An accident, an illness, an operation, a disability or the consequences of ageing can put any of us in a situation in which we are no longer able to act independently and make sensible decisions. However, relatives - even spouses, children or partners - are not automatically authorized to act as legal representatives. What happens if I am dependent on the care of others? Who acts and decides for me, and how are decisions made? For care at home or in a nursing home? For an operation or other medical measures, or against them? For all these questions and to be able to make legally binding decisions, a valid power of attorney is required. In this lecture, care law, health care proxies and care and living wills will be explained in an understandable way using examples.