your wishes known regarding healthcare decisions if you become critically ill and lose your decision-making capability.

It may also help in promoting discussions among you, your physician and your family about specific types of care and the life-sustaining treatments you wish to receive. These discussions are an important part of the living will since the person whom you choose to make decisions on your behalf may gain a clearer understanding about your choices, as well as your feelings during this process. This person is called a "mandatary".

The active participation of a physician whom you know and trust will enable you to ask questions and be informed about the decisions you are making. It is strongly recommended that you ask as many questions as you wish in order to eliminate any possibility of confusion and uncertainty. This ensures that your personal values and end-of-life decisions are respected. In general, end-of-life care is palliative, as the goals shift from cure to comfort and dignity.

Completing and updating your living will may reduce the burden on your family and caregivers as they make end-of-life decisions on your behalf. It is important for you to feel that the individuals whom you trust are making the right decisions for you. They need your guidance to make the life-and-death decisions that appropriately reflect your wishes.

In the Living Will document you will be asked to consider what your wishes would be in different scenarios. To assist you, a glossary is included, describing the terminology in greater detail. Its aim is to provide you with as much information as possible and to encourage questions if you are troubled by anything you have read.

Your feedback about this document, as well as your experience while completing it, is welcomed and appreciated. You may address your comments to:

Dr. Michael Dworkind
Herzl Family Practice Centre
Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital