Does My Parent Need Advanced Directives?

At Home Care Assistance Montreal, we know that the most personal questions are typically the most difficult to ask, especially when it comes to the health care needs of a senior. An advanced directive usually falls into this category. Similar to a Living Will, an advanced directive is a legally binding document that details a person’s last wishes regarding his or her end-of-life care, should that situation arise. It can be crucial under certain circumstances, such as when someone develops a mental illness, dementia, or falls into a coma.

An advance directive can also be known as a health care power of attorney. It provides directives concerning potential procedures such as breathing machines, resuscitation, tube feeding or organ donation. It also names someone as a proxy, who will be in charge of the decisions in the directive should the person who wrote them become incapacitated

Health problems can arise at any time. Having an advanced directive in place can mitigate many stressful situations. Advanced directives often concern the older population which for many of us means our aging parents. That leads us to the subject of whether you feel your parent or parents have health problems that could be handled by the instructions contained in an advanced directive. Should such a possibility crosses your mind ( even if it requires courage to discuss), consider doing so. Your parents may be anxious to discuss what they think about their last wishes.

Talking about an advanced directive means that you care enough to listen to a loved one’s most personal wishes. If you bring it up now, you won't regret it later on in life.

If you know a senior, or have a parent or loved one who is suffering from a chronic condition or even a terminal illness, make sure that they have the support and care they need to remain in the comfort of their home. Home Care Assistance Montreal is the city's leading provider of hourly and 24/7 live-in care. We provide comprehensive in-home support for seniors of all ages and abilities. For more information, please contact us today at (514) 907-5065 and speak with one of our friendly Care Managers.