Taking Precautionary Measures For Old Age

Most people only consider end-of-life care when they are becoming older. However, a medical emergency that renders you unconscious or unable to make your own decisions could occur at any time. In these cases, it is up to family members to make the decision based on their perceptions of your preferences. Making an advance directive can communicate your preferences, leaving minimal room for interpretation, as opposed to forcing them to make a decision.

An advance directive is what?

A health care power of attorney and a living will are generally included in an advance directive, which is a legal document. It could also include other documents related to certain circumstances.

If you want someone to make medical decisions for you if you become incapable or handicapped, you can designate that person as your health care power of attorney. They are the ones to whom the medical professionals will look for their approval.

Your wishes regarding life support, resuscitation, ventilators, dialysis, feeding tubes, and comfort care are stated in a living will. You can also indicate whether you want to donate your organs or tissues.

How does that help the seniors?

Seniors who cannot take a proper decision during illness can benefit from an advance directive. Your decisions regarding your care will be carried out by these legal documents. During a trying moment, it might help relieve some of the strain on family members. The optimum time to have these discussions is when you are still capable of thinking clearly, which can be challenging, especially if you are still alive and well. Making decisions while you are still mentally sound is especially important if you were to develop a neurodegenerative illness like Alzheimer’s.

The actions you desire to be taken to soothe you or extend your life are clear when they are expressed in writing. Since you have expressed your wishes, there is no debate within the family about what you might have preferred. Among the subjects that a living frequently covers are:

Whether you want medical attention delivered at a hospital or home.

• If you prefer to be incubated or given resuscitation.
• No matter if you want hydration or artificial nutrients (IV).
• Regardless of whether you choose to donate any of your organs or tissue.
• How you would like to be cared for to maintain your comfort at the end of life?

An advance directive should be created

This document can be written by your family on your own or in collaboration with an attorney. Some states call for it to be notarized, while others just need two witnesses’ signatures that aren’t your health care power of attorney. For more on requirements, you may check with your state.

Make sure you save a duplicate of these documents with your medical records, give one to your doctor and your attorney, and distribute the rest to your family after you have finished and notarized these forms. Remember to distribute new copies of these records if you make any updates. Senior Assisted Living Anthem can help you by providing the best-assisted living facilities for the residents with comprehensive medical facilities and round-the-clock assistance. In case you need any help, feel free to connect by dialing 602.909.9550.