CHECK OST#2

prevention
cidentally, this has to be formulated precisely,
because there are also situations that are not
irreversible – and from which one naturally
wants to be rescued.
Speaking of precise formulation: not long
ago the Federal Court of Justice ruled that
such an order can be ineffective if it is not
unambiguous...
This makes the following piece of advice all
the more important: a formulation like "If I do
not feel very well and I am in a lot of pain, ,no
measures should be taken to save me" is too
vague to decide which or if any life-support
measures can be used. Instead, circumstances
should be clearly formulated, for example:
“when I have irreversible brain damage” or
“when I am mentally no longer able to express
myself clearly”. The more concrete and personal
you phrase it, the more likely it is to be of
help to the doctors, paramedics, or authorized
representatives.
Does it make sense to get support from a third
party before formulating a living will?
Of course, it is good to first exchange ideas
with relatives or friends. You have to think carefully
about who you want to consult because
they will ultimately be the ones responsible
for seeking contact with doctors in the event
of a crisis, enforcing your interests and ultimately
determining your fate.
Where do I deposit such a ruling?
The original document should be kept at home.
It is helpful to leave a copy with the attending
physician or the appointed representative. You
can also put a corresponding piece of information
in your wallet, because nurses like to take
a look at this when they take in an accident
victim, for example.
How do I write such a document?
In theory, you can write this on a piece of paper
and sign it. However, many municipalities,
such as the care center of the state capital
Munich, provide forms that are easier to use. In
more complex contexts, I recommend a notary.
So, whether living wills, authority or bank powers
of attorney – creating these documents
can be of vital importance.
And by the way, not only towards the end of
life. It may be that I am not quite seriously ill,
but there is something that is preventing me
from doing my business in the long term. Then
it is important that there is someone I trust
who can handle communication with offices,
authorities or insurance companies and who
can do the banking. My tip: when it comes to
money or material assets, you should also
regulate how extensive the third person's
access to your own finances can be.
And what happens if there is no disposition or
power of attorney?
Then the legal regulations and the doctor's
work order take effect. Without a written formulation,
relatives, life partners or friends can
give indications as to what the patient would
have wanted. Nevertheless, the final decision
rests with the attending physician. Yet with
some documents such as a patient’s will, that
can all be avoided.
Interview and photo: Bernd Müller
andrea.brunner@muenchner-aidshilfe.de
www.muenchen.de/betreuungsstelle
CHECK OST #2
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