As a general term, a “directive” refers to any document that you prepare, sign, date, and witness – in advance – to describe your wishes for care at a future moment when you may have a serious medical condition, a life-threatening illness or medical emergency and cannot speak for yourself.
An Advance Directive is a specific form that is evolving to be the centerpiece of all end-of-life care planning documents.
An Advance Directive is a document where you can:
State your values and preferences for how you want to be cared for at the end of your life.
State where you would like to receive care (home, hospital, skilled nursing, etc.).
Name your Agent who will speak for you when you cannot speak for yourself.
Define which medical treatments you do or do not want at the end of your life.
State your choices on organ donation and burial options.
Read more of the story: http://thelastjourney.info/advance-care-planning/step-5-create-your-advance-directive/