Consider, for example:

• Do I understand what lies ahead of me?
• What things in the future do I worry about?
• What do I still want to do in the time I have left?
• Which limitations – caused by my illness – do I find acceptable?

Talking about dying

It is important to think about what you would or would not want at the end of your life in good time. Perhaps you are facing a terminal illness, or you simply want to be well prepared for what is to come. By recording your wishes in a living will, clarify what is important to you – for yourself, your loved ones and your doctor.

You can submit your living will to the practice assistant. If you have any questions about drawing it up, you can also contact her. You do not need to make an appointment with your GP for this. Would you prefer to discuss your wishes with someone? Then make an appointment with the elderly care practice support worker.

If you wish to amend your living will at a later date, or if you wish to confirm that your will is still valid, you can simply inform the assistant. You do not need to visit your GP during consultation hours for this either.

What can you include in a living will?

A living will can consist of various sections. You decide which sections apply to you. Below you can read more information about the most common sections:

• A prohibition on treatment: here you indicate which medical procedures you do not wish to undergo (any longer).
• A do not resuscitate declaration: this indicates that you do not wish to be resuscitated in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest.
• A written authorisation from a representative: you appoint someone who can make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so yourself.
• A written request for euthanasia: you describe the circumstances under which you would wish euthanasia to be performed.

About the written request for euthanasia

In a written request for euthanasia, you indicate when you believe you are experiencing unbearable and hopeless suffering, and that you would like euthanasia in such a situation. It helps if you describe this in your own words – a personal story about your life, your values and what unbearable suffering means to you.

If possible, you can also record your story on video. This will help you clearly convey what you mean. In any case, discuss your wishes with your loved ones so that they know what is important to you.

Important to know: A written request for euthanasia does not automatically mean that you are entitled to euthanasia. When you are suffering unbearably and without prospect of improvement and wish to undergo euthanasia, your general practitioner or other doctor will assess whether your situation meets the six legal requirements for due care. The doctor is not obliged to perform euthanasia.

The following also applies: if, at that moment, you indicate – through words or behaviour – that you do not want euthanasia (anymore), then the doctor may not perform euthanasia. Your expression at that moment carries more weight than what you have previously recorded.

Finally

• If you refuse treatment (e.g. resuscitation) in your living will, the doctor must comply with this.
• If you want something in your statement (such as euthanasia), the doctor is not obliged to comply.
• Always ensure that your living will includes your name, date and signature.

1. Central Government. “The six requirements for due care in the Euthanasia Act.” Central government https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/levenseinde-en-euthanasie/zorgvuldigheidseisen