Monday, February 13, 2012

Living Wills: Make Them Early, While You Still Can

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...
2/ 7/08 11:22am

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!

2/ 7/08 12:02pm

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

2/10/08 11:11pm

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 

2/11/08 10:42am

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

2/14/08 6:26am

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

2/14/08 8:16am

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

2/14/08 8:19am
I'm glad it helped. Not sleeping is awful. I hope that gets better. Take care, Leah. Carol
2/14/08 9:24am
Dear Cousin - Happy Valentine's Day!
3/ 7/08 4:19pm

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 

3/ 8/08 9:49am

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

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (1454) >