How do I write a living will?

Dear Savvy Senior,

What is the best way to write a living will? I am approaching 73 years of age and am in poor health. I would like to be able to do this without spending a lot of money.

Need help

Dear need,

Creating a living will is a smart decision that gives you the opportunity to have a say in how you want to be treated at the end of your life. Here’s what you should know, along with some resources to help you write one.

What to prepare

To adequately express your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment, you need two legal documents: a “living will,” which tells your doctor what type of care you would like to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “healthcare power of attorney.” “Attorney” (or health care representative), who designates someone you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

These two documents are called “living wills” and are only used if you are too ill to make medical decisions for yourself. You can also change or update it at any time.

It is not necessary to hire a lawyer to draw up a living will. There are a number of free or inexpensive do-it-yourself resources available today to help you create such a project. From start to finish it only takes a few minutes. Top options include:

CaringInfo.org: This is a program created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that provides free state-specific advance directive forms that you can download, print and fill out. Or you can call 800-658-8898. The employees will send you the documents by post and answer your questions.

MyDirectives.com: If you prefer to create a digital (online only) living will, MyDirectives is an online tool and mobile app that allows you to create, store and share a detailed, customized digital living will.

FiveWishes.org: This is another top resource for creating a comprehensive written or digital advance directive. They charge $5 for the paper form and $15 for the digital version, which is stored on the website that you or your family can access at any time.

VA advance directive: If you are a veteran, the VA also has a free advance directive form specifically for you at VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-0137.

Other options

If you are interested in creating a complete estate plan that includes your will and/or trust, power of attorney, and living will, there are many do-it-yourself online services that typically cost between $100 and $250. Top services include Quicken WillMaker & Trust software (WillMaker.com), Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com), and Legal Zoom (LegalZoom.com), which also creates simple living wills for just $39.

If you would rather leave it to a professional, contact an estate planning attorney. Visit NAELA.org or NAEPC.org to find someone near you. Costs vary depending on where you live, but you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a simple estate plan.

Add-ons

You should also consider getting a do-not-resuscitate order as part of your living will, as living wills do little to protect you from unwanted emergency treatment such as CPR. To create a DNR, ask your doctor to fill out and sign a federal form.

Another tool you should know that complements your living will is the Physician’s Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) (sometimes referred to as the Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)). A POLST form translates your end-of-life wishes into medical orders that your doctors will consider. To learn more about your state’s program or to set up one, visit POLST.org.

Tell your family

To ensure that your final wishes are carried out, be sure to let your family members, your representatives, and your doctors know so they all know what you want. You should also provide them with copies of your advance directive or, if you create a digital version, ensure you share it electronically.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, PO Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070 or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of the book “The Savvy Senior.”