Patients & Family
We would like to inform you, as a patient or family member, of what you should know and what precautions need to be taken.
Courage to ask questions
We encourage you to ask any questions that concern you!
You have the right to know everything about your illness and treatment options, and you have the choice between different treatment options. Any therapy that has been started - whether it's chemotherapy or artificial nutrition - can be stopped again, even prematurely, meaning earlier than originally planned.
Your body, your decision
Remember that you are the expert on your illness and your body. Doctors are experts in the theory of disease and treatment. Only you can sense what helps you and what does not. If an illness is far advanced, careful consideration must be given to whether a possible prolongation of life is justified in relation to the risks and side effects of a therapy.
We encourage you to ask any question!
It is your legitimate concern to ask more precisely:
- At best, what life extension can I gain from therapy - more like three years, three months, or three weeks?
- What are the risks of the therapy? Can these risks be life-threatening?
- What side effects should I expect?
- Will my daily life be greatly affected?
- What interactions can occur between therapies, e.g. between chemotherapy and radiotherapy?
Living Will & Health Care Power of Attorney
Even more important, is that you specify in a power of attorney who should represent your interests if you are not able to do so yourself. You should have a detailed discussion with this trusted person about your wishes regarding end-of-life treatment. The more accurately this person knows your wishes, preferences, and dislikes, the easier it is to implement the living will.
We would like to encourage you - regardless of age and illness - to speak openly with your family, or at least with your trusted person, about these issues. It is not always easy. But the more consciously we deal with our dying, the more intensively we can live!
Patient Rights Act - Access to Your Medical Records
Since 2013, the Patient Rights Act stipulates that you are entitled to access your medical records. It is helpful if you have a copy of every doctor's letter or test report. We can "translate" these into understandable language and discuss advantages and disadvantages of therapies with you. This also applies to the medications we prescribe, with their often confusing and anxiety-provoking package inserts. We can also check information you have obtained from the internet for credibility and go through it together. With regard to treatment options, we place particular importance on your quality of life.
Opening hours
Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 16:00
Sat - Sun: Emergencies only
Address
Palliativteam Hochtaunus GmbH, Daimlerstraße 12,
61352 Bad Homburg
