Finding The Right Life Support Option

Eldercare, Funeral Pre-Planning, Power of Attorney

After Drafting Your Will, It’s Time To Find The Right Life Support Option For You…

Life support system options: Everyone dies, and the fact that you are reading this guide points more towards you are seeing the end of the line in terms of living, rather than you are expecting living for quite some more time.

Although death is a natural part of life, as we learn this at a very early age, with some kids movie even pointing to this “necessity”, it doesn’t make it any easier in terms of parting with your friends or family.

If you want to enact a system now, preparing for any demise you may encounter, whether it be in a couple of weeks, or several years, you will likely be faced with the question that few will be able to answer on the spot.

What life support system options would you want enacted in the case that you are struggling to live?

Life Support System Options

Most people know what a life support system is, however few know that there are actually several levels, or types of life support system options available.

These systems can either work as short stack applicants, meaning if they aren’t applied ASAP, then you could pass away at any time, and long term applicants.

Long term applicants are like food and water support systems, where the patient could live past a day without the system, however it may affect them in an unhealthy way.

Life support systems can be broken up into six categories, with each category having several distinct characteristics separating them from one another.

  1. The one most popularly seen, usually in medical drama t.v. shows or films, is the assisted breathing support system. This support system provides air, where the patient is restricted from breathing for a number of reasons.
  2. Medical devices implanting food or water into the body through a feeding tube, where a person’s injury or condition prevents the natural intake of food or liquid.
  3. CPR involvement, in the course that you quit breathing, you will be attempted to be resurrected upon a series of compressions and shared breathes with a licensed doctor.
  4. Blood transfusions, where you can gain blood from a donor, in the event where you lose too much blood.
  5. Dialysis follows this method, a treatment that works as a filter for your blood, where the natural functions of the kennedy have been eliminated due to kidney failure.
  6. The  final category is treatment with antibiotics, where pathogens or bacteria have put your body in a critical state, with some chance you may not live.

Which One is Right For Me?

After understanding the somewhat complexities of life support systems, you may wonder which life support system would best apply towards you. For this portion, you should separate the factors into three distinct branches.

This of course should be after you talk to your doctor, as they may have different opinions on which support systems work the best.

You should understand the side effects, how the treatment operates, and whether the treatment has a health increase factor included, or if it just simply “moves you forward” in terms of the game of life.

Hospice Care – What It Is And What It Covers

Eldercare, Funeral Pre-Planning, Insurance, Power of Attorney, Wills

Dealing with a situation where your loved one may pass away, and there’s nothing you can do about it, can be one of the most devastating periods in a person’s life.

This is a person you shared wonderful memories with, and now they may pass away in the worst case, a month, or even sooner.

Although death is inevitable, as it occurs as a natural part of life, it doesn’t mean you should have to stand idle and watch a loved one or friend whether in pain in their last moments alive.

If you would rather their last moments be spent pain free, and in high spirits, you may want to inquire about choosing a hospice option.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a option for dying patients, that aren’t expected to live past six months.

These patients are commonly enduring permanent conditions, like cancer and aids, where there is not a cure that works as a definitive solution.

This care option is available to both the patient and their family, more towards the family once the patient passes away to offer support in coping with their death.

Hospice care usually applies to patients who have removed life support system possibilities, as well as other live saving instruments that can revive them if they die, or are likely to die without them.

The main goal with hospice care is offer comfort, while not shredding the patients dignity, making the path towards death easier to deal with than if they were faced with dying without any hospice care.

How Much Does It Cost, And Where Its It Available

Hospice care is available to much patients, however some may require a written approval from their doctor, before any treatment commences.

Hospice care is offered through either the patients home, a family members home, or at designed hospice care facilities.

The hospice caregiver team consists of medical professionals and psychological experts that will apply their knowledge towards making the patient feel better, more at terms with dying.

Hospice care cost will ultimately deal with a variety of factors, however it is mostly covered under several insurance plans, most commonly used is Medicare.

It should be noted, however, Medicare only applies to patients over 65, so if the patient is younger than this age, they may have to depend on other forms of insurance.

Estate Planning Documents And What You Should Know

Eldercare, Funeral Pre-Planning, Power of Attorney, Wills

Planning for the events surrounding after your death may be a scary thought, however it is a very crucial part of life, and if plans are created after you are gone, it can tremendously help make the process easier to deal with for your family.

Too many times are wills and other document left uncompleted, making the estate shares hard to decipher in terms of what goes where, and which person receives which property or items.

Understanding the process of estate planning, as well as completed all the necessary fields, will make the transition from life to death smoother in the case of stress.

You can rest easy knowing your property is going to the people you appoint, and not blindly chosen.

What Is Estate Planning?

Although some may think estate planning deals with what happens after a person dies, this is only a small fraction of what estate planning covers.

In fact, estate planning works as a set of plans that work towards organizing the several things that go into creation and disposal of a person’s estate.

This usually consists of several “levels” of importance, with the main areas being wills, trusts, power of attorney choosing, and deposit box choosings.

Knowing what these entail, and what the best method is in dealing with them, can help you save both time and money in the long run.

Estate Planning In Depth

The first thing to deal with in an estate will likely depend on how you want it organized, but typically a will is the first thing dealt with.

A will is a testimony of what goes where, and who the recipients are of chunks of your estates. If you create one early enough, you will be able to insure the right people are getting parts of your estate, and not the wrong hands.

Through a will, beneficiaries are chosen, who receives what, and a executor is chosen to oversee the transactions.

Guardians are also chosen for underage children or minors, in the case that you were a parent or legal guardian.

This will then commence probate, or the process in which a will is validated in court, in which your executor will try to validate the will. Once a will is crafted, you can pick trusts that will work towards a relationship with a settler, or the one who takes care of your assets.

This process helps in transferring money to the heir to your fortune, whether they be children or other family.

Once a trust is established, you should find a Power of Attorney who will act on your behalf, organizing the estate to a way you would see fit.

When Death Occurs In A Nursing Home

Eldercare

What To Do When Death Occurs In A Nursing Home…

With an increase in age, death becomes inevitable at some point.

Whether the age be predictable, or a case that happens to occur completely oblivious to you, steps will need to be taken once death does occur.

This is especially important in nursing homes, where, unfortunately these incidents occur on a regular basis.

Knowing how to deal with the death, in terms of extracting the body and organizing a funeral, will make the process a little bit more easy in dealing with, making it a smoother transition.

Taking Care Of The Body

This will be the most stressful part of the process, and if you know the person who has passed away, also the most emotional.

You should push off these emotions, however, at least for the time being, as these bodies have to be dealt with as quick as possible, in accordance to state and federal law. Usually, you will be informed of the death, via the telephone number listed.

This is, of course, if you are the primary phone number listed. If you are informed of the death, you will have to act quickly, before their are any issues with the care facility.

Immediately, after you receive the call, you should organize the body to be taken care, extracted through a funeral home service that will remove the body.

There are several funeral homes that are applicable, however the closest may be the best option, as chances are they will get in the quickest time.

Issuing A Death Certificate

Once the body has been professionally taken care of, in terms of extracting it with the utmost care, a death certificate is now warranted to complete.

The staff at the nursing home will aid in this, offering their opinions and time of when they found the body, however they can’t complete the death certificate.

A funeral director, who manages the removal of the body, is also the only one certified to issue a death certificate.

Usually, the death certificate is completed in accordance with the body being removed, however there have been times where the body and certificate have either been completed at the same time, or the certificate is completed after the body has been removed from the facility.

After the body has been removed, and the certificate is completed, plans can be made to hold a funeral service.

How To Pre-Plan For Cremation

Eldercare, Funeral Pre-Planning

Options for your cremation plans:

For some, death is the great unknown.

For others, it is the culmination of a spiritual belief and the promise of something after life.

Regardless of your thoughts concerning death, there are many things you can plan regarding your own funeral.

With so many things to work out, it can greatly help your family if you let your interests and desires known.

An increasing number of people are choosing to pre-plan for cremation over traditional burial. However, many of those people don’t know where to begin the process.

Below is a brief cremation plans guide that covers some of the things you need to know regarding cremation and funeral practices.

Is Cremation For You?

For many families, a funeral is as much for the deceased as it is for the grieving process of the living.

A traditional burial funeral gives family the opportunity to say good-bye.

A cremation means that some may not have the opportunity to process the loss in their own way. In addition, many religions prohibit cremation, or mandate it on death.

Knowing how your choice will affect your family is especially important in this regard. If nothing else, be sure to communicate your wishes clearly.

In addition, cremation requires additional planning, as you will have to decide whether you want a traditional burial ceremony or something else.

Cremations Plans: Pre-Planning

Planning a cremation will most likely mean that you are talking directly with a funeral home.

Depending on the state, you will have various options regarding who takes care of the cremation.

Individuals at the funeral home will be able to answer any questions you have, as well as help you with the arrangements if you choose to make use of their services. They may make you aware of something you haven’t previously considered.

Regardless, it is a good idea to look around and see what services are provided, as well as the fees attached.

What to Do With the Cremated Remains

Many people believe that cremating means scattering them at some place of importance. However, people who choose to cremate their remains more often than not opt for traditional funeral service.

Lets take a look at the various ways you can lay your ashes to rest.

Traditional Burial

One of the most popular choices in the United States are people cremating their remains and then opting for a traditional burial.

While this process forgoes the wake, it does carry on many of the same traditions as a typical burial, including the funeral proper and memorial service.

A traditional burial for cremated remains will depend on the site you choose for your burial, and can include a mausoleum or burial site.

Scattering

Cremation Scattering of Ashes at Sea

Many people choose to have their remains scattered after a ceremony and cremation.

Often times, the process is meant to be a last intimate moment between the deceased and those closest.

Scattering remains can occur anywhere, with the most important factor being that the place you choose has particular importance to you.

Turning Into Jewelry

Cremation Diamonds for Family

An increasingly popular choice is having your remains turned into jewelry for your family.

The idea is that the remains can be used to create a gem that a family member can wear. This way, you can always be with the special person you loved.

Fireworks, Reefs, and Space

Cremation Eternal Coral Reefs

There are any number of addition and unorthodox ways that you can spread your ashes.

These include but are certainly not limited to shooting your ashes into space, using your ashes to help form a coral reef, and using your ashes as material in a firework.

In the end, it will depend on what you want.

Celestis Memorial Spaceflights

Affordability of Cremation

If your goal is to keep funeral costs as low as possible, then cremating remains is one of the least expensive options available.

This is especially true if the majority of funeral ceremonies are skipped. However, cremation can become costly when you want more than just the bare essentials.

For many people looking to be cremated, an urn is necessary.

A specially made urn can cost a great deal of money. In addition, if the ashes are to be spread at a particular location, there are secondary expenses like travel to consider.

Finally, cremation allows for a special burial in a columbarium. Though expensive, it represents a far less epensive option than having your own burial plot.

Last But Not Least, Communication

Let your wishes be known

Planning for one’s death and funeral can be a challenge.

Telling other people what you want may be especially challenging, as people do not like to think about death.

After you have finished pre-planning what you want for your cremation, be sure to tell someone about it.

Make sure they know what your wishes are. In addition, keep a written copy of your wishes as well. It is always better to be safe than sorry.