This topic really hit home when clients told us of an elderly auntie with Alzheimer’s, who loved to cook and attend parties, she was diagnosed with diabetes. This led to a family fight over whether to treat her and take away her food or provide her with palliative care and focus on her quality of life.
Protect the Patient and the Family
At De Fonte Law PC, we give all our clients the American Bar Association’s workbook on Advance Health Care Directives to go over alone or with their partner/spouse and their parents. This practice started when Principal Attorney, Patricia De Fonte, had a terrific speaker in one of her classes in the Estate Planning Master’s Program at Golden Gate University. Her professors spent two hours on the importance of advance health care directives, and how they protect not only the patient but the family.
Dementia Directive
Ideally, in addition to the ABA workbook, everyone should be given the chance to fill out a Dementia Directive before they develop dementia. It is especially recommended after age 65. It can be difficult for someone to complete a Dementia Directive once they are already experiencing signs of cognitive impairment. Protect yourself, protect your loved ones, protect your loved ones from themselves.