After your aging relative has been diagnosed with dementia, you must figure out all the legalities involved in his or her care, both now and over the long term. You want your loved one to have as much input as possible regarding his or her health care, ensuring his or her wishes are carried out even when he or she is unable to make decisions independently. Although this is a sensitive topic, it’s important to discuss the following legal matters with your loved one.
Living Will
Talk to your loved one about finalizing a living will. The will makes your parent’s intentions clear and known to everyone regarding how he or she wants his or her health care to be handled as the symptoms of the disease progress. This will include decisions about issues such as life-saving measures, DNR (do not resuscitate) orders, and the use of a breathing machine or other methods to prolong life. Living wills provide seniors in the early stages of dementia some control over their care, so it’s very important that they take advantage of this opportunity. This may also be a good time to discuss where your loved one would like to receive care. With reliable services such as in-home care, seniors have the option of receiving the advanced care they need in the comfort of home.
If your loved one wants to continue living at home as long as possible, help is available. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional
dementia care. Des Moines families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Living Trust
A living trust should also be created while your loved one still retains his or her cognitive function. Who does your loved one want to have his or her property and assets when he or she passes away? This will ensure your parent’s most precious belongings and hard-earned assets are left in the hands of family members and individuals he or she trusts.
If your loved one’s decisions include living at home throughout the golden years, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the possibility he or she may need help with the activities of daily living. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading
Des Moines elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Durable Power of Attorney
Your parent in the early stages of dementia can grant power of attorney to you or someone else he or she trusts. Power of attorney means someone other than the senior can make decisions about medical care, distribution of assets, and other personal and business matters. It’s vital that your loved one puts in writing that he or she wants the power of attorney to continue after he or she no longer has the mental capacity to make decisions.
If your loved one gives you medical power of attorney, you’ll have the legal authority to hire a home caregiver for him or her. When researching agencies that provide
senior care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (515) 264-2438 today.
