What are the limitations of a Living Will?
This document reflects your wishes at the time that it is written. Because circumstances, such as your general health or improvements in medical care, can change, it is essential to review what you have written in a Living Will at regular intervals. Living Wills cannot compel a doctor to give you a particular type of treatment (this is a clinical decision to be made by that doctor, and may also be influenced by other factors such as financial considerations if a requested treatment is very expensive). Living Wills should not be ignored unless they do not apply to the particular situation which has arisen, or if they are not clear regarding the treatment you want to refuse. These documents cannot be used to refuse basic nursing care (such as simple hygiene), to stop nursing staff offering you food and drink by mouth, or to request euthanasia or unreasonable treatment.
