Seven in 10 seniors in Arkansas will need long-term care of some kind, according to the Arkansas Department of Health; what kind of care they obtain could depend on advanced planning with a loved one. 

It’s a difficult conversation on both ends: a caregiver or loved one must be open to an honest and frank discussion about their loved one’s death, and the senior must acknowledge their possible limitations and health deterioration. 

Yet, should one become incapacitated, having a care plan, a designated decision-maker and a will in place can be the difference between having one’s dying wishes honored or not.

‘The Talk’

Often, the hardest part of talking to a loved one about their future wishes is starting the conversation. The central focus of the conversation should be the aging adult’s feelings and concerns, according to professionals in the field. 

Caregivers can prepare for these difficult conversations by being informed about the options for their loved ones. Those caring for an aging adult should determine their wishes with regard to their estate and finances and future health care. 

Having such discussions sooner than later will ensure that loved ones retain their dignity and agency, giving them the opportunity to make their own decisions about their care and possessions. It can also help ensure families are able to easily manage their loved ones’ estate when they do pass.

For Health

Since most seniors will need long-term care services at some point, caregivers should ask what sort of care their loved one would prefer. Some seniors will have an easier time than others aging in place at home or with a family member; others may need 24/7 assistance or care at an assisted living or nursing facility. 

“Assisted living communities and nursing homes come with higher costs for housing, meals and round-the-clock care, which can quickly add up,” says Kalie Huntzinger, director of client services at the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging. 

Caregivers can work with their loved ones to determine, based on their current health, what sort of care they might need in the future and even pick out potential long-term facilities.

A medical power of attorney – also called a medical proxy or durable power of attorney – can be designated by a capable adult; this individual would be able to make medical decisions on one’s behalf should they become incapacitated. 

Someone’s medical proxy can execute a living will, which is an advance directive outlining the person’s health care wishes if they’re unable to communicate. Advance directives can include a person’s wishes regarding the use of life support machines, feeding by tube, organ donation and types of end-of-life comforts. Additionally, “Do Not Intubate” and/or “Do Not Resuscitate” directives may be filed with a primary care physician.

For Wealth

The durable power of attorney can also be applied to financial matters, where someone is designated to make financial or estate-related decisions on behalf of another who has become incapacitated. Their duties would include conducting business in areas including real estate, banking and finance, government benefits, trust and beneficiary transactions, and the personal maintenance of the person they’re assisting. 

A will or a trust can be used to distribute a person’s assets after they die. A will outlines instructions for the distribution of the decedent’s assets and for handling any other outstanding affairs. A trust, which can operate during the grantor’s lifetime, transfers assets to a trustee, who then manages them according to terms outlined by the grantor. Trusts continue to operate after the grantor’s death, as well, with the trustee still executing the grantor’s wishes. 

When a person becomes incapacitated without an estate or care plan in place, oftentimes, state courts will appoint a guardian to make important medical and financial decisions for them. 

Planning early allows individuals to chart their own paths with those closest to them.