What is the difference between a power of attorney and a guardianship? Which is appropriate for someone with Alzheimer’s?Written by William Hammond, J.D.
What is difference between a power of attorney and a guardianship? Which is appropriate for someone with Alzheimer’s?A power of attorney is a legal document in which one person (the principal) authorizes another (the agent) to act on his/her behalf. Financial powers of attorney allow your agent to make decisions regarding your property. Healthcare powers of attorney allow your agent to make decisions regarding your health care needs. A power of attorney permits you to appoint someone else to manage your financial and business affairs when you cannot do it yourself anymore. This document can be a lifesaver when crisis situations occur after an accident or illness. The agent can do whatever document allows, such as withdraw bank funds, pay bills, cash checks, and buy and sell real estate. The power of attorney is less costly and more private than a guardianship. Guardianship, on other hand, is a legal relationship whereby a probate court gives a person (the guardian) power to make personal decisions for another (the ward). A family member or a friend can initiate proceedings by filing a petition in probate court in county where individual resides. A medical examination by a licensed physician may be necessary to establish individual’s condition. A court of law will then determine whether person is unable to meet essential requirements for his/her health and safety.
| | What is hospice...and when is it appropriate for the Alzheimer's patient?Written by William Hammond, J.D.
Hospice was established in Middle Ages when shelters called hospices were available to travelers who had no place to stay. A couple of centuries later first hospice was founded in London in 1968. The founder, Cicely Saunders, believed that these institutions geared to curing people were ignoring special needs of dying. The first hospice in United States was started in New Haven, Connecticut in 1974. From that beginning, American model stressed hospice as a home service. Many of these hospices have helped a great number of families make their final days with their loved ones warm and memorable. Many terminally ill people and their families ask, "How will I know when it is right time to call hospice?" There is not really an answer to this question. It all depends of individual circumstances and stage of patient in illness. The hospice staff is qualified and generally consists of a chaplain, certified nursing assistants, a medical director, registered nurse and social worker. They can assist you and patient in many different areas: medically, psychologically, and spiritually. Some hospice agencies provide bereavement care to family for several months following death. Here are some of signs that will let you know when to make your first call: ·If life expectancy is six months or less for an Alzheimer’s patient. If patient outlives this initial prognosis, primary care physician may recertify patient for a supplementary 60 day periods. Patients who stabilize may also come on and off hospice, as per their doctor's evaluation. ·If there are no more options for curative treatment and/or individual does not wish to pursue further curative treatment. ·If pain and symptoms have begun to interfere with quality of life of your loved ones and it becomes too difficult for them to stay at home without assistance. ·If adult children wish to learn more about options for a parent's care and how to cope with final stage, death.
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