There are many things in life we cannot control. The good news is we can control our response to what happens to us. One way to be prepared to respond is to create long term health care goals and plans and share them with family. It is never too early to have these discussions. At any point in life, one may endure an illness, injury, or diagnosis that throws you into a sudden healthcare crisis. And that is not the ideal time to start planning.
Ponder these questions to start your planning:
Do I have a trusted physician who is skilled in geriatric medicine with whom I see regularly and who listens and understands me? Are they helpful in connecting me to the right medical specialists depending on my health conditions?
Do I want to remain in my home for as long as possible? Or do I want to move to an adult retirement community or a continuing care community? Do I understand the difference between the two? Am I aware of the best local home care agencies if and when I need help with tasks such as transportation, housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal care services?
Do I have a long-term care policy? Do I understand the daily benefit amount, length of benefit, the waiting period before benefits begin, and the types of care it covers?
Do I have the legal and financial experts in place whom I trust and know will be available to me when needed? Have I designated a health care power of attorney and a financial power of attorney who is aware of my wishes?
Do I have my will and advance directives updated and does a trusted family member or friend know where they are? Do I have my “file of life” located somewhere in my home visible to emergency responders? (To include allergies, list of medications, health conditions, emergency contact information, and a DNR “Do Not Resuscitate” if you have one)
Once you have marinated on these topics, identify the areas where you may need more help. There are many trusted folks in our community who can assist you in planning -- whether it be clergy, a parish nurse from your church, a home care agency nurse, a certified financial planner, an estate planning attorney, or a certified geriatric care manager. Asking for help can be hard and making some of these decisions ahead of time can be daunting. But it is well worth the time and effort to have a long-term health care plan in place that YOU created!
