When you are a senior, no matter how hard you try, it would be hard to not think about their impending passing. However, death is still a sensitive subject that people shy away from, especially when talking with family members or relatives. Nonetheless, talking & discussing about the final stage of a senior’s life is essential to ensure the best care they can receive later on.

Once you have finished with talking about dying & sharing your personal preferences with your loved ones, it’s time to set some plans in place. Planning ahead guarantee’s that you have a say in what is going to happen in your end of life. This can also ensure that you have given appropriate consideration to your choices. Your wishes will be followed, even when you are no longer have the capability to make decisions or communicate.

Here are some of the things that need to be taken care of in terms of ahead planning for your end of life:

1. Document Your Wishes In Writing

There may come a time when communication is no longer possible, for example when you suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s or suffer from a sudden stroke. Make sure to document all your wishes & plan for your final years in writing and keep it somewhere safe.

2. Make A Will

A will is the legal declaration in which a person names one or more persons to manage his or her estate & provides for the distribution of the properties at (or after) their death. A will composed beforehand will help your family more than you think when you pass away, as there will not be arguments over who gets what between your children.

3. Compose a Power of Attorney (PoA)/Enduring Power of Attorney (EPoA)

This is written authorisation to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, or other legal matters. A PoA will appoint someone you trust to manage your financial and/or medical health affairs. This will come in handy as you may not have the capacity to make your own decisions later on due to the effects of certain illnesses.

4. Make an Advance Care Plan and/or Advance Health Directive

Honest discussions with your family about how you want to spend your last years will help both parties to develop a solid advance care plan, which will limit the stress for your family, and guarantee the quality of care you will receive later in life.

Planning ahead empowers you to have some say in your later years. Start working on it with your loved ones now to assure that you can grow old & pass away with wisdom & grace.

If you’re having problem planning for your end of days with your loved ones, or need help and support around home, Home Instead Senior Care Outer Eats is here at your disposal. We provide high quality in-home care for older people, and help with a range of personal & lifestyle needs while providing welcome companionship.

Contact one of our friendly office staffs at (03) 9754 4861 to know more about our services & the options available for you & your family.

Thanks for reading through this Blog, I hope you have found it useful. If you require any further assistance please feel free to contact the office.

Kind regards,
Suzanne McLoughlin
Owner of Home Instead Senior Care Outer East

P.S. We provide free Care Consultations and resource guides to support and guide families. Download your free copies from our Aged Care Resources page or Request a Free Information Pack to receive a hard copy.