Why You Need an Advance Health Directive, also known as a Health Care Proxy with Advance Medical Directives

/in /by

Planning for a time when you are incapable of caring for yourself and for making major decisions about your health care when facing end-of-life situations is not easy. While many people profess that they do not want extreme measures to be taken if it means living with a greatly diminished quality of life, very few of us actually put those wishes in writing or advise our spouse or close relatives. Without a written instruction or direction, the default decision is to implement option treatments that may keep you alive under all circumstances.

Read more

Dealing With Family When Making Caregiving Agreements

/in /by

There may come a time in some people’s lives when they are no longer independent in daily living activities and need assistance. This may be help for relatively minor tasks such as shopping or providing transportation for medical visits or other activities, or it may mean that they require extensive in-home assistance, or possibly eventual relocation to an assisted living facility or nursing home. If this is happening with a parent or other loved one, then a family discussion may be needed to figure out how to deal with the situation. It is often recommended in such circumstances to draft a caregiving agreement if a family member or close companion is to move in with the individual or vice versa.

Read more

What to Do After a Loved One Passes

/in /by

The loss of a loved one may be the most traumatic event you will ever experience. Even if your loved one’s passing had been expected, the reality of the moment often hits hard.  You will need some time to reflect on your loss and to make arrangements for your loved one’s cremation or interment.

Read more

Ten Tips to Fight Off Dementia

/in /by

Ten Tips to Fight Off Dementia

Dementia is a dreaded disease that science has yet to find a cure and can affect people as early as their 50s, though most sufferers are over 65 when symptoms first appear. Dementia includes Alzheimer’s Disease, which accounts for 50% to 80% of all dementia cases, or any other condition where your mental faculties decline. Symptoms include problems with language, recognition of family and friends, memory loss, and slowed thinking. Some people hallucinate or believe they are talking to long dead family members.

Read more

/in /by

Top Ten Things You Need to Know Before Moving Into a Nursing Home

Transitioning from home to a nursing home or facility can be traumatic. Your loved one is entering the last phase of his or her life and the move means relinquishing a certain degree of privacy, individual decision-making, and freedom. Coming to this decision is often an uneasy one, since your parent may well resist the move and refuse to cooperate. This decision can be equally traumatic for you since you will be taking on new responsibilities if you want your loved one to be comfortable in her new surroundings.

Read more