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Re: THAT'S NOT WHAT I SAID

Posted by sue on October 10, 2002 at 03:33:55:

In Reply to: THAT'S NOT WHAT I SAID posted by Dbl. Aaaaaaaack on August 08, 2002 at 19:21:26:

I think it is a very noble idea, this "POA". In many ancient societies elders knew when it was a good day to die. They then refused to take nourishment until they did finally die. Animals do it, too.

But we've lost our natural instincts.

In our rather hedonistic American society, I'm not sure how many of us would even have the intestinal fortitude to follow through.

The biggest problem I can see with a "POA" is that there are physical maladies that can incapacitate the body , but do not respond well to drugs. At least not yet. The body slowly deteriorates. The mind may still be sharp, or not, but the need for decent, compassionate care is absolutely necessary. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's are two that come to mind.

I know first hand, as my husband has MS. I am the only care-giver. There are some very tough days...and it may get worse as the years go by. Neither one of us expected him to get diagnosed with MS. It was a big surprise.

I could envision a time when I may become too weak to care for him. Then what? He doesn't take drugs, so there are none to be withheld. He would likely be a contributing part of the humanity mentally. Yet he would still need someone to help him toilet, dress, shower and eat.

I only WISH that he could get LTCi...or, even better, that Stem Cell research would be allowed to help heal him.

Unfortunately for us, no LTCi company will insure him. Any facility or home care costs will have to come out of our savings. Worst case scenario, he will have to go to a Medicaid facility. He says that he'll kill himself before he goes to one, but that remains to be seen!

If you know for sure that you will die of a quick acting (6 months or less) disease, then go ahead with the "POA" course of action. Otherwise, you might want to reconsider and get some protection...for you and your kid's sake.

If you are concerned about the way folks are treated in some LTC facilities, one of the best ways to ensure against being in that situation yourself is to get a full coverage LTCi policy with home care, and inflation rider if you are younger. This way you 'll be able to afford the best care giving arrangements.

The next is to look at facilities that are part of The Eden Alternative. Check them out online. These facilities have animals, birds, music and children with which to interact and they treat their elders as cherished parts of the whole community. There are a few of them around the country.

I do not sell insurance. But I do care greatly. Even my mother has a LTCi policy - and she belongs to the Hemlock society! :-)

Blessing to you which ever way you choose.

Follow Ups:

Re: THAT'S NOT WHAT I SAID : I think it is a very noble idea, this "POA". In many ancient societies elders knew when it was a good day to die. They then refused to take nourishment until they did finally die. Animals do it, too. : But we've lost our natural instincts. : In our rather hedonistic American society, I'm not sure how many of us would even have the intestinal fortitude to follow through. : The biggest problem I can see with a "POA" is that there are physical maladies that can incapacitate the body , but do not respond well to drugs. At least not yet. The body slowly deteriorates. The mind may still be sharp, or not, but the need for decent, compassionate care is absolutely necessary. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's are two that come to mind. : I know first hand, as my husband has MS. I am the only care-giver. There are some very tough days...and it may get worse as the years go by. Neither one of us expected him to get diagnosed with MS. It was a big surprise. : I could envision a time when I may become too weak to care for him. Then what? He doesn't take drugs, so there are none to be withheld. He would likely be a contributing part of the humanity mentally. Yet he would still need someone to help him toilet, dress, shower and eat. : I only WISH that he could get LTCi...or, even better, that Stem Cell research would be allowed to help heal him. : Unfortunately for us, no LTCi company will insure him. Any facility or home care costs will have to come out of our savings. Worst case scenario, he will have to go to a Medicaid facility. He says that he'll kill himself before he goes to one, but that remains to be seen! : If you know for sure that you will die of a quick acting (6 months or less) disease, then go ahead with the "POA" course of action. Otherwise, you might want to reconsider and get some protection...for you and your kid's sake. : If you are concerned about the way folks are treated in some LTC facilities, one of the best ways to ensure against being in that situation yourself is to get a full coverage LTCi policy with home care, and inflation rider if you are younger. This way you 'll be able to afford the best care giving arrangements. : The next is to look at facilities that are part of The Eden Alternative. Check them out online. These facilities have animals, birds, music and children with which to interact and they treat their elders as cherished parts of the whole community. There are a few of them around the country. : I do not sell insurance. But I do care greatly. Even my mother has a LTCi policy - and she belongs to the Hemlock society! :-) : Blessing to you which ever way you choose.

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