Living Wills: Make Them Early, While You Still Can

Leah Living With It has vascular dementia A former teacher, majorette. A wife, mother of one, grandmother of... Send Message Subscribe: Leah

Thursday, February 07, 2008
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My mind has been wrapped around the word competent lately. It is an especially important word to someone with dementia. Webster's dictionary defines competent as "having enough ability to do what is needed; capable". The key word here is capable. In regards to dementia, whether one is c...

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Living Wills: Make Them Early, While You Still Can
Coni Townshend Halko
Thursday, February 07, 2008 at 11:22 AM

Dear Leah,

GREAT advice. I need to do this myself.

You handled this issue with your Anna and her lawyer quite well.
I realize that Anna was concerned about her situation--

I tried to put myself in her situation--I can only hope that she was thinking about you as well!

What I mean is that if I was Anna--perhaps I would think by taking this action it would relieve you of a huge burden. I hope Anna was thinking [as I might] that you need to concentrate on Leah, Bill, Dana and Alex now--you do not need to worry about Anna and her problems any more.
[smile]

Or--then again--we know that our God works in strange ways--perhaps God was clearing the way for Leah to have one less burden to carry.

Love you Cuz!

re: Living Wills: Make Them Early, While You Still Can
Leah
Thursday, February 07, 2008 at 12:02 PM

Knowing Anna, she was not thinking about me. But that's okay. That's her personality and I love her in spite of it.

I think I am seeing lots of signs of dementia beginning to worsen in her. It wouldn't be unusual for her age. Her dementia, though, should worsen far faster than mine.

Do take the time to complete your living will. It empowers you which the knowledge that your life will be treated the way you wish it to be. And, it will relieve your children from having to make painful decisions where you are concerned.

Take care. We don't want to use that living will anytime too soon!

Love, Leah

Untitled Comment
Sue
Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 11:11 PM

Hi Leah - Hope all is well. Thanks for this. It's on the To Do List. I think I better get crackin''.

All the Best, Sue

re: Ah....
Leah
Monday, February 11, 2008 at 10:42 AM

Ah, Sue...so much to do, so little time to do it! THere is SO much to making a will, so much to think about. It takes a long time and many attempts--at least, it did for me. Good luck, my internet friend!
Leah

A little bit pregnant...
Carol Bradley Bursack
Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 06:26 AM

Leah, if everyone who had much less to worry about than you have, had your senses of humor and humility, much less your brain power, this world would be way better. What a wonderful post! Your friends and family are so fortunate to have you.
Carol

re: A little bit pregnant...
Leah
Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 08:16 AM

Bless you, Carol. I haven't felt very wonderful lately, though. Am working through a lack of sleep and looking forward--believe it or not--to getting a CPAP today to help me. I expect more energy, etc. in the near future once I can get some good sleep. Your kindness in commenting does help my day!
Leah

re: re: A little bit pregnant...
Carol Bradley Bursack
Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 08:19 AM
I'm glad it helped. Not sleeping is awful. I hope that gets better. Take care, Leah. Carol

Living Wills Update
Coni Townshend Halko
Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Dear Cousin - Happy Valentine's Day!

health directive
N.C.
Friday, March 07, 2008 at 04:19 PM

Leah,

Living will is a must so people know what to do once you get too sick to handle it. I found that health directive is also important as part of the will. My father-in-law and late mom-in-law did not leave signifcant health directive, but my FIL has a health care proxy/POA that allows my hubby become the POA for his Dad's health care. This actually was advised by the lawyer in 2004 or he would not have this before he got sick with Alzheimer. Now he is in severe/moderate stage and cannot make any reasonable decisions anymore.
Now I have to make sure my hubby does not get sick and hopefully we only have to worry about his Dad for now. I am a cancer survivor but we don't have many choices as my hubby is the only son in North America. (His other son, my hubby's half brother is in Poland.) I myself have a big family fortunately.
I understand what you are saying about Ann and you.

God bless,
Nina

re: health directive
Leah
Saturday, March 08, 2008 at 09:49 AM

Yes, N, a living will is important. As is a will. Do you and your husband have these in place also?
My husband and I are trying to tie ends up. We have a will which needs revision. Things change over time, so even if you and your husband do have wills, you may need to look at them from time to time.
You are right about needing to do it BEFORE you need it. So many people have procrastinated and regretted not having it when they need it. A living will also takes away any guilt a loved one might have if they have to make the important health decisions towards the end.
Thanks for your response!
Leah