end of life Archives -

“ To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die;” Ecclesiastes 1:

We can be sure each of us will leave our worldly possessions behind; perhaps even lose the ability to make decisions on our own. Are you prepared for that? Is your family? (All ages!) Are you sure?

Three families very close to me were not. PLEASE, think about yourself and your family as I tell you about them. (Names changed). Important resources will be at the end of the article.

#1 Joe & Jane worked hard to raise several children and grandchildren. Their well-kept home and properties were filled with heirlooms and fine furnishings. After Jane died, a family member moved in to provide care for Joe.

When Joe passed away, it was discovered there was no will, trust, or any other end-of-life preparations made. The caring family member had to find a place to live; the home and properties had to go into probate. No one was prepared to take care of end-of-life expenses or monthly bills. Numerous vehicles were now titled to the deceased only.

#2. I am praying for and helping two other families who have lost their parents and are now in turmoil with siblings who are demanding possession of more than they are entitled to. Without signed, documented papers to support decisions, it is left up to the courts to determine who gets what. In other words, the one affording the best attorney is often the winner. Please do not let this happen in your family.

If you (or family member) lose the ability to make decisions on your own; including health and well-being, who will do it for you? Will that person have the legal right to make those decisions? How will your assets and healthcare be handled?

For more information on Living Wills and Health Care Directives from Mayo Clinic, click here.

#2. My mother was very proud to still be in her home into her 80s. However, a sudden illness put her in the hospital a few weeks before coming to live with us. Mother had all her end-of-life paperwork in order, or so we thought. As the years passed, her memory loss became serious, While in a short-term care facility, an alert nurse encouraged us to help Mother get a Living Will or a Health Care Directive while she could still make decisions on her own. It was very, very helpful for us to know exactly what she wanted and have the authority to take care of her until she passed away at 90.

You can learn more about my care for Mother in my book, My Mother My Child. Click here for more information.

#3. I am praying for and helping two other families who have lost their parents and are now in turmoil with siblings who are demanding possession of more than they are entitled to. Without signed, documented papers to support decisions, it is left up to the courts to determine who gets what. In other words, the one affording the best attorney is often the winner. Please do not let this happen in your family.

If you lose the ability to make decisions on your own; including health and well-being, who will do it for you? Do they have the legal right to make those decisions? How will our assets and healthcare be handled?

In our culture with so many blended families, health issues, varying state and federal laws, it is imperative that you be prepared.

Certainly, I do look forward to that time when my hubby and I are reunited with Jesus! In the meantime, I want to leave only peace and contentment behind for my family and loved ones. I am doing all I can to keep each of them informed on my needs and wants. How about you and your family?

Please let me hear from you. Below are some more great links.

Hugs,

There is a wealth of information in this Hospic e link:

Dealing with emotions:

AARP Website also has valuable information for you to consider.

Every adult, regardless of age or physical condition, will do well to become familiar with hospice care: what it is and what it is not. Family caregivers, professionals, and individuals need to be informed before major decisions have to be made for yourself or a loved one.

Sudden illnesses or accidents can quickly disrupt any family. While many do not want to consider end-of-life decisions, much stress is alleviated as families are well-informed concerning future options. These decisions are better made before a person’s health is declining.

Living wills are designed to simplify this process and to make sure individual desires are met with dignity and compassion. Living wills record personal requests for end-of-life care. Family members are then relieved of the stress of making decisions based on emotions or feelings of the moment.

Hospice is not simply an agency that moves in to hold hands of the dying as their life ends. The services they provide are invaluable. Here are just a few of the benefits of hospice care:

1. Hospice care will help free up the time of the primary caregiver and family members. You can be assured your loved one is getting good care.

2. You will have a nurse or aide available to answer your questions. Because their focus is on one patient at a time, they can take time to fully address each concern.

3. A hospice person will be up-to-date on the latest services available to help you as well as your loved one.

4. Hospice care can reduce ER visits and inpatient hospitalization which are costly and emotionally traumatizing for the patient and family.

5. Hospice care is often covered by Medicare and some insurance providers. Be sure to check what is available in your state.

6. There is children’s hospice services dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and young people who are not expected to live to reach adulthood.

Hospice began in the 11^th century as a way to treat incurably ill and dying and to provide refuge for travelers throughout the world. Volunteers were counted on to maintain this movement and provide needed care. In other countries, hospice refers to a building or institution; here in the U.S. we refer to the service itself. While the very word brings the idea of impending death and sadness, hospice programs now focus more on helping patients live productive and pain-free lives as long as possible.

Now there is long-term care available, not just for the dying. Next week we will look into palliative care. I believe this will be an encouragement and help to you and your loved ones.

Please leave a comment below if you’ve found this helpful to you in your journey.

Hugs,

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