Decoding Compassion: Taking on the Power of Attorney Role with Heart

December 28, 2023January 3, 2024 Nancy Boisvert NEXsteps age in place, aging, aging journey, Alzheimer's, assisted living, Caregiver Support, caregiving, chronic illness, Coping With Decline, dementia, diversity, Emotional Wellness, enduring power of attorney, Family First, financial planning, financial stability, independent living, legal requirements, life insurance, long term care, Love And Compassion, medical care, medical directives, power of attorney, Strength In Unity, Support For Families, supported living, will

Power of Attorney: Managing Time Commitments

Empathy in Action

Embarking on the role of an attorney through an enduring power of attorney is not merely a legal obligation but a profound commitment driven by values, personal connections, and a deep sense of responsibility. This journey goes beyond legalities; it’s a heartfelt endeavor fueled by love, care, and an unwavering sense of duty towards the individual placing trust in their hands.

Let’s dive into the top 5 reasons why someone may accept this role.

Sense of Duty and Care for the Individual:

Taking on the role of an attorney is often driven by a profound sense of duty and care for the individual granting power of attorney. Family members or close friends may feel a strong moral obligation to step in and ensure the well-being of their loved one when they are no longer able to make decisions independently.

The desire to honor the wishes of the individual and provide support during challenging times can be a powerful motivator. Knowing that they can make a positive impact on the person’s life, ensuring their comfort, dignity, and adherence to their preferences, gives a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Individuals who highly value familial or personal relationships may see being named as an attorney as an opportunity to express their love and commitment to the person who has entrusted them with this important responsibility.

Close Relationship and Intimate Knowledge:

Accepting the role of attorney is often more appealing when there is a close relationship and intimate knowledge of the individual’s preferences, values, and life circumstances. Family members or close friends who have a deep understanding of the person’s wishes are better equipped to make decisions aligned with their best interests. Having insider knowledge about the person’s medical history, preferences for healthcare treatments, and financial priorities enables the attorney to make more informed and personalized decisions. This close connection can foster a sense of confidence in their ability to navigate the complexities of decision-making on behalf of the individual.

The familiarity and confidence between the attorney and the individual can facilitate smoother communication and decision-making processes during challenging times.

Expertise in Legal or Financial Matters:

For some, the decision to be an attorney is facilitated by professional expertise in legal or financial matters. Lawyers, accountants, or financial advisors feel equipped to navigate the complexities involved, ensuring decisions are made with competence and reducing stress related to potential legal or financial challenges.

Even for those without formal training in legal or financial matters, the decision to become an attorney may be deeply rooted in a personal connection and a strong sense of advocacy for the individual. While lacking professional qualifications, these individuals bring a unique set of skills – empathy, communication, and a personal commitment to representing and protecting the interests of their loved ones. They may not have the technical knowledge of a legal expert, but their personal connection and advocacy can be equally powerful. It’s a testament to the diverse skills that individuals, irrespective of professional background, can bring to this pivotal role.

Commitment to Preventing Family Conflicts:

Assuming the role of an attorney can be a proactive measure to prevent family conflicts. By taking responsibility for decision-making, the attorney aims to provide a unified and cohesive approach to caregiving, minimizing disagreements among family members. Acting as a peacemaker, they strive to ensure the individual’s wishes are respected, fostering a collaborative family environment through clear communication and transparency about decisions.

Family dynamics can become strained during times of crisis, and having a designated decision-maker can help streamline the decision-making process. In this role, the attorney becomes a bridge between family members, helping navigate potential conflicts. By proactively addressing concerns and ensuring that decisions align with the individual’s wishes, they contribute to a harmonious family dynamic.

Personal Sense of Empowerment and Fulfillment:

Serving as an attorney on an enduring power of attorney can provide a personal sense of empowerment and fulfillment. The role allows individuals to actively contribute to the well-being of someone they care about deeply. Making decisions that positively impact the individual’s quality of life, even in challenging circumstances, can be deeply rewarding.

The attorney may find satisfaction in overcoming the complexities associated with the role, whether they involve legal, financial, or healthcare matters. Successfully navigating these challenges reinforces a sense of personal capability and resilience. Additionally, being entrusted with such a crucial responsibility can enhance the attorney’s own sense of purpose and identity, fostering a meaningful connection with the individual they are supporting.

