Care for an Aging Relative Video |
We all begin our lives as helpless infants who need the dedication and devotion of our caregivers to survive. Eventually, the tide turns and those same individuals need to be cared for. If you're assuming the responsibility for an aging relative's care and feel overwhelmed with the host of decisions you need to make, don't panic. Watch this video clip to get started on answering your questions. Access all the material referenced in this video and more at Care for an Aging Relative.
Caring for An Aging Relative Video Transcript
We all begin our lives as helpless infants, needing the devotion and dedication of our caregivers to survive. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all play a role in raising us to adulthood.
As we age, the tide turns, and those same individuals who cared for us now need to be cared for. If you're assuming the responsibility of caring for an aging relative, there are a host of decisions to consider, including living arrangements and medical options, powers of attorney, wills and trusts, and more.
First, you need to consider where you're relative will live, which depends upon the level of care they require. Do they need constant medical supervision? Can they walk unassisted and feed themselves? Are they recovering from illness; do they require physical therapy?
For those who need long term care assistance, there's a wide range of options available, including independent living residences, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and extended care facilities. Overwhelmed with the options? Not sure how you'll pay for it? Visit lawyers.com for guidance on finding the facility that's right for your situation.
Has your relative designated a durable power of attorney for health care? If not, they should. This document contains specific written instructions on the level of medical care they wish to receive should they become unable to communicate due to injury or illness. It also designates a decision maker to act for the patient.
In addition, your relative should consider a living will - which gives healthcare providers instructions on what to do if a relative is in a permanently vegetative state.
Powers of Attorney can also be designated to handle financial affairs - such as writing checks from a bank account. For more information about Powers of Attorney and what they should include, visit lawyers.com.
Does your relative have a will? Many people believe that wills are only for the wealthy or for those who own property. That's simply not true. But, unfortunately, many people die without a will. When that happens, state law determines how property will be distributed. In many cases, the state's choices may not match what your relative would have wanted.
Wills, Powers of Attorney and Living Arrangements are just the tip of the iceberg when discussing your relative's end of life decisions. There's a lot more to consider. Need advice? An Elder Law attorney can help. Not sure where to find one in your area? Then visit the "Find a Lawyer" section of lawyers.com.
Have questions about other life events? Then go to the Life Events section on lawyers.com for more helpful video tips.
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