Views of elderly people on living wills: interview study

Living wills or advance statements record people's healthcare wishes in case they are unable to contribute to a decision concerning their health care in the future, either because of mental incapacity or because physical disability prevents communication. Elderly people are often in this position owing to illnesses such as dementia and strokes that cause dysphasia. The views of elderly North Americans on this subject are well documented, but there are no reports of the views of older people in England. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of elderly inpatients in the United Kingdom on living wills and their healthcare choices should they write such a will.