Pictured are author Miriam Stein and podcast host Oliver Schmidt

#55: Menopause at Work: Let's Talk About It Now!

Sleep problems, exhaustion, mood swings, or brain fog: Menopause can affect daily life and work. Nevertheless, many women going through menopause initially lack the knowledge to make sense of these changes—and often lack the space to talk openly about them.

​​​​​​​Inthe new episode of “Heiter bis stürmisch,” Oliver Schmidt speaks with author and activist Miriam Stein. With her book *Die gereizte Frau*, she has sparked a social debate about menopause, women’s health, and women’s knowledge. 

Miriam Stein is not a doctor—she approaches the topic from a social, political, and structural perspective: Why is women’s health still given too little consideration in research and the workplace? And what needs to change so that those affected are no longer left to fend for themselves at work?
You can read more about symptoms and how women can navigate menopause successfully in our article “Menopause: Managing Symptoms—Tips for Everyday Life.”

How can managers support female employees going through menopause?

From a structural perspective, Miriam Stein recommends three things above all: listening without making assumptions; breaking the taboo surrounding the topic, for example through open communication within the team; and creating concrete support measures—such as flexible work schedules, quiet spaces, or informational resources as part of the company’s health management program.

Through the pme Familienservice , we help employees and companies assess stressors and promote healthy work practices—for example, through psychosocial counseling and workplace health management programs.

If menopausal symptoms are affecting your daily life or work, counseling sessions can help you identify your needs, plan your next steps, and prepare for conversations in the workplace. Medical symptoms should be discussed individually with a healthcare professional.

Cheerful to stormy - the everyday podcast with Olli Schmidt

Welcome to "Heiter bis stürmisch" - the everyday podcast. Cheerful or saddened to death: life has its ups and downs. That's what we're all about: everyday crises such as arguments with your partner, parenting issues, work overload, insecurities and anxiety. We talk to experts and give you practical tips to help you deal better with crises and challenges.

You can listen to our podcast on all major podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Audible, etc.)! Questions, suggestions, feedback, or requests? Feel free to email us at:
podcast@familienservice.de

Miriam Stein: The Irritable Woman
Miriam Stein: The Outrageous Woman
Dr. Sheila de Liz: Woman on Fire
Dr. Katrin Schaudig: Hot Stuff – Menopause Tips on the Go
Dr. Judith Bildau: Body in Balance 

 

zero Spouses' emergency representation law: What you need to know!

Spouses' right of emergency representation
Age & care

Spouses' emergency representation law: What you need to know!

If a person was no longer able to make decisions about their own health due to an accident or serious illness, this often came as a nasty surprise for their spouse or partner.

Contrary to what they often thought, life partners were not automatically entitled to make decisions for their partner. The emergency spouse representation law gives spouses and civil partners the opportunity to make decisions in emergency medical situations, for example regarding medical examinations or treatments. 

In this article you will learn

  • When does the spouse's right of emergency representation apply and what options does it offer?
  • In which areas spouses will be able to make decisions in emergencies in future.
  • What limits the spouse's right of emergency representation has.
  • Why individual provision is still important.

When does the emergency spouse representation law apply and what does it include?

The "Right of emergency representation between spouses in health matters" comes into force in January 2023 .

According to this regulation, spouses can represent each other in emergency medical situations even without a living will or power of attorney and take over the healthcare of their partner who is unable to make decisions. However, this right only applies for a maximum of six months. 

If the condition has not improved after this, a legal guardian can be appointed by the guardianship court. Relatives, volunteers or full-time caregivers are usually considered for this.

In which areas will spouses be able to make decisions in future?

They can make decisions about treatments and examinations as well as decisions relating to property law that are directly connected to this (e.g. concluding treatment and care contracts). 

What are the limits of the spouse's right of emergency representation?

The new regulation expressly refers only to emergencies.

For example, spouses are only authorized to act once a doctor has confirmed their partner's incapacity in writing. In addition, the right of emergency representation only applies in direct connection with health care - but not for residential matters or the care of property.

Is the right of emergency representation mandatory?

No, it does not apply if it is contrary to the wishes of the patient. It does not apply if the patient has previously authorized another person in a health care proxy or has expressed a different will.

It also does not apply to spouses who are separated. 

What is recommended for comprehensive prevention? 

The spouse's right of emergency representation can be a great relief in acute situations. However, it does not replace the tried and tested precautionary options such as a health care proxy and living will.

On the one hand, these are not limited in time, and on the other hand, they offer considerably more freedom of design because they allow very individual arrangements for a wide variety of areas. 

An overview of spousal emergency representation law: 5 key points 

  • The emergency representation law comes into force in January 2023.
  • Spouses and registered partners can represent each other in healthcare matters.
  • The right of representation is only valid for a maximum of 6 months. 
  • A doctor must have confirmed the partner's legal incapacity.
  • Living wills and health care proxies are still recommended for comprehensive provision.
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Learn more about pme Familienservice

 

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