What makes a living will different from a last will?

A living will is a document that outlines your medical treatment preferences if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate, such as whether you want life-sustaining measures like ventilators or feeding tubes. In contrast, a last will (or last will and testament) directs how your assets should be distributed after your death. Simply put, a living will applies while you are alive but unable to decide for yourself, whereas a last will applies after you have passed away.