Healthcare planning documents to consider with your aging parents
As your loved ones age, it's important to think about what will happen to you if they become incapacitated or unable to make their own medical decisions. As a caretaker, there are countless things to keep track of. From managing medications to scheduling doctor's appointments, it can be a lot to handle. It can be overwhelming, but you should not overlook advance medical planning with your loved one, while they can still express their wishes.
Advance medical planning is the process outlining your loved one's wishes for their health care in the event that they become incapacitated or unable to make their own decisions. Advance directives are legal documents that provide instructions for medical care and only go into effect if you cannot communicate your own wishes. The two most common advance directives for health care are the living will and the durable power of attorney for health care. If your loved one is clear about the specific treatment they want, they may also consider a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.
Living will: A living will is a legal document that expresses your loved one's wishes for end-of-life care, such as whether they want to be placed on life support or receive artificial nutrition and hydration. This only goes into effect if one is terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state
Durable power of attorney for health care: A durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC) appoints someone your loved one trusts to make health care decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. This goes into effect immediately after it has been signed.
Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order: A DNR order tells doctors not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your loved one's heart stops or they stop breathing.
It is important to note that these documents are not all created equal. For example, a living will only goes into effect if your loved one is terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state. A healthcare power of attorney, on the other hand, is in effect as soon as it is signed, even if your loved one is still able to make their own decisions.
If you expect to become a caretaker for an aging parent, you should also consider gathering some additional information and documents to make this process easier. You likely don’t need power of attorney right away, but you do need them to allow you access to important medical information and to talk to their doctors.
HIPAA authorization: This document allows you to access your parent's medical records. You can get this before implementing stronger control with durable power of attorney for healthcare.
Medicare and/or Insurance information: This information will be helpful in getting your parent the care they need. You will need this at every doctors visit.
List of current medications: This list will be helpful in ensuring that your parent is taking their medications correctly.
List of allergies and sensitivities: This list will be helpful in avoiding medications and treatments that could harm your parent.
Medical history: This information will be helpful in understanding your parent's health and making informed decisions about their care.
As a caregiver, you can help your loved one create advance medical planning documents by:
Talking to them about their wishes for their health care.
Helping them find the right forms and resources.
Arranging for legal assistance if needed.
Making sure that the documents are signed and witnessed.
Keeping the documents in a safe place.
Advance medical planning is an important part of caring for an aging adult. By taking the time to create these documents, you can help ensure that your loved one's wishes are carried out. In addition, when it comes time for you to make difficult decisions, you will be significantly less burdened.
Chapter is also here to help — we facilitate these conversations and help store the important information for caregivers and their loved ones.