Creating an Advance Directive - Good for You and Peace for Your Family
Nobody wants to think of what happens near the end of life. The COVID-19 virus crisis placed many unfortunate families caught off guard. Knowing your final wishes and those of your loved ones is not a new issue. Planning makes it easier for everyone.
Are you or a loved one ignoring putting together an advance directive? Be sure you and your family understand your wishes. Push your loved ones who have avoided doing so to complete these forms. If it is you that is ignoring the problem, why?
An advance directive is a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment, often including a living will, which ensures those wishes get carried out should the person be unable to communicate them to a doctor.
Legal Documents Help When You're Unable to Communicate Your Wishes
These are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about medical decisions when you can't communicate them, including end-of-life care. You do this ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and help avoid confusion and disagreements between family members later on.
But what if someone you love won't create one? Now what? Harvard University publishing says to start by asking your loved one two simple questions.
Advance directives cover many areas. While many end-of-life health crises happen during old age, health events and accidents happen at all ages. You should not delay placing your wishes in writing.
Free Advance Directive Forms from AARP
The AARP has free advance directive forms based on the state where you live. Find your state.
Another area not to avoid is the consequence of changing health and aging will have on your family and finances. Many people assume long-term health care is paid for by their health insurance or Medicare. Not true. Medicaid will only pay for long-term health care when you have little or no income and assets. Long-term care is your responsibility.
Unless you want your family to become your caregiver (you don't - caregiving is physically and emotionally demanding) or you want to lose all your assets and end up on Medicaid (not a good goal as the quality of care is questionable and you lose all your assets) - then you need a plan.
LTC Insurance is Key Part of Planning
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution many American families make as part of their retirement plan. A policy gives you access to your choice of quality care, including home care. You not only safeguard assets, but you reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on your family.
The best time to get coverage is when you are in your 40s or 50s. Seek the assistance of a qualified and trusted Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. Be sure they work with the major companies as premiums can vary over 100% between companies. Find your specialist.
Few people like the idea of think about the end, but there is a tremendous sense of peace you will have when you get your ducks in a row.