when facing the loss of a loved one families often disagree over treatment so having a healthcare proxy reduces confusion over one s final wishes one should discuss wishes with the proxy before naming this person and be sure the proxy is willing to follow through with their desires 
living will vs living trustalthough a living will and a living trust are commonly referred to in estate planning they are different a living will involves how the subject person will be cared for if in a compromised or incapacitated state this medical directive terminates upon the death of that person a living trust deals with the property and assets of an incapacitated person the trust essentially becomes the new owner of the assets under the living trust agreement a trustee or the person or persons responsible for managing the assets is identified just as a living will deals with a living person a living trust deals with the assets of a living person they both are executed when the initiator lacks the capacity to make decisions for themselves 