In the event you were to need twenty-four hour care due to an irreversible condition, what action would you like your family to take?
Nursing Homes
The first option is nursing home placement. People are often reluctant to place their family in a nursing facility. However, not all nursing homes are bad. If you are assuring your family member is cared for, then there should not be a problem.
Private Care Homes
The second option is Private Care Home placement which is like a nursing, but with about five or six patients. Some of these homes sometimes accept certain insurances. However, some are private pay only. Therefore, if this is the option you would like to take. You would need to assure you will have the financial resources for this option if you must pay privately.
Providers/Sitters
The Last option is provider/sitter services or individual private paid sitters. These sitters will come to your home. Not all of these services have nurses or certified med aides. Therefore, you may want to look into a service or individual who has the background of the care you would like to receive.
This is also primarily private pay. Therefore, the resources would need to be available if this is the option you prefer. Which means a special account would need to be developed or your retirement should be great enough to cover these expenses.
Pre-Arranged Funerals
What type of funeral arrangements would you like? Pre-arranged funerals are easier on the family. However, if you can not afford to make pre-arrangement, do what you can.
Put your funeral expectations is writing. Do you want to be buried or cremated? Through what funeral home or cremation service? Where do you want to be buried or your ashes spread?
These are basic answers which could make things less conflicting for the family.
Conclusion
This is not a subject I ask you to talk about everyday. I am simply recommending you approach this uncomfortable subject long enough to let your family, physician and friends know your wishes in writing and orally. This would cause a reduction in distress in a difficult period of time for your loved ones.
Facing the reality of death is difficult, but wouldn't you prefer to feel uncomfortable for a matter of days versus years of your family being in distress due to a lack of preparation? For your loved one's sake, don't let this subject be left in the dark.
