Planning the Future: Four Healthcare Decisions to Consider | Avalon Memory Care
Healthcare planning
Senior Health

Planning the Future: Four Healthcare Decisions to Consider

Recognizing a decline in a loved one’s cognitive abilities can be incredibly challenging. When navigating the complexities of Alzheimer’s or dementia, the best time to make significant healthcare decisions is before a crisis occurs. Proactive planning promotes dignity and autonomy while ensuring future physical, emotional, and spiritual needs will be met.

In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, here are four essential healthcare areas to proactively evaluate and document with loved ones. 

1. Designating a Medical Power of Attorney

A Medical Power of Attorney is a legal document that designates a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions if someone becomes unable to do so themselves. Establishing this early is particularly valuable for individuals with memory loss to ensure choices regarding treatment and care align with their wishes. Without this designation, the complexity  and pressure of guesswork can fall on family members during high-stress situations.

2. Establishing Advance Directives and DNR Orders 

Advance directives, including a Living Will and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, provide clear instructions for end-of-life care. While these conversations are difficult, documenting these wishes helps preserve an individual’s dignity as their condition progresses. Making these important decisions ahead of time can relieve unnecessary pressure and added emotion in the future. These documents serve as a helpful resource for healthcare providers to ensure that all treatments remain sensitive and professional according to any stage.

3. Determining the Right Time for Memory Care

One of the most significant decisions families face is when to move from home care to a specialized memory care setting. Together make a list of what signs or changes will be indicators that it is time for additional care. Tools like the FAST (Functional Assessment Staging Test) scale can eliminate uncertainty. This five-minute clinical tool evaluates the progression of cognitive impairment, helping families identify when a secure environment with 24/7 support is necessary. Avalon’s residences are specifically designed with magnetic door locks and secure patios to provide safety without sacrificing a home-like feel. 

4. Choosing Between Palliative Care and Hospice

Understanding the difference between palliative care and hospice is essential for long-term planning. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a memory-related illness and focuses on holistic support for physical and mental needs. Hospice care is typically reserved for the final stages of life, prioritizing comfort and family support. Making a decision for when to engage either care type allows families to focus on the present rather than navigating administrative hurdles during difficult times.

Taking the Next Step

By proactively communicating and documenting these four decisions, families can find peace of mind knowing that their loved one’s future is secure. Interested in learning more about memory care? Schedule a tour at Avalon Memory Care. 

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“Since my mother has lived at Avalon, I have had peace of mind for the first time since Alzheimer’s began to exact its terrible price from my mother’s life. Thank you for your part in making our lives better.”
Daughter | Ft. Worth, TX
“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the care and love afforded to my mom over the last two weeks. Your success in finding such quality people has my gratitude and respect.”
Daughter | Dallas, TX
“We are very pleased with all of the efforts that your caring staff has made to smooth this traumatic transition.”
Son | Plano, TX
“I know my husband had the very best care in his final days. I regret that I did not know about Avalon sooner.”
Wife | Dallas, TX
“Mom spent the final 8 months of her life in Avalon Memory Care in Allen. The staff was great. There was rarely a day that my brother or I did not come by and they were always friendly to us and did their best to make mom comfortable and happy. We really appreciated them for everything they did.”
Daughter | Allen, TX
“Making the decision to place my mother in residential memory care was the hardest thing I think I have ever done. But living at Avalon has been the best thing for her at this stage of her life.”
Daughter | Allen, TX
“My grandmother has lived at Avalon Memory Care for 6 months now. I cannot speak highly enough about the warmth, dedication, and caring compassion of the staff. They always make us feel welcome and go out of their way to work with us to accommodate grandma’s needs.”
Grandson | Arlington, TX
“My grandmother spent her final days at Avalon and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to care for her. The caregivers are attentive and kind, and many of them have been with Avalon for years. If you are looking for a place to love on you and your family in a season that is inevitably difficult, Avalon is a wonderful choice.”
Granddaughter | Arlington, TX
“We are delighted with the facility of Avalon Memory Care. We just placed Grandma in an apartment with them and couldn’t be happier. It is clean and well-lit, and everyone greets us, down to the folks who clean up.”
Granddaughter | Arlington, TX
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We Are Avalon

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