When someone is older, dementia can be quite common. This can sometimes be treated and reversed, but not always. Alzheimer’s and some other types of dementia do not have cures, and eventually cause the person suffering from them to pass away. When memories and mental functioning start to decline, the person in need doesn’t just stop having an opinion or goals when it comes to their care. But speaking up and voicing those wishes suddenly becomes impossible.
If this happens to someone that you love, it should be a high priority to ensure that your loved one has the help that they need to get the resources and attention that they need.
Each family’s situation is going to be a little bit different. However, families, friends, and other people that are close with the situation should almost always be working together for the good of the individual in need. Even when someone has the best of intentions, it’s much easier for one person alone to make a mistake than a group of people, all acting in that person’s best interests. It provides a bit of checks and balances to ensure that this happens.
Ideally, everything should be geared toward the best interests of the person in need. Their wishes and goals should be reflected in any care plans or treatments that are pursued. Just because someone cannot speak up for themselves does not mean that their wishes are not important. The best way to make sure that this happens is to implement advance directives, such as through a living will or trust. This will ensure that care and finances are pursued in the way that they want.
When a loved one begins to lose some of their mental faculties, don’t forget that there are professionals that can help your family.
But not everyone has the foresight or ability to put these legal documents in place ahead of time. More than likely, this is the scenario that you are experiencing. In this instance, finding someone close to your loved one that can act in their best interests is important. Creating a durable power of attorney document with a lawyer will be the best way to ensure that your loved one is protected. Contacting a local attorney is the best way to proceed.
Sorting these things out can be draining. It can be exhausting, both physically and financially. Having someone on your side that can help is important, especially if you want to be sure that you are connecting the people that you love with the best resources possible. Whether that’s the right care service, a good elder care lawyer, or another community resource, getting connected with the people and organizations that can help out the most is important.
If you’re unsure of where to start, feel free to get in touch. Our team of trained professionals is here to help. We have years of experience helping people in this situation get connected to the people that can help. For some, our in-home care service is ideal. For others, it’s not. Either way, our goal is to help get families in need connected to the right resources. Give us a call to get started.
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