Life spins by at an accelerated pace. The older we get, it seems time moves faster. Ask anyone in their 40s or 50s if the last decade moved slowly or if it disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Those involved in elder care recognize the importance of making a plan for the future. If you care for a parent or loved one, you realize planning ahead is the difference between always being in “crisis mode” or knowing exactly what comes next and how to deal with it.

By the same token, you recognize that YOU need to make your own plans for the future. Whether you are an elder caregiver or not, here are 3 major reasons to plan for your future now.

1. We Are Living Longer

   Most recognize this change in our culture but what are we actually doing about it?

   It is not unusual for today’s senior citizens to live well into their late 90s. In past generations, if someone in their 60s took a fall and broke their hip it could be the end for them. Today, with medical advances and improvements in rehabilitation, this is no longer the case.

   Planning for our future is a necessity.

2. It’s Easier To Respond To Challenges

   We may laugh at the old phrase: “Don’t rush me, I’m waiting till the last minute.” Just don’t decide to act on it.

   With proper elder care planning, we are able to respond to unexpected situations rather just reacting to them. If you or your loved one begins to develop symptoms of dementia, planning ahead is of the utmost importance. There are a number of actions you can take to be better prepared:

   • Power of Attorney This allows you to choose a person to make health and financial decisions for you ,should something like an accident or dementia occur.
   • Prepare a ‘Living Will’ This document lays out for your physicians and family how you wish your medical situation to be handled if you are unable to communicate or make a decision. This is an extremely important legal and medical document to prepare.
   • A Legal Will This document states how you want any assets or possessions distributed after your death. You don’t have to be rich to stipulate a will. It will clearly state how you want any possessions, like jewelry, tools, furniture to be given out and to whom they’ll be given. You can also assign a particular person to make decisions on your behalf. It is normally not an expensive document, but well worth the cost.
   • Research Every Scenario Look for eldercare services and facilities available in your area. C-Care Health Services in Toronto can provide multiple services for any eventuality.

3. Creating Peace Of Mind

   There will always be the unexpected, but setting the priorities and having a plan in place will allow you to fall asleep at night with a little less to worry about.

Finding an elder care attorney is a good place to start. They can assist with any of the above documents as well as provide options and make suggestions. The investment will be well worth it to you and your family members.

C-Care Health Services is here to help. Let us know if we can assist with a plan for you or a loved one.