POLST vs. Living Will: Understanding the Differences
Making informed decisions about future healthcare is a gift to your loved ones. But navigating documents like POLST and Living Wills can feel confusing. Here's a clear, practical guide to what they are, how they differ, and why they both matter.
What’s the Difference between the two?
1. A Living Will is a legal document. A POLST is a medical order.
Living Will: Expresses your wishes about future medical care if you're seriously ill or incapacitated.
POLST: A signed medical order used when you're already very ill, detailing care instructions providers must follow immediately.
2. A Living Will is broader and future-focused. A POLST is specific and current.
Living Will may include:
Life support preferences
Use of feeding tubes
Pain management
General end-of-life care
POLST may include:
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders
Whether to transfer to a hospital
Mechanical ventilation choices
Use of antibiotics or artificial nutrition
3. A POLST is for current emergencies. A Living Will is for future incapacity.
Living Will: Activated only if you're incapacitated.
POLST: Used right away—EMS and ER teams rely on it in urgent situations.
4. A POLST is for the seriously ill. A Living Will is for everyone.
POLST: Designed for those near end-of-life or with chronic, serious illness.
Living Will: Recommended for all adults aged 18 and up—accidents happen at any age.
5. A POLST is signed by a doctor. A Living Will is signed by you.
POLST: Becomes part of your medical chart and must be signed by your physician or nurse practitioner.
Living Will: Created and signed by you, typically with witnesses or notarization depending on state law.
6. POLST vs. Last Will and Testament
POLST: Used while you're alive to guide medical emergencies.
Will: Activated after death to distribute property and assets.
7. Why You Might Need Both
They serve different, complementary purposes.
A Living Will lays the groundwork for your care values.
A POLST puts specific emergency orders into action when you're most vulnerable.
You can have both—and you should, especially if managing a chronic or terminal condition.
8. What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
Doctors may rely on next of kin who disagree.
Treatments you didn’t want could be administered.
Your family may experience guilt, confusion, or conflict.
9. When to Review or Update
After a diagnosis or change in health
Following a hospitalization
Annually—especially if your views or circumstances shift
At Willow & Wells we can help guide you
Don’t wait until crisis strikes. Creating these documents today protects your voice and your values.
Share copies with loved ones and healthcare providers.
Discuss your decisions openly to avoid surprises later.
In conclusion:
Use a Living Will to express future treatment preferences if you become incapacitated.
Use a POLST when you’re seriously ill, want Emergency personnel to not do CPR, and want to guide emergency care now.
Both are valuable. Together, they offer clarity, comfort, and control.
This is not legal advice and should always consult with your provider or lawyer.
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