Having a conversation about living wills and power of attorney can be difficult, especially when the topic involves making decisions for an elderly family member. These legal tools are imperative documents that provide details on how to care for their medical and financial needs in a life-altering situation. Educating yourself and understanding these pivotal documents can ensure the safety of those you care deeply about while alleviating any questions or concerns they may have down the road.
A Brief Overview of Living Wills and Power of Attorney
Living wills and powers of attorney are legal documents that allow someone to maintain control over their future healthcare decisions and personal finances. A living will allows an individual to make their own healthcare decisions with the help of doctors or family members should they ever become too sick. Power of attorney applies when the person cannot make informed decisions for themselves due to physical limitations or health conditions. This person is entitled to oversee medical treatments, financial agreements (such as paying bills), social security benefits, tax filing responsibilities, and other assets.
Benefits of Having These Documents
These important documents are useful to have as they allow an individual to continue making decisions independently, even in difficult situations. These documents can save considerable time and finances for the family members if the senior's wishes are not previously communicated or documented. Furthermore, having these documents creates a sense of assurance that their wishes will be fulfilled following their preferences when unforeseeable events occur.
Where to Start the Conversation
When discussing these matters, it is important to include primary caregivers of the senior, medical personnel, and key family members who are part of decision-making. It may also be beneficial to assemble knowledgeable professionals including lawyers, financial advisors, or geriatric care managers.
Having this conversation in a private setting with no distractions or interruptions can help foster an open dialogue and minimize any discomfort for all involved parties. Alternatively, one could consider having these conversations during a regular family gathering such as Thanksgiving dinner which could evoke more meaningful connections between individuals discussing their loved one's wishes.
How to Have the Conversation
One of the most essential parts of having this conversation is to remain mindful of the feelings and perspectives of everyone involved. It can be a difficult topic, so it is beneficial to approach all conversations with empathy and understanding. Respect your loved one's thoughts and emotions and listen without judgment.
Although uncomfortable at times, maintain an open discourse by explicitly discussing your family member's preferences for end-of-life care decisions and directives. In doing so, you will ensure that these documents are according to their wishes should they ever need them in the future.
Rely on Senior Helpers Metairie
Senior Helpers Metairie provides supportive and compassionate in-home senior care for families in Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans, Westwego, and the surrounding areas. We understand the difficulty of talking about these tricky topics but are here to provide help every step of the way.
Our highly skilled staffs work with each person's unique needs and preferences by providing education on living wills and power of attorney as well as other resources available to seniors throughout our community. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you have meaningful conversations about creating a plan for your loved one's future!