A 2013 report from Alzheimer’s Disease International warns that the number of older people needing care globally is set to nearly treble by 2050 from 101 million currently to 277 million.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia or senility. Symptoms include loss of memory, mood changes, and problems with communicating and reasoning.
The report reveals that as the world population ages, the traditional system of informal care by family, friends and the community will need much greater support.
This means that increasing numbers of people aged 60 or over will require long-term care. This will put huge pressure on families, both emotionally and financially. Carers often have to give up work to look after elderly relatives.
This epidemic of dementia will have specific legal consequences for patients and the people caring for them. In particular, their loss of mental capacity to make decisions in their own best interests, creates a need to put in place an appropriate system of delegated authority.
Advance Care Directives are legal documents to help make decisions about the medical treatment and care of someone who might become seriously ill or injured and cannot make their own decisions. Progressive disease takes away their decision-making capacity, and the Advance Care Directive is a legal mechanism to either state their wishes about the sort of care they want later in life, or alternatively to appoint trusted agents to make the decisions for them.
With Australians living longer than ever, it is quite possible for a patient to live with dementia for decades. The need to clearly state your future healthcare plans is more important than ever.
It is important for every adult person to create an Advance Care Directive to maximise their quality of life so that personal values and religious or cultural preferences are taken loses the ability to make decisions about healthcare at the end of their lives.
Genders and Partners can help you to protect yourself, your family and your assets. Let us assist you with Wills and Estate Planning in Adelaide metro area and all over South Australia, for your family’s future. Contact us today on 08 8212 7233 to arrange a FREE telephone consultation and to request a FREE copy of our special Report: “7 Things You Must Know About Wills and Estate Planning”.
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