Submitted by Scott on Sun, 04/15/2012 - 7:53pm
National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16, encourages all adults to complete an advance directive. This document names a "power of attorney for health care," sometimes called a "proxy." The proxy is authorized to make medical decisions should a patient become unable to speak or think independently.
Being chosen to act as someone's health care proxy is a role of honor and responsibility. If your relative has selected you, consider these tips.
Prepare for the role
Submitted by Scott on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:29pm
Death and dying are not topics we talk about easily in our culture. As a general rule, in fact, we avoid them, almost as if to talk about them would bring on a premature demise. As a result, many families are unaware of their loved one's wishes at the end of life and are faced with making difficult decisions. This can lead to family discord and can make a trying situation even harder than it already is.
Submitted by Scott on Mon, 11/07/2011 - 9:52pm
Money matters are often intensely private. And no one wants to infringe on a family member’s independence. Yet it is through (sometimes expensive) financial mishaps that you may learn of changes in your parent’s memory and thinking.
Signs of a problem
Diseases that affect memory also tend to impair arithmetic skills and reasoning. That’s why money trouble can suggest the onset of dementia. Be alert for the following changes:
