Are You Prepared For Your Aging Parents Future?

No one wants to think about their parents getting older and that maybe one day they will no longer be there but wouldn't you feel better if you knew that everything was in order for the future? Most people don't even think about this until there is a crisis and then on top of a health issue they are also dealing with legal, financial and care matters. But where do you begin? Begin by having a conversation with aging your love one about the need for a plan for their future. It may go something like this -

Mom you know I'd never want to be without you but I was wondering if something was to happen to you and you weren't able to care for yourself or make decisions what kinds of plans do you already have in place?

I have a will.

That's great mom. I've been doing some reading and I've learned that it's very important to also have what you would like to happen if you were unable to make healthcare decisions for yourself, like do you want to be kept alive on a respirator, receive food and water through a feeding tube or have CPR. Also if something should happen to dad we need to make sure you're prepared to handle all the financial affairs. How about we set up an appointment with an attorney to discuss all this in detail and make sure we have everything taken care of?

What you'll need from the attorney -

1.Living Will stating their end of life choices regarding being kept alive on a respirator, receiving artificial nutrition and hydration

2.Power of Attorney in case they are not able to handle their legal and financial affairs

3.Health Care Representative designated to make healthcare decisions if they become unable to, especially important if there are any signs of dementia

While you're there you should take care of this for yourself as well. While working in a nursing home I was surprised how often people had not taken care of this. You can get a copy of a Living Will declaration and Indiana Do Not Resuscitate Order at Aging Avenues if you can't get them to an attorney. It is often to get Guardianship for them if a health event happens and they are not able to make their own decisions immediately. They are required to be deemed incompetent which is not something doctors like to do. This is a good reason to have your loved one get a geriatric evaluation if you suspect they have a memory issue. Not only is treatment only most effective early on, because it delays the symptoms but then you will have a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease if you should not be able to convince them to appoint a Healthcare Representative. You don't want to find yourself in this spot. Being a Guardian is a very laborsome position because you have to report everything you do or spend to the court. Take action and have the conversation so you don't find yourself in a difficult situation.