As a family caregiver, you want to make sure that your aging parent or relative is taken care of in the case of unforeseen circumstances – both legally and medically. However, those conversations can prove to be very difficult, especially about documents like living wills and powers of attorney. Here is a guide to help you open up the conversation with your loved one.
What Is a Living Will and Power of Attorney?
A living will and power of attorney are important documents meant to protect a senior during their later years in life. A living will is a legally binding document that outlines the wishes of the person who holds it, typically related to the medical care they would want or not want if they become unable to make those decisions on their own.
A power of attorney is also a legal document that gives someone else, such as a family member, authority over some aspect of another's life. Those areas can include financial management or medical decision-making if needed. It may also be referred to as an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD).
Why Is It Important to Discuss Living Wills and Power of Attorney?
It is important to discuss living wills and power of attorney so that family members understand the wishes of their elderly relatives. These documents provide peace of mind for not only your senior loved ones but also for those who will take on those responsibilities should it become necessary.
Living wills can protect a senior's preferences about medical care. On the other hand, powers of attorney give permission for another individual to act on behalf of the senior when it comes to financial and healthcare-related matters. This is in case of those moments when a senior cannot make those decisions or communicate their wishes on their own. Setting out those plans ahead of time can go a long way toward reducing stress and delays in the treatment of your senior loved one.
How to Have Difficult Conversations About Living Wills and Power of Attorney Documents
There are several important steps involved in your conversation about living wills or a power of attorney for a loved one.
- Choose the Right Time and Place: When you are ready to begin discussing living wills and powers of attorney documents with your elderly relative, be sure to choose a time that is appropriate – when everyone is relaxed and comfortable. Find a place where there will not be any distractions or interruptions in the conversation.
- Prepare Emotionally for the Conversation: Be aware that the discussion might stir up emotions on both sides. Avoid being defensive or critical if emotions arise during your exchange, as this could potentially damage relationships between family members.
- Discuss the Details: Once you have created space for these conversations, get into some of the details about what should happen for medical care or financial decisions if it becomes necessary for someone else to act on behalf of your aging relative. Brainstorm potential scenarios together so that everyone is clear about what decisions can be made by others before they are needed unexpectedly.
- Make Sure Everyone Is on the Same Page: Take time at each meeting to ensure agreements have been reached and make adjustments as needed based on feedback from each party involved. This way all parties become comfortable with how things need to move forward without creating extra stress later down the line.
Get Help for Senior Loved Ones at Home
Aging in place is important to many seniors, who prefer not to end up in a nursing home unless they have to. At Senior Helpers Poway, we can help respect the wishes of seniors in Poway, San Diego, and Ramona who want to enjoy their golden years at home. Contact us today to learn more about our services.