As we get older we want to prepare for old age. Getting old is something you can do well with the proper planning. Determining who will help us with this process is important. It doesn't have to be a confusing process. Below we define a few terms that are very important.
Self -determination is the process by which a person controls their own life. When this term is applied to seniors it means that you are choosing to either have someone help you make choices, make your own choices, or choose to not have anyone help with making choices. For example, a person who is transitioning from an independent decision maker to an dependent decision maker means they are starting to require help in making decisions because they are forgetful or other for reasons.
Guardianship is a legal arrangement where a court appoints a person or entity to make decisions for someone which is unable to do so for themselves. There are different cases why a person might require a guardian. There are many types of guardians like family members, friends, or professionals.
Advance Directives are legal documents that outline your wishes for medical care if you are unable to communicate them. Both living wills and durable power of attorney for health care are documents that name a person to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to. Other terms include health care proxy, representative, surrogate, or agent. These terms all mean the same thing: a person who can make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to (“Choosing a Health Care Proxy", 2022). Why do advanced directives exist? They exist to ensure that your wishes are honored, to provide peace of mind to you and your family, and they eliminate confusion during a difficult time.
At Champion Care we have staff trained to coordinate your care plan with you. If you need a caregiver click on the "here" in Click Here To View The Care Plan From!, visit the custom hours tab, call 216-678-4076 for more information, or click here to view the care plan now.
Works Cited:
“Choosing a Health Care Proxy.” National Institue on Aging, National Institute on Aging, 31 Oct. 2022, www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/choosing-health-care-proxy#what-is-a-health-care-proxy. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.