Most people don’t want to think about death and dying — so they don’t. Until they have to.

Advance directives are important tools for anyone to have, because even the healthiest person could experience a sudden accident and not be able to speak for herself.

But when you have a life-threatening illness, it’s particularly critical to make clear, in writing, what your wishes are, should the time come when you can’t express them yourself.

Living wills and other advance directives are written legal instructions, regarding your preferences for medical care if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

Advance directives guide choices for doctors and caregivers if you’re terminally ill, seriously injured, in a coma, in the late stages of dementia or near the end of life.

By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering and relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during moments…