What do I need to consider when authorizing a patient?

What happens when you can no longer express your medical wishes?
Would your family know what decisions you want? Would doctors know your ideas?

Imagine Anna sitting at her father's bedside. The monotonous beeping of the monitors fills the room as she struggles with the burden of an impossible decision. Her father can no longer speak for himself and no one knows what he would have wanted. Her sister believes that life support should be ended; Anna hopes for a miracle.

An elderly woman sits relaxed on an armchair and looks at documents she is holding in her hand. She seems content and thoughtful.

With a living will, her father could have clearly recorded his wishes and spared Anna and her sister this burdensome responsibility.

A living will ensures that your medical wishes are respected. At the same time, you relieve your loved ones at an emotionally difficult time. In this guide, we explain why a living will is so important, how to draw one up in Austria and how it can help you and your family.

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What is a living will and why is it important?

A living will is a document in which you specify which medical treatments you refuse or want in an emergency if you can no longer make your own decisions.

Why is it so important?

Self-determination: With a living will, you retain control over your medical care.
Relief for your family: You relieve your loved ones of the difficult task of having to make decisions without clear guidance.
Legal protection: A binding living will obliges doctors to implement your wishes.

Types of living wills

Binding living will: Doctors are legally obliged to follow your specified wishes if the formal requirements are met.
Considered Living Will: This serves as a guide, but is not legally binding.

Anna's story

Anna's father never spoke about his wishes because he assumed that his family "would already know what to do". Without clear instructions, Anna and her sister found themselves in a painful conflict. A living will would not only have clearly defined his wishes, but also avoided the dispute and uncertainty.

How do you create a living will in Austria?

A stethoscope and a piece of paper with the inscription

1. Medical advice

Talk to your doctor to understand the possible medical measures and their consequences. This conversation is an important basis for your decisions.

2. Formulate wishes clearly

Use specific wording to avoid misunderstandings, e.g. For example:

"I refuse artificial respiration if there is no chance of recovery."
"I wish for strong painkillers, even if they could shorten my life."

Templates can be found at the Ministry of Social Affairs or the Patient Advocate (BMASK, 2024).

3. Legal notarization

A notarization by a notary, lawyer or legal patient representative is required for a binding living will. This makes your directive legally binding.

4. Safe storage

Register your living will in the living will register. This way, hospitals can access it in an emergency. Keep a copy at home and inform your family where it is kept.

5. Regular updating

Since 2019, living wills in Austria are valid for eight years. After that, you must renew it in order to maintain its legal validity.

Important points about the living will

An elderly man in a hospital bed receiving oxygen

What treatments can you manage?

Withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (e.g. artificial respiration or nutrition).
Consent to painkillers, even if they could shorten life.
Instructions for resuscitation (e.g. "Do not resuscitate").

Who can create a living will?

Anyone who is capable of making decisions and understands the consequences can draw up a living will. In practice, this is assumed to be the case from the age of 14.

What happens if you don't have a living will?

Without a living will, doctors will make decisions in consultation with your family. This often leads to arguments or decisions that do not correspond to your wishes.

Common mistakes in living wills

Caregiver smiles while helping an elderly woman with a cane in a sunny room.

1. Unclear language

Avoid vague phrases like "no life-prolonging measures". Be as specific as possible.

2. Forgotten update

Keep your order up to date. Medical advances or changes in your health may require new decisions.

3. Document difficult to access

Make sure that your order is easy to find in an emergency. Inform your family and register the document.

Costs of a living will in Austria

The costs vary depending on the effort:

Medical advice: 50-200 €
Notarization: 150-300 €
Patient Representation: Often free of charge

Many patient advocacy groups offer free support. Find out about the best options in your region.

FAQ: Your questions about living wills

noracares FAQs

What is the average salary for caregiver jobs in Klagenfurt?
The average salary for caregivers in Klagenfurt is around 1,800 to 2,500 euros gross per month. The salary varies depending on experience, qualifications and type of care, with possible bonuses for night or weekend work.

How can I apply for caregiver jobs in Klagenfurt?
Applications for care jobs or caregiver jobs in Klagenfurt are usually submitted online via job portals or directly to employers. An informative application with a CV, relevant qualifications and a letter of motivation is important. However, a personal interview also plays a decisive role.

What types of caregiver jobs are there in Klagenfurt?
There are different types of caregiver jobs in Klagenfurt, including 24-hour care, hourly care, social care, senior care and care assistance. These jobs can be offered in private households or in care facilities.

How much do caregivers in Klagenfurt earn per hour?

Caregivers in Klagenfurt earn on average between 12 and 15 euros per hour. The exact hourly wage depends on the qualification, the type of care and the agreement with the employer.

Are there part-time caregiver jobs in Klagenfurt?
Yes, there are part-time caregiver jobs in Klagenfurt, especially for hourly or flexible care. These options are ideal for people who want to organize their working hours individually.

Can I work in childcare without any training?
In some areas, such as domestic help or private childcare, formal training is not necessarily required. However, for specialized care, such as nursing or care for the disabled, specialist knowledge is required. Find out what the requirements are for the job you are looking for.

Can I make a career as a supervisor in Klagenfurt?

Absolutely! Klagenfurt offers many opportunities for training and further education that will boost your career prospects. With specializations, such as in dementia care or pain therapy, you can develop professionally and also grow into management roles.

Graphic of Nurse Nora with a stethoscope around her neck and the text 'Nora's Conclusion' on a green banner. Closing remark or summary in the healthcare sector.

A living will gives you the opportunity to make your medical wishes clear and binding. It protects you and relieves your family at a difficult time.

Start today: talk to your doctor, use templates and make sure your wishes are respected. noracares will support you every step of the way, so you can be sure that your future is in good hands.

With noracares you will find all the information and support you need to create your living will safely and easily. Get started now!

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Patient decree: Document setting out medical wishes in the event that you are no longer able to make decisions.
Binding injunction: Legally binding if all requirements are met.
Notable disposition: Not binding, but serves as a guide.
Patient Advice Register: National registry giving hospitals access to living wills.
Notarization: Legal confirmation that legally secures a document.

nora's helpful resources for home health aides and caregivers to support training and professional development.

An information sheet with a short checklist on living wills, which summarizes the most important steps and points for creating and keeping a living will.

Living will: Your plan for clarity and security