Living will

An accident or medical intervention may mean that you are no longer able to make a statement about medical measures. With a living will, you communicate your self-determination and relieve the burden on your relatives. You appoint a person of your choice as the decision-maker and provide them with guidelines for decisions (e.g. organ donation yes/no and/or life-sustaining measures yes/no).

The original living will should be kept in a safe place in your home. You can give a copy to your family doctor. Keep a note card in your wallet indicating where you can keep it.

As long as you are capable of judgment, you can draw up a living will. Any natural person can be appointed as a trusted person. You can also appoint one or more substitute persons.

The legal cascade order determines which person decides. This person must weigh things up for themselves and make decisions for you. This is problematic if they do not know your ideas and wishes. A living will relieves the burden on your relatives.