Defining Your Medical Wishes Clearly

In life, planning for the unexpected is an act of love and foresight. Creating a living will (also known as a Patientenverfügung in Germany) is a powerful way to ensure that your medical wishes are respected if you are unable to communicate them yourself. By clearly outlining your preferences, you not only gain peace of mind but also relieve your loved ones from the burden of making difficult decisions during emotionally charged moments.

 
Why a Living Will Matters
A living will allows you to express your wishes regarding medical treatments, life-sustaining measures, and end-of-life care. It provides clarity in critical situations where you may not be able to voice your preferences due to illness, injury, or incapacitation. Without a living will, medical decisions often fall to family members or physicians, which can lead to conflicts or uncertainty.

 
What to Include in Your Living Will
A well-crafted living will should be clear, comprehensive, and legally valid. Here are some key elements to include:

Specific Treatments: State whether you wish to receive or refuse specific treatments, such as mechanical ventilation, resuscitation, or artificial nutrition.

Pain Management: Indicate your preferences for pain relief and palliative care, even if it might shorten your life.

End-of-Life Decisions: Clearly define your wishes about being kept alive in terminal conditions or irreversible comas.

Organ Donation: Include your decision about organ and tissue donation, if applicable.
 
Legal Requirements for a Living Will
In Germany, a living will must meet certain criteria to be legally binding:

Written Form: It must be written and signed by you. Oral instructions are not legally enforceable.
Clarity and Specificity: Vague or ambiguous statements can lead to disputes. Be precise about your choices.
Updates: Regularly review and update your living will to reflect any changes in your preferences or circumstances.
 
Appointing a Health Care Proxy
In addition to a living will, consider appointing a health care proxy (Vorsorgevollmacht). This individual will have the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are followed. Choose someone you trust, and discuss your living will with them to avoid misunderstandings.

 
Communicating Your Wishes
Once your living will is prepared, share it with your family, close friends, and health care providers. Keep a copy in an accessible location and provide copies to your trusted individuals and doctor. In Germany, you can also register it with the Central Vorsorgeregister for added security.

 
How We Can Help
Defining your medical wishes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We can guide you through the process of creating a clear, legally sound living will that aligns with your values. With our support, you can ensure your voice is heard, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Take the first step today—because your choices matter, and planning for the future is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones.