There is no question that a cancer diagnosis is devastating. Life can change in a moment’s notice and nowhere does this hold more true than when it comes to your health or the health of a loved one. We find this holds especially true when this health diagnosis happens to a member of your family, such as your aging parent.
From the moment your aging parent shares the news of his or her cancer diagnosis, we know there are many questions you begin to ask. These questions can include, but not be limited to, any of the following:
What is the prognosis of the diagnosis?
Who else knows or should know?
Who should make the health care decisions if your aging parent cannot?
What are the costs of the treatment and will insurance help?
Does your aging parent have Florida estate planning, including advanced directives?
Is your aging parent’s estate planning up to date and does it reflect his or her current wishes?
Can your aging parent live independently or will he or she need more help?
When your aging parent is facing a cancer diagnosis there is so much that needs to be planned for to best help him or her. Beyond the health care needs of your loved one, you want to make sure the future of your aging parent is planned for as well. It starts with Florida estate planning and making sure there are clear instructions on what your aging parent wants. Just a few of the questions estate planning can answer are:
Who will make decisions about health care if the person is incapacitated?
Who should make the financial decisions?
Is there a backup decision maker if the primary cannot act?
Who should inherit from your aging parent and what are the goals for the legacy he or she wants to leave?
Should life-sustaining procedures be withheld or exhausted?
Who will have the legal authority to apply for government benefits, if they are accessible?
There is no substitute for the guidance of an experienced Florida estate attorney at a time like this. It is critical to get the guidance you need sooner rather than later. Your aging parent’s attorney is going to be able to help your aging parent answer these questions and so many more to protect himself or herself and your family.
We know this topic may raise more questions that it answers and want to help you plan for the future, and the unexpected. Whether you're young and single or a married five-time great grandparent, your voice and wishes need to be known. Worley Elder Law, based in beautiful Bradenton, Florida, focuses on helping you understand your options in designing your Estate Plan or Elder Law needs. Whether it's preventative incapacity planning or establishing your legacy, we will take the time to explain every option and work with you to create a customized plan just as unique as you and your family are. Please do not hesitate to contact us to let us help you.
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