Final Notes:

Agreeing to be named as an attorney on someone’s enduring power of attorney is often driven by a combination of personal values, close relationships, expertise, commitment to family harmony, and a desire for personal fulfillment. The decision reflects a willingness to shoulder the responsibilities associated with the role, motivated by a genuine concern for the well-being and best interests of the individual granting power of attorney, making it a truly empathetic and impactful role.

Being an attorney is not just a legal role; it’s an expression of love, commitment, and a profound dedication to ensuring the dignity and well-being of a cherished individual during their most vulnerable moments.

You can watch our video here, or watch on YouTube.

Your questions and comments are always welcome! Contact us to learn more.

Hours and Hours

October 21, 2022November 29, 2023 Nancy NEXsteps aging, aging plan, care options, caregiver, caregiving, transitional aging plan

Unpaid caregivers – family and friends – provide incredible value.

Have you ever wondered how many hours family and friends give as caregivers? It’s not trivial, nor is the monetary value.

It happens to all of us eventually. We’re either providing assistance and support to our loved ones as they advance in age and care needs, or we’re the ones aging and receiving the support.

Regardless, it all adds up. Usually, it is insidious; a few hours here and there to help with errands or appointments. Before long, it is taking up a larger and larger part of your day. But what does this unpaid caregiver hours and value look like?

I had the opportunity recently to talk with Jacquie Eales, Research Manager, Research on Aging, Policies & Practice at the University of Alberta. One of the areas they have researched and compiled data is that of unpaid caregiver hours. With Jacquie’s blessing, I will share some of that data with you in this post.

First of all, let’s take the birds’ eye overview of what that looks like across the provinces of Canada. This infographic shows the percentage of population per province engaged in caregiving, as well as the amount of time spent in millions of hours per year, and the economic value in billions per year, at $17 per hour.

Now, let’s break it out by category for a clearer visual representation:

As you can see in the above picture, one-quarter to one-third of our population is engaged in providing caregiving support.

This next image breaks out the amount of time friend and family caregivers are providing each year, in millions.

Calculated at $17 per hour, the economic value of these millions of hours of support represent significant value, as shown in the following image.

Attribution: Family-caregiving-worth-97-billion_2022-02-20 by Research on Aging, Policies and Practice, University of Alberta, https://rapp.ualberta.ca/snapshot-of-aging/

The amount of time provided to support our aging population clearly is far from trivial. Keep in mind that during the Covid-19 lockdowns, many family/friend caregivers could not access their loved ones, creating stress for the staff at the various facilities housing so many of our seniors, frustration for the friends and family members, and isolating a cohort that already suffers from loneliness and seclusion.

Societies have always depended on the support of friends and family members to assist with those who require support. This is something that the vast majority of us never would question and is a fundamental kindness. But options exist to provide balance and wellness for everyone concerned. A consultation with NEXsteps can show you how you can provide the love and support to your loved ones while striking a better balance with the other aspects of your life. Contact us to schedule your consultation, or learn more about our services.

You can also see our video on YouTube

Introducing NEXsteps – Age with Confidence

October 14, 2022November 29, 2023 Nancy NEXsteps aging, aging plan, care options, caregiver, caregiving, medical directives, POA, transitional aging plan, wills. estate planning

Introducing NEXsteps – The Art of Aging Well

We are your transitional aging specialists.

The past few years dealing with COVID-19 have been challenging for everyone, and on many levels. During the initial phase, no one knew what to expect. Lockdowns caused many businesses to close, often with no ability to reopen in the future. The impact of the lack of business reverberated throughout nearly all types of businesses; with no customers and no idea what the future held, many opportunities were lost and many businesses had to learn to pivot to continue.

I took this opportunity to reflect on what I felt was most meaningful to me at this phase of my life. I have spent the past several years managing the care and transition of aging friends and relatives, becoming a transitional aging specialist. This has been both rewarding and challenging. There are many aspects to the aging process and the development of an aging plan that simply can’t be anticipated, especially if you are a caregiver “newby”. Then, just a couple months ago, I made a decision to shift my focus from general business and strategic marketing consultation to consulting with the aging, and their friends and family members who will have the responsibility of managing their care and their aging plan.

I invite any of you who are faced with this planning to reach out. An initial ninety minute consultation to develop a proper aging plan will ensure that you can move forward with confidence and efficiency. Don’t spend hours of your time chasing answers that I have already have discovered during my journey to become a transitional aging specialist. Contact us and schedule your consultation, or check out our products and services.

Agapi /NEXsteps

Tag: caregiving