In many ways, growing old is the physiological opposite of growing up as a child. Children rapidly become taller as they approach adolescence. Older adults may experience compacting of the spine and joint issues that lead them to shrink in height over time. Children strive toward independence, both social and financial, while older adults begin to move from pure independence back into reliance on loved ones.
Attention Georgia elders: Avoid these estate planning pitfalls
Georgia elders often have a lot on their minds as they transition to assisted living care or make plans to organize the legal documents that will provide for their heirs and beneficiaries once they themselves have died. While some people try to avoid discussions about mortality, others realize that the estate planning process is, for the most part, an integral part of life that needs to be addressed in order to help loved ones avoid certain problems down the line. There are several avoidable errors that elders can address as they enter the long-term care planning process, which often includes execution of estate plans.
Assisted living issues that may apply to your situation
Many Georgia elders are currently living with degenerative or acute adverse health conditions that make it impossible for them to function independently throughout the day. They may need help performing personal hygiene tasks or, perhaps, with cooking, cleaning or other day-to-day matters. Assisted living facilities provide much-needed care for thousands of aging men and women; however, before choosing a facility, there are several important factors elders will want to consider.
When can doctors ignore a health care directive?
Your health care directive will clearly state the wishes you have for your medical care in the even that you become incapacitated. In the majority of cases, medical providers and doctors must follow the terms you have laid out in this legal document. Doctors must also follow the orders of the individual you named to serve as the agent in charge of your health care, in most cases.
A parent is forgetful: Does that mean mental illness is present?
Many Georgia residents are adult children of aging parents. While some are helping their loved ones with long-term care planning issues, others are doing their best to help their mothers or fathers transition to assisted-living facilities. There are also many adult children who are dealing with the ravages of mental illness in the very people who loved and cared for them their whole lives.
Where to seek support for long-term care planning issues
Older Georgia residents may currently be facing complicated issues regarding Medicaid, annuities, insurance issues or other elder law problems. When long-term care planning problems arise, elders and adult children who may be trying to help can feel overwhelmed and unsure how to obtain support. Such issues can often have immediate and far-reaching repercussions on nursing home care or other assisted living situations.
