Planning for our old age

WITH dementia rates set to soar, it is imperative more Australians plan for when they can no longer manage their health care, end-of-life care, or financial affairs, a new report says.  Only about 55 per cent of Australians have a will, and an even smaller proportion have recorded their wishes in legally binding directives about nursing, guardianship, or power of attorney arrangements. (source)

I am some way off planning my old age, but this is worth considering.  My mother has recently moved into aged care (as she now requires high nursing care)—my parents knew the time would come when she would need specialist care, but not quite as soon as it happened.  My mother didn’t want to go into a nursing home, you do hear terrible things about them, but the Lord has provided us with a lovely place that meets all her needs and the staff are very nice, friendly and caring.  However, at almost 80 it will take quite a while to adjust to her new surroundings - communal living is not what anyone really wants and it isn't her home.

None of us want to think about this whilst we are able bodied, but what happens when we are old, in poor health and can no longer look after ourselves?  Hard decisions have to be made and we either accept that change needs to happen or dig our feet in and make things difficult for all.  Our children may not be able to care for us (I live 2000kms - more correctly 1164kms)  from my parents, so that isn’t an option) so it is important to think about this part of our lives.  Even though we may want to stay in our own homes until we die, that is not always an option.  It is the sort of discussion we should have with our children so everyone knows our wishes.  Moving in with one of our children might be an option for some, but if medical requirements are too demanding, this may not be a possibility (as for my mum) - so what else is available? How much does it cost? 

No point ignoring it, we will all get old at some point and are highly like to have some health issues.  So thinking about this is a good idea. It is only fair on our children.  This is particularly important if dementia sets in. We may not know what is going on, but our children will have to make some hard decisions on our behalf so it is only fair that we have discussed it - especially before it becomes very emotional and adds to the difficulties.

And most importantly . . . do everything in pray.  The Lord will guide all of us through this, we are never alone at these difficult times.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John 14:27