Summary
A living will includes many medical terms that might be confusing. Key terms include “medical practitioners” (the doctors and nurses who care for you), “terminal phase” (the final stage of an illness), “permanent unconscious condition” (a deep coma), and “end-stage illness” (a disease’s final, severe stage). Other important terms are CPR, life support, tube feeding, and artificial nutrition. Understanding these definitions is crucial for expressing your wishes clearly. If you’re unsure, consult with your doctor or legal advisor to ensure you know what each term means, so your living will accurately reflects your preferences for future healthcare.
When you create a living will, you may find that it includes many medical terms that can be confusing. Knowing what these terms mean is important so you fully understand your healthcare choices. Here, we break down some common medical terms in plain language.
Medical Practitioners and Health Care Providers
These terms refer to the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals responsible for your care. They are the people who will make decisions about your treatment based on your living will.
Terminal Phase of Illness or Injury
This term describes the final stage of a serious illness or injury, when recovery is no longer expected. It is a time when your health is very poor and treatments may only prolong life without improving its quality.
Permanent Unconscious Condition (Coma)
This means you are completely unconscious and unaware of what is happening around you, with little to no chance of waking up. In your living will, you might state your wishes for medical care if you reach this state.
Permanent Confusion
Permanent confusion occurs when you lose the ability to remember, understand, or make decisions. It is a state in which you may not recognize your loved ones or communicate clearly. Your living will can specify your treatment wishes if you reach this condition.
Dependent in All Activities of Daily Life
This term refers to a state where you cannot care for yourself—such as eating, bathing, or dressing—and you rely entirely on others for help. Including this term in your living will helps outline what medical support you want if you become completely dependent.
End-Stage Illness
An end-stage illness is a disease at its final, most severe phase, despite receiving full medical treatment. Examples include advanced cancer or severe heart and lung conditions. Your living will might specify which treatments you do or do not want during this phase.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is an emergency procedure used when someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. It involves chest compressions and sometimes electric shocks to try to restart the heart. Your living will may indicate whether you want CPR in such situations.
Life Support or Other Artificial Support
This includes machines and devices—like ventilators or IV fluids—that help keep vital organs, such as your heart, lungs, or kidneys, working if they cannot function on their own. Your living will can specify if you wish to receive or decline such treatments.
Breathing Machine (Ventilator)
A breathing machine, or ventilator, helps a person breathe if they are unable to do so on their own. Your living will can clarify whether you would want to be placed on a ventilator in a critical situation.
IV Fluids
These are fluids administered through a tube inserted into a vein, providing hydration, nutrients, or medications. They are used when you cannot drink enough fluids on your own.
Blood Transfusions
This is the process of receiving blood from a donor to replace blood lost during an illness or injury. Your living will may include instructions about whether you would like to receive blood transfusions.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Your living will might state whether you prefer to receive antibiotic treatments under certain conditions.
Tube Feeding
Tube feeding is a method of delivering food or liquids directly to your stomach via a tube when you cannot eat by mouth. Your living will can include your wishes regarding tube feeding.
Artificially Delivered Nutrition and Hydration
This term is similar to tube feeding or IV fluids, and it covers any method that provides food and water to you when you are unable to eat or drink normally. Your living will can specify whether you want these supports if you are unable to feed yourself.
Spiritual Healing or Comfort
This refers to practices like listening to a priest or monk, chanting, or praying. These activities provide comfort and peace and may be included in your living will if you value spiritual care as part of your treatment.
Proxy
A proxy is a trusted person—often a family member or friend—appointed to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot communicate your wishes. Your living will may designate a proxy to ensure your healthcare decisions are respected.
Public Health Professionals
These are individuals working in government or public health agencies who help ensure that proper medical care is provided to the community. Although not directly involved in your personal care, their policies and guidelines may influence the application of your living will.
Understanding these terms can help you make informed decisions when drafting your living will. It is important to know exactly what each term means so that your healthcare providers and loved ones understand your wishes. If any terms remain unclear, consider discussing them with your doctor or legal advisor. Taking the time to fully understand your living will ensures that your wishes are accurately documented and respected when you need them most.
Aphiwat Bualoi Law Office 
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