What is the purpose of a living will?

A living will primarily serves to outline an individual's preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. It acts as a legal document that guides healthcare providers and family members regarding the types of medical interventions and procedures an individual does or does not wish to receive when facing terminal illness or incapacitation. This ensures that a person's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments are respected, providing clarity and preventing potential conflicts among family members or healthcare professionals during critical times.

The other options, while important in their respective contexts, do not accurately describe the function of a living will. For instance, managing financial assets pertains to financial planning and estate management rather than healthcare choices. Assigning guardianship of minors relates to child custody decisions and is not relevant to medical treatment preferences. Finally, providing funeral instructions involves end-of-life arrangements, which is separate from the medical decision-making focus of a living will.