Due to longevity and the increased number of years that individuals are living with chronic illness, there is a greater likelihood that some type of long-term care services will be needed at some point in one’s lifetime. Planning ahead, before a crisis limits the alternatives available, makes navigating the long-term care system less burdensome on you and your family.
One of the hardest things for most of us to talk about is what we’d like done for us as we approach the end of our lives. It’s possible that we may reach a point where we are unable to speak for ourselves. That’s why it’s important for all of us to let our loved ones know what we would wish for ourselves as the end of life draws near. Access this link for more information and to get started: Advance Care Planning (ny.gov)
Once you have advanced care planning in place along with a health care proxy, you’ll have a greater feeling of ease about the future. Talk to your designated health care agent soon and let that person know what you’d like to have done. Don’t leave these decisions up to others.
We encourage individuals and families to meet with us for an options counseling session to discuss such issues as:
- Advance directives
- Financial cost of care
- Long-term care options
- Medicare and Medicaid issues
- Needs and resources
Such a session does not provide legal or financial advice but allows for a more thorough understanding of the long-term system as it applies to an individual’s situation.
For more information, call the Office of Aging at 315-253-1226.