When you retire, it may seem like you have endless years of bliss and comfort ahead of you. Although retirement can be a wonderful experience, it’s also important to think about the future.
End-of-life decisions are something you will have to consider. So what are they, and how will they impact your retirement plan? Read on to learn more.
What Are End-of-Life Decisions?
Although the term may seem morbid, end-of-life decisions are anything but. These types of decisions enable you to maintain control of your life up until death, if possible.
End-of-life decisions pertain to your treatment and medical care as you near your closing chapter.
Depending on how healthy you are, you may need senior legal planning sooner rather than later. For instance, people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease can experience rapid progression and lose cognitive function before making these types of decisions.
Types of End-of-Life Decisions to Consider
You may feel overwhelmed thinking about where to begin when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Here are some of the main aspects to think about when you make a plan.
Do Not Resuscitate Orders
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) means that legally, doctors cannot resuscitate you if you go into cardiac arrest or stop breathing.
Procedures such as CPR and defibrillation can save your life. However, they can also cause major damage to your body. When properly performed, CPR often breaks ribs.
When you have a terminal illness, resuscitation may cause more pain and suffering. In many situations, a DNR means you will go peacefully when you are ready, without medical intervention.
Palliative Sedation
For patients suffering from painful conditions, palliative sedation is a wonderful solution. It buys you more time to spend with loved ones while keeping you comfortable.
One downside of palliative sedation is that the drugs used often make you unfocused and sleepy, or even unconscious.
There are two main types of palliative sedation:
- Intermittent Sedation: Sedatives are used to relieve symptoms as needed
- Continuous Sedation: Sedatives are used consistently until the patient passes away
Hospice Care
Hospice care is a specific type of healthcare you receive when you are terminally ill. The length and degree of hospice care depends on factors such as your:
- Insurance plan
- Condition
- Healthcare directives
The main goal of hospice care is to make you as comfortable as possible as you die. Some patients are in hospice for months and some merely days.
Withdrawal of Life Support
Often, seniors need life support for reasons such as:
- Sudden injury
- Chronic illness
- Organ failure
- Infections
When on life support, the patient is sedated and unconscious. Sometimes, life support is necessary for healing; other times, it is a last resort to keep the patient alive.
In your advance directives, you can decide how long you would like to be on life support. For instance, you can specify withdrawing life support if there is no improvement within 30 days.
Organ Donation
Although organ donation occurs after death, it is still an important decision to make ahead of time during your senior legal planning.
You can decide ahead of time which organs you would like to donate. Or, you can designate that task to your healthcare power of attorney.
What you donate also depends on how you plan to be buried. If you’re getting cremated, you may be able to donate more organs, such as your skin.
Advance Directives
An advance directive is a legal document that informs the healthcare team about the person’s wishes if they can no longer make medical decisions on their own.
One benefit of an advance directive is that it gives power to the patient. You can dictate how you would like certain healthcare situations to be handled.
It can be as simple or as complex as you are willing to make it. If you have trouble deciding what to say, consult your family and an attorney.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A healthcare power of attorney is a designated individual who can make medical decisions on your behalf. You need to trust this person to keep your best interests in mind as well.
The healthcare power of attorney can:
- Choose your healthcare providers
- Consent to or refuse treatments
- Gain access to your medical records
- Make end-of-life decisions on your behalf
Living Will
A living will is similar to an advance directive. However, the key difference between the two is that an advance directive can appoint a healthcare power of attorney.
The living will also has a narrower scope, and can refer to specific treatments rather than broader medical decisions.
How to Create an End-of-Life Plan
Making end-of-life decisions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some steps you can take to make a plan that suits your needs:
1. Choose Your Healthcare Preferences
Outline your desires for certain healthcare situations. Consider issues such as withdrawing care and ongoing palliative treatment.
The biggest benefit you have is time. Spending a few hours ironing out the details can save your loved ones strife down the road.
2. Get Your Finances in Order
You don’t want to run out of money to pay for your care. Budget accordingly for things like senior living and additional help later on.
3. Designate Necessary Personnel
Talk to your family and friends over a meal to decide who will make medical decisions on your behalf.
Make sure the person you choose is aware of your wishes. They also need to be prepared to advocate on your behalf.
4. Inform Family and Medical Teams
Once you make your decisions, talk to your doctors as soon as possible. They need to be aware of any changes to your treatment plan.
Consider Your End-of-Life Options Today
If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to spend your golden years, consider Redbud Place Assisted Living. Planning end-of-life decisions has never been easier.
Our pet-friendly community offers individualized care plans to meet your unique needs as a resident. You will feel right at home in one of our floor plans designed for seniors.
Are you ready to make the transition to our premier assisted living community? Reach out to us today to learn more, or to schedule a tour of Redbud Place in McKinney, TX.
