In view of the increasing number of people with dementia in Bavaria, Justice Minister Georg Eisenreich and Health Minister Judith Gerlach (both CSU) want to draw attention to legal precautionary measures. A new brochure entitled “What is a Living Will?” “Information in plain language” should pave the way here, both said when presenting the information booklet. Those affected and their relatives should start planning their future lives at an early stage.
Around 270,000 people in Bavaria currently live with dementia. According to Gerlach, forecasts assume that the numbers will increase in the coming decades. Experts expect around 300,000 people to be affected in the Free State by 2030, and even 380,000 by 2040. This makes it all the more important to enable those affected to live in the middle of society, said Gerlach.
“Whether after an accident, a serious illness or in the case of dementia: each of us can find ourselves in the situation where we are no longer able to make important decisions ourselves,” said Eisenreich. “The topic is often ignored for a long time. But it is important to think about it in good time and take precautions just in case.” A living will should, among other things, make it clear who decides on medical measures if those affected are no longer able to do so due to advanced dementia.
“The wishes and will of those affected must always be the focus. This is especially true when making decisions about the type and extent of medical treatment, especially at the end of life,” said Eisenreich. “Even people who find it difficult to read and understand normal texts should be able to have a say in these questions.” Gerlach emphasized that relatives also benefit from a patient directive. “It not only sets an important course for those affected, but also relieves relatives of the burden of making difficult decisions as the disease progresses in what is already an extremely emotionally stressful situation.”