Living Wills

In the UK, a living will is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding their medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their decisions. It is also known as an Advance Directive or Advance Decision.

For residents living in a care home, having a living will can be particularly important as it can ensure that their wishes are respected if they become seriously ill or are unable to make decisions for themselves. This document allows a resident to specify which treatments they would like to receive and which they would like to refuse. For example, a resident may wish to specify that they do not want to be resuscitated if their heart stops.

What to include in a Living Will

1. Refusal of certain medical treatments: Which medical treatments a person does not want to receive, such as CPR, artificial ventilation, or certain medications.

2. Dining preferences: Could include details of a favourite cup for drinking out of or how many sugars a resident likes in their coffee

3. Preferences for end-of-life care: A person can specify wishes regarding end-of-life care, such as whether they would like to die at home, in a hospice, or in a hospital.

4. Instructions regarding pain relief: Can specify how much pain relief they would like to receive if they are terminally ill or in severe pain.

5. Organ donation: Whether a person would like to donate their organs after death.

6. Spiritual or religious preferences: Any spiritual or religious preferences a resident may have regarding their end-oflife care.

Where to find a Living Will form

1. Solicitor: You can consult a solicitor who specializes in wills, probate, and trusts. They can advise you on the legal requirements and provide you with a living will form.

2. Citizen’s Advice Bureau: You can visit your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau, which provides free and confidential advice on a range of issues, including living wills. They can provide you with a living will form or direct you to other resources.

3. Online resources: There are various online resources where you can download and print living will forms, such as the Age UK website and the NHS website.

4. My Living Will: My Living Will is an online service that allows you to create a customized living will document for a fee.