It’s not pleasant to consider the end of an older family member’s life. However, for family caregivers of seniors, it’s a reality they will eventually have to face. While the issue is largely an emotional one, there are also practical matters to continue. According to studies, 70 percent of families in the United States don’t discuss end-of-life matters until after an illness or serious injury occurs. However, it’s better for seniors and caregivers to talk about these things before it’s too late. Among the things to be discussed are important documents that need to be completed.
If you’re not sure what kinds of end-of-life documents your aging relative needs, below are some of the more important ones.
Will
A will is probably the document that people are most familiar with. It expresses how the senior wants their belongings to be dispersed after they pass. A will can be a complicated matter depending on the person’s financial situation. It’s important to get legal advice concerning the creation of a will to make sure that things are handled the way the senior wants them to be.
Durable Power of Attorney
This document gives the named person control over the older adult’s finances should they be unable to handle matters themselves. The person named can be a family caregiver or another trusted adult. Because states have different requirements for durable power of attorney, older adults should work with a lawyer to make sure they use the correct form. In addition, working with an attorney provides a witness that the older adult was of sound mind when they signed the papers should anyone contest them.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Healthcare Power of Attorney gives someone the right to make medical decisions for the older adult if they are unable to make them for themselves. Often the person chosen for this role is a primary caregiver.
Medical Information Release
This form gives your aging relative’s doctors permission to share information with you, such as medical records. Most providers have their own form, so you’ll have to fill one out for every facility the senior uses. A release makes the job of being a caregiver easier since it allows you to call providers to get test results and receive medical records to share with other providers.
Living Will
This document may also be called an Advance Healthcare Directive. It allows the older adult to provide written instructions for how they want to be cared for when they can no longer make decisions for themselves or express their wishes. Caregivers and doctors can use the living will to help them make decisions about care.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Westwood, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789
