Consider, for example:

• Do I understand what is in store for me?
• What things in the future do I worry about?
• What do I still want to do in the time I have left?
• What limitations - caused by my illness - do I find acceptable?

Speaking about dying

It is important to think in time about what you would or would not want around the end of life. Perhaps you are dealing with an incurable disease, or you just want to be well prepared for what is to come. By recording your wishes in a will, make clear what is important to you - to yourself, your loved ones and your doctor.

You can hand in your will to the practice assistant. If you have questions about drawing it up, you can also ask her. You do not need to make an appointment with your GP for this. Would you rather talk to someone about your wishes? Then make an appointment with the practice's geriatric care assistant.

Even if you later want to change something in your will, or if you want to confirm that your will is still valid, you can easily tell the assistant. You don't need to come to the doctor's surgery for this either.

What can you include in a will?

A will can consist of several parts. You decide which parts apply to you. Below you can read more about the most common parts:

• A treatment ban: In it, you specify which medical procedures you do not want to have performed (anymore).
• A non-resuscitation statement: This lets you know that you do not want to be resuscitated in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
• A written authorisation from a representative: you appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf when you can no longer do so yourself.
• A written euthanasia request: You describe the circumstances in which you would want euthanasia performed.

About the written euthanasia request

In a written euthanasia request, you indicate when you feel that there is unbearable and hopeless suffering, and that you would want 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. That way, you can clearly show what you mean. In any case, discuss your wishes with your loved ones too, so they know what is important to you.

Important to know: A written euthanasia request does not automatically mean that you are entitled to euthanasia. The moment you suffer unbearably and hopelessly and want euthanasia, the (family) doctor assesses whether your situation meets the six legal requirements of care. The doctor is not obliged to perform euthanasia.

The same applies: if at that moment - through words or behaviour - you show that you do not want euthanasia (anymore), the doctor may not give euthanasia. Your expression at that moment outweighs what you have previously recorded.

In conclusion

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

1. Central government. "The 6 care requirements of the euthanasia law". Central government https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/levenseinde-en-euthanasie/zorgvuldigheidseisen