Harvard Medical School has just published the Caregiver’s Handbook, a special health report designed as a comprehensive resource for anyone who has assumed the role of caregiver for a loved one.
According to the Harvard Health Publications website, the new handbook was designed as a complete resource for those who have been thrust into the role of caregiver, and provides tips for daily caregiving tasks, technologies that caregivers can employ to protect their loved one, guidance for navigating the Medicaid and Medicare systems, potential problem areas and viable solutions as well as some basic legal, financial and medical planning information.
The Caregiver’s Handbook is available to order online for $20 for a printed copy or $18 for an electronic PDF download.
If you are the caregiver for an elderly relative, it is imperative that the person you are caring for has these necessary estate planning documents in place:
Durable Power of Attorney – allows caregivers to handle the financial affairs of someone without having to incur the expense and trouble of establishing a guardianship.
Advance Medical Directive – this document enables a caregiver to make necessary medical decisions if the person is unable to do so and should also include a HIPAA release so the caregiver has access to important medical information.
Living Will – a legal document that spells out a person’s wishes for end-of-life care.
For more information on the legal issues concerning elder care and estate planning, contact our Costa Mesa law firm.