Glossary
Advance health care directive
An advance health care directive is a legal document stating a person’s wishes for medical treatment and naming an agent to make health care decisions if they cannot.
In California it combines the living will and the health care power of attorney. Bring a copy to move-in; the community keeps it in the resident’s file.
Related terms
Power of attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document in which a person appoints someone to make financial or health care decisions on their behalf, either immediately or when they can no longer decide for themselves.
POLST
A POLST form is a signed medical order, for people with serious illness, that tells emergency responders and care staff which life-sustaining treatments the person does and does not want.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.