Make a living will

A living will is a way to direct your care once you become "terminally ill" (your doctor believes you have less than six months to live). You can specify the types of treatment you want to have under certain circumstances.

If you are no longer able to make your own health decisions, an "advance directive" tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive. When you enter a hospital, they will tell you about advance directives.

Think about what you want done-and what you don't want. Then make sure you spell these things out in your advance directive. Specify at what point you do not wish to receive any treatment. An advance directive makes sure your wishes will be respected.