Successful Long Term Care Planning
We all like to think of ourselves, and even our parents, as indestructible but if we are lucky enough to live a long life, we will likely become incapacitated on some level as we age. Planning for that time is not something people like to think about, but nothing could be more important than having a plan which a person creates for herself outlining the kind of care she wants to have when she can no longer makes those decisions herself.
A person must be competent and not under any sort of influence when she signs documents assigning her rights to financial or health decision-making to someone else. The ability to fully understand the documents is critical and is the main reason people must create a plan BEFORE they actually NEED a plan.
Planning Documents
Two key planning documents are the Health Care Directive and the Power of Attorney. The Health Care Directive allows a person to outline in detail the care she would like to receive if she is too ill to tell doctors herself. A Power of Attorney allows a person to assign the right of financial, business, and real estate affairs to someone else in case of incapacity, even temporary incapacity.
Getting Legal Help
Experienced Elder Law Attorney Elga Goodman can help you create a plan that protects your best interests and takes the pressure off family members to make decisions on your behalf. Contact us today to better understand your options at 973-841-5111.
Posted in: Elder Law