Important Conversations for Caregivers- Part 1
Thursday, April 25th, 2024 | Uncategorized | No Comments
By Diane Strever and Sarah Martin for Our PLACE
We all wrestle with important conversations around our wishes and directives in the event of serious illness or death. However, having those discussions are critical and will relieve others from the anxiety and burden of making decisions at a difficult time. Gabrielle Blake, from Elder Law in Lenoir City, recently spoke at the Our PLACE Caregiver Support group about three documents that are essential to have in place for you and your loved one.
The first document is a Last Will and Testament, so that the probate court is not sorting out your affairs in the absence of a Will. An Executor is appointed who will work with your lawyer or accountant. Each state has different requirements of a Will, so it may be more expedient to have a Will written in TN if that is your major residence. The second document that is essential is a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances and gives the appointee the ability to financially move money for long term care or conservatorship. The third document is an Advanced Directive and Appointment of a Health Care Power of Attorney, a person who knows your wishes for long term care or your “line in the sand” in terms of end-of-life options. This is probably the most difficult conversation to have with your loved one. In the case of a terminal illness, do you choose full medical treatments, limited interventions, or comfort measures, focused on your quality of life? Be sure those individuals you appoint for these roles know that they have been given those responsibilities and are comfortable with carrying out your wishes. All of these documents should be reviewed once a year, stored in a file that is easy to locate, and the executor/power of attorney designees should know where they are found. Also include passwords to your computer and any financial accounts that may be needed.
Our Moment of Joy individual this month is Ray, who has participated at Our PLACE for one year, 3 times a week. He and Kathleen moved to TN 16 years ago, after working for Dow Corning and Honeywell. Ray was President of both the HOA and POA here in Tellico Village and was instrumental in encouraging the construction of independent living options at Premiere Residence and the Neighborhood. He recognized that people were not prepared for life changes, and spoke at churches on “Aging by Design, Not by Default,” which led to the formation of the “Stay in TV” initiative. At first Ray was not sure he would be comfortable with Our PLACE, but quickly realized he would make friends there. Kathleen is able to go to appointments, read, or just be in the moment,” to do something or nothing, while she knows Ray is safe and engaged during his day. Ray always has a smile on his face and enjoys greeting and talking with his friends at Our PLACE. He is especially happy conversing with the construction supervisor while the expansion is taking place. His Moment of Joy came when he could help solve a printer glitch in the office at Our PLACE!
The Our PLACE expansion continues to move forward and is expected to be completed by the middle of May or early June. The extra square footage will enable us to add more participants to our program. Please call Sarah Martin, Director, at 865-657-7222 to discuss if your loved one would be a candidate for the program.
Please join us at the Gala for Our PLACE on Sunday, May 19th at the Yacht Club. This exciting evening will include a wonderful dinner, a silent auction, and music; all proceeds go to our Phase II Capital Campaign. See the ad on this page to make reservations!
Our PLACE is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit that seeks to improve quality of life by providing a day program of care, social interaction, and therapeutic activities in a safe and nurturing environment for adults living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.
Our PLACE TN
103 Cheeyo Way
Loudon TN 37774
865-657-7222
