Writing Your Advance Directives: A Step-by-Step Workbook

Most people do not write advance directives because the task feels heavy and abstract. This hands-on course breaks it into a structured set of small decisions, so that by the end you have a complete set of documents ready to sign. By the end of this course you will have a written values statement, a completed living will draft, a chosen healthcare proxy with a backup and a signed appointment, a conversation summary with your proxy, and a plan for storing and updating your documents. What you will learn: - How to write a brief values statement that describes how you think about quality of life - How to think through preferences about CPR, mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition, and hospitalization - How to choose a healthcare proxy and a backup who can actually carry out your wishes - How to have a thorough conversation with your proxy about your values and instructions - How to fill out the living will and healthcare proxy forms used in your state - How to consider POLST or MOLST forms if relevant to your situation - How to store documents so they are findable when needed and how to schedule periodic review The course is structured as a workbook. Each module covers one step, provides prompts, shows example language, and walks you through writing your own. This course is written for adults at any stage of life who want to put their advance directives in place, and for those guiding a family member through the process. By the end you will have moved from intention to a complete set of documents, and the people who love you will have clear guidance if it is ever needed.