Legal Considerations Hiring a Senior in Home Care Agency in Anderson, SC and the Surrounding Area
Explore important legal considerations for those hiring a senior in home care agency for their Anderson, SC loved one.
Preparing legal documents before a health crisis arises is often the best way to make sure that your loved one’s wishes regarding personal care and medical care will be respected. Planning in advance and putting your loved one’s legal affairs in order can give you both more security. Knowing exactly what your senior mom or dad wants in terms of senior in home care agency and having legal documents to back up those wishes can allow you to follow your loved one’s guidelines in case they can’t speak for themselves.
Together, you and your loved one may want to look into legal topics that include advance medical directives such as a living will. You may also want to discuss the option of appointing a legal representative in case of illness or incapacity. You can also discuss your loved one's preferences for personal care, and be connected to legal resources through reliable care providers.
Advance medical directives are written instructions regarding an individual's medical care preferences in the case they are unable to voice their choices concerning treatment. They come in two forms. A living will is a document used for writing down instructions regarding care and treatment. If your loved one becomes terminally ill, incapacitated or unable to make decisions on their own for whatever reason, having this document can enable you to respect their wishes.
Another advance medical directive is health care power of attorney (POA) or a health care proxy. This is a legal document that names a health care agent, who will have decision-making powers and full access to confidential medical records. A health care agent does not have to be a family member. You should know where this document is and bring it with you if your loved one is hospitalized.
This is a lot to think about and you may find an attorney's advice helpful. In case you need professional guidance, make sure to consult a lawyer who specializes in elder law. You can also find valuable resources online. You can familiarize yourself with legal matters for seniors on the American Bar Association’s (ABA) website, for example. A personal care assistant from Comfort Keepers can also help to connect you with legal resources.
Gathering and organizing documents with your loved one can give both of you peace of mind when it comes to decisions concerning future health care. Your loved one will have the opportunity to state their wishes and you will be able to fulfill them. If you have already begun a conversation about hiring a senior in home care agency with your loved one, this could be a good time to discuss their future wishes as well.
For more information about legal documents for seniors, please contact Comfort Keepers of Anderson, SC. Our senior in home care agency is happy to help you in any way we can! We are available non-stop to answer your questions!
