Massachusetts Estate Planning and Elder Law

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P.S. If you are overwhelmed caring for your elderly parents and need help now, just click here: Yes, I'm Overwhelmed!

What to Pack for a Trip to the Hospital

As people get older and sicker, they may find themselves going to the hospital more frequently - either for planned appointments or emergencies.  Being prepared for these visits can go a long way towards making them less stressful. 

Here is a list of things to remember:

1. A copy of your health care proxy,
2. A copy of your HIPAA release, 
3. A copy of a Do Not Resuscitate Order if you have one, 
4. Health insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental insurance)
5. Glasses, hearing aids, dentures,
6. Supply of medication, list of medications and dosages, any allergies,
7. Slippers or socks with rubber soles,
8. Robe, PJs or nightgown,
9. Toiletry items,
10. Ear plugs,
11. Telephone card and small amount of cash for incidentals.

If you can, leave jewelry and other valuables at home. 

One other tip, make sure the telephone is next to your bed. I was recently trying to contact a client in the hospital (I am his Health Care Proxy so I needed to speak with him) and he wasn't picking up his phone.  I called the nurses station to find out what was wrong.  It turned out that his telephone was across the room. Since he couldn't get out of bed, he couldn't answer the telephone.  They moved his telephone, and I could finally get through. 

If you haven't updated your health care proxy in a few years, don't have a HIPAA release so that your doctors can talk to your family members about your condition, or just want to get your affairs in order before going to the hospital, call my office at 781-749-2284 for an appointment. 

"This is nothing like Senior Yoga!"

I went out to the Kripalu Yoga Center in Lenox last week for vacation.  One of the activities they have is a noon time YogaDance, which is a very spirited dance for people of all ages and abilities.  A group of seniors from the community had come to join us in our dance.  As we were all dancing around the room I heard one of the women say "this is nothing like senior yoga!" It sure wasn't, but she was definitely having a good time.

For opportunities to move in your area, check out your local senior center or click here to find out if there is a Shake Your Soul class near you. 

Staying Healthy (and Keeping Others Healthy) When Visiting Nursing Homes or Hospitals

It's fall, which means colder days, colored leaves and an increased risk of colds and other illnesses.  While most of us can recover after a couple days of rest, common illnesses can take a toll on the elderly and infirm.  Illnesses can spread rapidly throughout a patient population even in the best and cleanest of facilities.  Take some precautions if you are visiting someone in the hospital or nursing home (which I do frequently):

• Do not visit if you are sick. Do not bring small children to visit if they are sick.
• Wash your hands before going for the visit.
• Use the hand sanitizer at the check-in desk on your way in to prevent carrying germs in, and on your way out to prevent carrying germs out of the facility. 
• If you find yourself having to cough, use the crook of your elbow to cover your mouth, not your hand.
• If you sneeze, use a tissue and wash your hands. 
• Wash your hands again when you get back home. (Do you see a theme here?)

A few minutes of prevention will go a long way towards protecting you, your loved ones, and the other patients in the facility from the risk of illness.

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