How to Discuss Long Term Care with your Aging Parent
Conversations about long-term care and end-of-life decisions are important but often overlooked discussion topics as our loved ones age. Whether documenting an aging parent's wishes in writing or providing them with the most comfortable and caring environment possible, having open conversations can ensure the end-of-life care your loved one wants and deserves. Here are the four things every family caregiver should discuss with their aging parent.
Starting the Conversation
According to the National Institute on Aging, an advance directive is a legal document that goes into effect when individuals cannot speak for themselves or are incapacitated. It allows an individual to express if they'd like emergency measures used to keep them alive, such as:
- Artificial nutrition or hydration to feed an individual through a feeding tube.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR to restore an individual's heartbeat if their heart stops or has an abnormal rhythm.
- Comfort care soothes an individual and relieves suffering while still following their wishes.
- A ventilator to help individuals breathe.
A power of attorney (POA) for healthcare allows individuals to entrust someone else to make decisions about their medical care. Individuals might need two separate POA documents for healthcare and another for finances. A power of attorney can be the same person for both or different people.
An estate planning attorney can help your loved one establish a power of attorney or a living will to communicate end-of-life healthcare wishes. Your loved one may also consider creating additional documents regarding their desires about a single medical issue, such as:
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A medical order written by a doctor that tells healthcare providers not to do CPR if an individual's breathing stops or if the individual's heart stops beating.
- Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST): These forms clarify your medical care preferences in a doctor's orders. Not all states acknowledge this form; check with your medical team for additional information.
Once your loved one has established power of attorney or a living will, it is vital to ensure this paperwork is available and easy to locate. Some individuals may consider wearing a medical identification bracelet or choose to carry paperwork with them, expressing their desire for advanced directives. It is also crucial to regularly review your healthcare preferences and wishes with your POA.
It's also crucial to update these advanced care documents periodically to ensure your loved one's wishes are current. Legal paperwork should be reviewed every five years, or more often if needed, to ensure accuracy.
Communication is Key:
Clarity is essential for the family. Everyone should be on the same page about care for their elderly loved one.
Long-term care can be a sensitive topic, so starting the conversation early, listening to and respecting your parents' wishes, and exploring options together, can help your parents live safely and happily.
For a complimentary in-home consultation to disucss options and get help with a care plan call BrightStar Care of Las Vegas's at 702-982-2273.
BrightStar Care's Professional Care Team, led by a Registered Nurse Director of Nursing, delivers expert, compassionate, and personal home care, including COVID-19 care, employee screening, and testing for businesses and clients. Our professional care experts are ready to serve 24/7. RN oversight ensures the right care from the right people. We proudly provide home health care and support for seniors to children, including 24-hour skilled nursing and support in senior independent and assisted living communities. We proudly serve The Lakes Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Southwest Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Spanish Trails, and Spanish Hills areas in NV.
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