Advance Directives
Learn about living wills, DNR orders, DNI orders, and how to communicate your healthcare wishes.
About Advance Directives
Advance Directives are legal documents that allow you to communicate your healthcare wishes in advance, ensuring your preferences are honored when you cannot speak for yourself.
Common Types:
- • Living Will - Documents your treatment preferences for end-of-life care
- • DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) - Instructs medical staff not to perform CPR
- • DNI (Do Not Intubate) - Declines mechanical ventilation/breathing tubes
- • Healthcare Proxy/POA - Names someone to make medical decisions for you
- • POLST/MOLST - Portable orders for specific life-sustaining treatments
These documents give you control and peace of mind, relieving loved ones from making difficult decisions during emotional times. They're especially important if you have strong preferences about life-sustaining treatment.
💡 Requirements vary by state. Always use forms specific to your region and discuss your wishes with your healthcare proxy and family.
Living Wills
Document your preferences for medical treatment in serious or end-of-life situations.
CaringInfo
Free state-specific advance directive forms and comprehensive planning resources.
FreeWill Healthcare Directive
Free living will and advance directive creation tool with legal guidance.
LegalZoom Living Will
Professional living will preparation service with attorney review options.
FindLaw Living Will Guide
Comprehensive legal information about living wills and advance directives.
Mayo Clinic Guide
Medical perspective on living wills and advance care planning.
Five Wishes
Popular advance directive document used in 42 states, easy-to-complete format.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
Specify that CPR should not be performed if your heart or breathing stops.
Medicare Interactive
Medicare resources for advance care planning and healthcare directives.
National Hospice & Palliative Care
Professional organization providing advance directive resources and guidance.
National Institute on Aging
Federal resources on advance care planning and end-of-life decision making.
CaringInfo State Forms
Download specific advance directive forms required by your state.
Do Not Intubate (DNI)
Specify that breathing tubes should not be used if breathing fails.
FreeWill DNI Directive
Include DNI specifications in your healthcare directive documents.
LegalZoom DNI Information
DNI guidance and how to incorporate it into your advance directives.
Mayo Clinic Directives
Medical directive guidance including DNI and other treatment preferences.
NIA Care Planning
Advance care planning resources covering DNI and treatment decisions.
Regional Variations
Advance directive laws and requirements vary by region. Use local resources for valid documents.
CaringInfo Registry
Free state-specific forms and registry for advance directives.
USA.Gov Health Planning
Federal government resources for advance healthcare planning.
Medicare Interactive
Medicare planning resources and advance directive information.
NHPCO Resources
Professional hospice organization's advance care planning tools.
Important Information
Advance directives give you control over your medical care when you cannot speak for yourself. They include living wills (treatment preferences), DNR/DNI orders (resuscitation preferences), and healthcare proxies (who makes decisions). Review and update these documents regularly, especially after major life changes.
Disclaimer: Surreality provides educational information and external resource links only. It does not provide legal or medical advice. Please consult with qualified healthcare providers and attorneys for guidance specific to your situation.