Some of the most conusing terms in any person’s “aging dictionary” will be those found in the legal field. Here at Eastern Area Agency on Aging we hope that our definitions will provide some clarity when thinking about legal options for the senior in your life.
- Advance Directives: Documents that convey health care wishes including, a living will and a health care power of attorney.
- Living Will: Legal document that states a person’s wishes regarding end of life decisions. Should the person be terminal and unable to communicate the will goes into effect.
- Health Care Power of Attorney: Allows a person to appoint another individual to make their medical dedisions.
- Financial (or Durable) Power of Attorney: Allows an individual to appoint another person to make their financial decisions. Document can become effective immediately or if/when the person is unable to make their own decisions.
- Conservator: Person appointed by the Probate Court to protect and manage money and property of an individual who is incapacitated.
- Guardian: Person appointed by the Probate Court to make personal decisions such as medical treatments, housing for someone who is incapacitated.
- Geriatric Care Manager: Conducts an assessment of a person’s physical, mental, environmental, and financial conditions to develop a care plan to assist in those areas where the person needs services.
Stay tuned for our next post in the Eldercare Terms series for our first of two parts on Medical/Homecare service terms.
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