Talking About the Future with Your Loved One

Talking About the Future with Your Loved One

Deciding when to talk your parents and loved ones about their future is never easy, especially when the talk includes their declining health and death. Although it may be difficult to talk about it is something that should be discussed in case something were to go wrong. We never know when something bad will happen, so think about it this way: Does your family have a plan set up if something were to go wrong tomorrow? If the answer is no then you could be adding unnecessary stress to an already stressful situation. It is important to talk to your loved one about their finances and what they would like done in case an unfortunate event occurs. It is better to plan for unforeseen events than to wait until your loved one has declined significantly. If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease it is important to talk about and settle this issue before they significantly decline.

One of the best things to set up to help your loved one with their finances and health care decisions is to name a Durable Power of Attorney (POA). “A durable power of attorney (POA) enables your elderly parent (called the “principal” in the power of attorney document) to appoint an “agent,” such as a trusted relative or friend, to handle specific health, legal and financial responsibilities.” It can be set up for either financial or healthcare decisions, or if needed both. The POA can go into effect immediately or can be set up to start as soon as your loved ones starts declining, which gives them the power to control the decisions until they are no longer able to. This option works best since it allows your loved one to decide who gets to make the choices for them when they are no longer able to do it for themselves and it also gives them the opportunity to decide what they can and cannot do.

It is important to reassure your loved one that they are not signing away their independence or giving another person control of their entire life. A POA is only to be able to make important decisions on their behalf in regards to healthcare or being able to access their money to pay bills and handle their finances for them when they no longer can do it themselves. Talk to your parents or loved ones about what they wish to be done when they are no longer able to decide. It guarantees you that you are doing what they wished and wanted while also avoiding the stresses of not having a plan and having to find other legal routes to be able to help them. It is always good to have a plan and be prepared because it is better to be safe than sorry. Resources are available to help you plan and make the correct choices in regards to the future. Don’t push aside making important decisions that can affect you later on down the road. Be prepared.

How can Oxnard Family Circle Help?

Oxnard Family Circle Adult Day Health Care Center has social workers onsite that can help you find answers to your questions about planning for the future with your elder loved one. They are educated on resources that can help your family decide if your are making the right choice or help direct you towards resources that may be useful to get you started. Along with assisting your family with decision making for the future Oxnard Family Circle ADHC can  provide you with respite from your caregiving duties. We understand that caring for a loved one can be a difficult job and we are here to help. Senior, adult and Veteran care is available at our center.

We offer transportation to and from our center, 2 hot nutritious meals, physical and occupational therapy, skilled nursing care and more. You can rest assured that your loved one will be engaged and encouraged to partake in the fun activities planned daily that go on throughout the day. Adult Day Health Care is one of the best-kept secrets of senior care. Most people are only familiar with assisted living facilities, retirement centers and in-home care services. One of the greatest stresses involved with your loved one getting older is the feeling that you are being forced to choose between having your loved one live at home or at a retirement center. It is equally stressful that these options are so expensive, and as a caregiver you may feel that you have been backed into a corner to make these decisions. However, adult day health care is a hidden gem in the world of senior care because it is an inexpensive medium between in-home care and a retirement center. For only 79 dollars a day at Oxnard Family Circle, you and your loved one will be offered all the services of a retirement facility or in-home care and more.  Adult Day Health Care is the best substitute because all the services of senior health care are offered to you at the lowest cost available.

Oxnard Family Circle ADHC is a great option that will help you save money, prevent stress and keep your loved one out of a nursing facility. We are currently covered by Medi-Cal, Department of Veteran Affairs, Tri-county Regional Center, Long Term Care Insurance, and Private Pay as low as $79 per day. Contact us today and schedule your tour.