End-of-Life Decisions: A Guide for Seniors and Families

People tend to have conflicting thoughts about how they spend the last years of their lives. According to AARP, the majority of people see the importance of the end-of-life transition. Others treat death as something to avoid talking about, as they feel they have no control over it.

Despite the sadness of the topic, end-of-life decisions are important to make while you still have the capacity to do so. These decisions determine what happens with your healthcare and your estate. They can have a big impact on your family, as well.

Here's your guide on end-of-life and senior healthcare decisions in Brooklyn, NY.

The Importance of Advance Care Planning

As a person ages, they naturally have to make important decisions about how their life will progress and inevitably end. They move into an assisted living community that offers amenities to make their final years more fun and worthwhile.

But what comes after that can become a burden for family members left unprepared.

The best thing a senior can do is make decisions regarding their end-of-life care. This documentation allows individuals to make informed decisions about the kind of care they receive when they cannot speak for themselves. It saves family members the trouble of trying to figure it out for themselves.

Without advance care planning, families can find themselves confused and stressed. Creating these plans allows for an honest discussion about values, quality of life, and medical options.

Key Documents

There are two main documents to consider when it comes to end-of-life care: a living will and a power of attorney. These are both key parts of making sure a senior gets the kind of care they need when they become unable to advocate for themselves.

Living Wills for the Elderly

A living will is an advance healthcare directive that outlines specific medical treatments a person consents to. It only takes effect if the person becomes terminally ill, permanently unconscious, or is otherwise unable to communicate.

The goal is for the will to tell healthcare professionals what extent they can take to prolong a person's life. Some people with terminal illnesses may not want to live on a ventilator or in a coma if there's no chance of recovery.

Power of Attorney for Seniors

Another crucial element in senior healthcare is designating a power of attorney (POA). This document allows another person the legal authority to make medical decisions on behalf of a senior.

This person should be someone trustworthy and familiar with the senior's values. They should act in their best interests and will need to make difficult decisions.

In most cases, a person with POA only takes control when the senior is incapacitated or not in a cognizant state of mind.

Hospice vs. Palliative Care

End-of-life care often involves two key approaches: hospice and palliative care. They both share the same goal of enhancing quality of life and managing symptoms. However, they differ in the expected time a senior uses them.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is typically reserved for individuals with a prognosis of six months or less. The goal is to provide comfort and dignity during the final stages of life.

Palliative Care

Palliative care provides longer-term care than hospice. It's meant to provide relief for anyone, regardless of their diagnosis or life expectancy. Seniors often receive this type of care as their conditions progress.

Starting the Conversation With Senior Loved Ones

Starting conversations about end-of-life decisions is never easy. However, delaying these discussions can result in confusion or missed opportunities.

Choose the right time and setting for the big talk. Use open-ended questions about what matters most to them and how they feel about life-sustaining treatments.

Referencing other family members' experiences can help ease into the conversation. You'll also want to emphasize the benefits for everyone involved.

Legal and Practical Steps

After discussing wishes, it's crucial to formalize them. Otherwise, it can be difficult for healthcare providers to know your wishes.

One of the key steps is to draft a living will. Keep in mind that these are not explicitly recognized under New York state law. However, they are generally valid and enforceable under case law.

A power of attorney or a healthcare proxy provides stronger legal protection. This does not require a notary, but it does need two adult witnesses. The appointed healthcare agent does not count as one.

Seniors will want them to align with current preferences that may differ from when they were first created.

Involving Healthcare Providers

Physicians and care teams play a vital role in advance care planning. Seniors should schedule dedicated time with their primary care doctors to discuss prognosis and treatment options. They'll also want to ensure all advance directives are on file and easily accessible.

In some cases, specialists and PCPs are called in to help oversee the care of seniors with living wills. They know best what kind of medications their patient has approved and their specific care goals.

Supporting Families Through the Process

Family members may need guidance and emotional support as they navigate these end-of-life decisions. A living will takes control away from the family, which can relieve a lot of that pressure. However, a durable power of attorney puts some of that responsibility on a family member or trusted friend.

Resources that offer much-needed assistance include:

Grief counseling can prepare family and friends for the general toll of end-of-life care and the eventual loss. Caregiver support groups focus on the emotional health of the people tasked with caring for these individuals.

While a senior living community may not help with end-of-life care, it can make senior living easier for everyone involved.

Planning End-of-Life Decisions

End-of-life decisions are some of the most important ones a senior can make, especially if they have various health conditions and ailments. Advance care planning allows them to retain their agency, even in death. It also saves their family and friends stress when big decisions come up.

The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is the community for seniors who want to live a high-class retirement in New York City. Residents have access to three distinct restaurants, a grand suite of on-site amenities, and more. Contact us with any questions and to schedule a tour.

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