Long-Term Care: talking, deciding, taking action Home

Planing Ahead is Important

It is important to plan ahead for possibilities for long-term care and how the family will work together. It is much less stressful to make these plans before a crisis occurs. If important decisions must be made quickly when individuals are feeling emotionally upset, the chances of conflict are much greater. Time constraints may limit the options if plans aren’t already in place.

For example, if Dad has a stroke or other unexpected health crisis, he will most likely need care following release from the hospital. Has Dad made decisions concerning advance directives or appointed a healthcare power of attorney? Does the family know about these decisions? He may need therapy or home health services. If the family has explored available services and made some decisions before the health crisis, it will be easier to make the arrangements. And Dad will be able to give his preferences. If plans have not been made, decisions will need to be made quickly while Dad is ill.

So whether you are planning for your own future care or you are anticipating caring for other family members, take the time to work together as a family to make some decisions now in order to reduce potential for conflict in the future. Planning ahead may not eliminate conflict or strong feelings, but it can help families be prepared as relationships change. Next let’s talk more about relationship issues.