Overview

• Projections cited by the justice ministry foresee dementia cases in Bavaria rising from about 270,000 today to as many as 380,000 within 15 years.
• Justice Minister Georg Eisenreich says awareness is improving yet millions still lack adequate legal preparation for loss of capacity.
• Notaries report more situations in which people can no longer act for themselves and a court-appointed guardian must make decisions, according to chamber president Jens Kirchner.
• Many residents wrongly assume spouses or children can decide automatically, but without a valid power of attorney the guardianship court appoints a decision-maker who could be a relative or a stranger.
• Guardianship matters are growing more complex, especially when no living will exists to establish presumed wishes, and Bavaria relies on several tens of thousands of voluntary and professional guardians.