We often think of being prepared as having our legal affairs in place. Here's something to also think about. I made a list of people and phone numbers who could step in for emergency situations with my PSP wife. It's a list of neighbors who are willing short term help and also church people for short term help. I'm the only caregiver at the moment so if something happens to me my PSP wife would need immediate help. Also on the list are personal care people I've found who don't come through an agency but are Certified Registered Nursing Assistants (they cost less and are as good). These people can come in nights and on a "more hours" basis. Also on the list are care facilities I've researched locally and found acceptable should my wife need to go into one and I'm not around. Your relatives and family won't be prepared for an emergency unless you prepare them. I also have forwarded this list to all those on the list so they know their helpful roll. It is also important that you document the capabilities of your PSP patient. What can they do safely? What can't they do safely? Can they speak and be understood? Can they go to the potty on their own? etc. etc.
Jimbo
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jimandsharynp
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Your wife is very lucky to have you; you may think you're just doing what any spouse would do, but I don't believe that is always true.
You always give sound advice. This post has given me more to consider & is timely as I'm meeting with my attorney this morning to start on a detailed health care directive.
What a good idea! At least you now know things are covered should the worst happen. Hopefully you won't ever need to put those plans into action.
We have also have a "message in a bottle" which was provided by our District Nurses. Inside a small plastic bottle there is an information sheet which you complete detailing GP telephone no, emergency contact no's, medications and all sorts of other details. They tell you to put it in your fridge. Then you display a little sticker by the front door so that if emergency services have to be called they know to look in the fridge for all the information they need. I suppose it's less important if you are always there, but if you were taken ill whilst out and about and they had to break in to get some assistance to your wife, at least all the relevant information would be to hand.
Excellent information. Good idea about the fridge also.
Jimbo
One more thing-it pays to have the diagnosis and a brief description in hand as mum got taken into hospital twice when I was on my way to her with notes the ambulance people made without checking this and even though I got there and explained , mum was not treated according to her actual illness but what the ambulance crew had decided. Ie dementia or parkinsons disease. This made me quite distressed as mum had never shown any signs of dementia, just slow responses! But what was really annoying was that the hospital used this estimation throughout mums stay! GRRR! Luckily I went in every day and chased things up but it made more work!
My parents made out their wills, got medical and financial power of attorneys and burial insurance. They have moved into our home and I help mom take care of dad.
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