December 2020
Caring for an aging family member is exhausting work, even more so if that family member is suffering from dementia or other conditions. Primary caretakers may rarely or never get a break from this work, which often leads to caregiver burnout. Burnout has dangerous consequences for both the caregiver and his or her aging family member. Respite care is an option that may provide some relief. What is respite care? Respite care offers primary caregivers a short-term “respite” from the strenuous demands of caring for someone else by allowing an alternate, qualified caregiver to take over for a specified time. Respite care may only last a few hours, or it may last for several days or even weeks. This alternate care may be a regularly scheduled event, or it may be a solution when an emergency situation arises. Who offers respite care? Respite care often takes place in the home of the person who needs care, or at a designated facility, such as an adult day care. Many assisted living and skilled nursing facilities also offer respite care services. Regular, respite-care visits to such a facility may make the transition to full-time facility care significantly easier when the time comes. How can families pay for respite care? The cost of respite care varies depending on the location and duration of care. Caregivers who provide in-home help often charge an hourly rate, while adult day care centers may offer daily or weekly rates. Washington’s Community First Choice Option and Medicaid Personal Care programs may cover some or all of the costs of respite care for eligible Washington residents. Caregivers frequently feel pressure to “do it all” and are often reluctant to seek outside help. However, by giving the caretaker a much-needed break, respite care is beneficial for everyone involved.
Without naming a trusted agent through an advanced health care directive, you may not receive the medical treatment of your choice. Your spouse or adult children may have the responsibility of making end-of-life decisions in the event of your illness or incapacitation. Communicating with your doctors during a sudden accident or serious illness may place unintended and overwhelming stress on your family. A well-written advanced health care directive, however, provides detailed written instructions for your agent to follow. Your agent may then inform your physicians, nurses, and medical staff regarding what medical procedures to include or avoid in your care. What types of instructions may I include in an advanced health care directive? You may provide your agent and medical professionals with your wishes for carrying out treatment. As reported by Kiplinger magazine, you may proactively approve, refuse and deny specific options available for your care. For example, if you prefer to forgo invasive surgical procedures, your advanced health care directive may state this. Your directives could also address receiving or avoiding certain pain relief and other medications to conform with your personal beliefs. Some individuals may require assisted living arrangements; your advanced health care directive may instruct your chosen agent regarding your admittance to an appropriate facility. What if my family does not agree with my wishes? Family members may become overprotective when a loved one reaches the end of his or her life. A relative or an adult child may develop a different opinion regarding your preferred treatment methods. You may grant your agent the authority to override your directives if he or she knows your wishes are different than those provided for in your directive. You may also required your agent to follow your directives. Your chosen and trusted agent, however, must follow your expressed wishes.
Many people are well aware of the financial perks of setting up a solid estate plan, such as ensuring that assets are divided in accordance with one’s wishes and even helping disabled loved ones retain their eligibility for government benefits through a special needs trust. However, there are many other reasons why having an effective estate plan is important, from safeguarding the stability of a family to emotional relief. If you are undecided about whether it is the right time to create a will or trust, carefully reflect on some of the other reasons why having an estate plan in place is so important. What emotional perks do estate plans offer? According to USAGov, creating an estate plan allows people to pass down their assets following their death and help their loved ones understand and carry out their wishes. Many people feel incredibly relieved once they have successfully maneuvered through the process of setting up an estate plan and feel less stressed out about their life and their loved ones’ futures. Uncertainties about one’s ability to provide family members with financial support after they die often diminish or even disappear altogether. Some people have an easier time accepting end of life issues and sleep better with a renewed sense of hope. How do estate plans benefit a family? When someone dies without an estate plan (or they have a poorly-drafted will or trust), many problems often arise for their loved ones. Sometimes, bitter disputes tear families apart and lead to long-term rivalries. Even when families are able to reach agreement on key estate matters, the entire process is often very stressful and time-consuming when an estate plan is not in place to account for these hurdles. By taking the time to work through one’s estate by setting up an effective plan, many of these challenges are avoided.
