Massachusetts Estate Planning and Elder Law

Traveling Without The Kids This Summer?

Are you taking a vacation without your children this summer, even a weekend away? Make sure you have the proper documents in place so that whoever is caring for your children has the authority to obtain medical care for them in an emergency. Also, make sure that you leave detailed instructions about their medical history, allergies, and medications and how to reach their current doctor. 

If your over-18 children will be traveling without you, make sure they have a Health Care Proxy signed so someone can make medical decisions for them if they are unable.  While they may still be your baby, if they are over 18 your right to make decisions for them, or even get an update on their medical condition, will be limited without the proper authorizations in place. 

The more prepared you are before you leave, the less you have to worry about on your trip. Just don't forget the sunscreen! 

Driving and Aging

Jessica Foley, an attorney in Quincy, has a recent post about driving when your mobility is impaired.  While there are sometimes when physical issues that make driving unsafe, there are many times when you can still drive even though you have difficulty getting around.  Jessica lists the criteria for obtaining a handicap placard, which can make your errands easier by giving you a parking space closer to your destination.  You must be a resident of Massachusetts and must have your doctor, chiropractor or nurse practitioner certify that you meet one of the following conditions:

• Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Cannot walk without the assistance of another person, prosthetic, cane or crutches.
• Have a lung disease such that your respiratory expiratory volume is less than 1 liter.
• Use portable oxygen.
• Have a Class III cardiac condition.
• Have a  Class IV cardiac condition (if you have this the registry requires you to surrender your license, in this instance you will be issued a placard for the motor vehicles you are riding in).
• Have Class III functional arthritis.
• Have Class IV functional arthritis.
• Have Stage II anatomic arthritis.
• Have Stage IV anatomic arthritis.
• Are legally blind (again a situation where you would surrender your license and would be issued a placard for the vehicles in which you are a passenger).
• Have lost one or more limbs.
• Have permanently lost use of one or more limbs.

For more information on obtaining a disability plate or placard, visit the RMV Website. 

Driving While Elderly

There has been a lot of talk in the local media about elderly drivers lately, and a push to require more frequent testing and stringent standards.  Whether you are an older driver concerned about your eyesight or coordination, or a caregiver becoming more nervous about a loved one's driving ability - remember that all drivers, of all ages, need to be safe on the road and to keep others safe. 

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website has an entire section devoted to senior drivers, including things for caregivers to watch out for, quizzes and local driving safety courses, warning signs of unsafe driving and how to report an unsafe driver.

Losing the ability to drive can be very traumatic for an older person, as it can lead to isolation and depression.  Remember the feeling of freedom you had when you first got your license? Keep that in mind when you are talking to someone about not driving anymore.  Think of ways they can keep their independence while staying safe - maybe it means using the town senior shuttle, or joining you on your weekly shopping trips, or even taking the money saved on insurance and gas and hiring a companion to act as a driver.  Having a plan in place before taking away the keys can make the transition easier. 

 

See also: Massachusetts Driving Law Blog