Over the course of her career, Vera never emphasized private practice feeling it was too isolating in terms of her capacity to effect change.  Above all, she said she stressed the importance of distrusting simple answers and instead dealing with complexity in the area of human behavior.

After the passing of her husband, the nature of her work extended to a broader field as she did international consulting, establishing relationships in Europe.  “I had the great opportunity to meet some extraordinarily gifted people from whom I did learn much,” she said.

According to Vera, her profession was interrupted almost overnight when she lost the capacity to read over two years ago because of a physical change in the structure of her eye. As her eyesight continued to diminish, she found it impossible to operate independently with certain tasks such as money management.  Fortunately, she was connected to Kate Finan of Finan Financial Care, LLC, who has specialized in the daily money management needs of seniors in the area since 1993.

When Kate visits Vera, they consider the priority of items such as paying bills and making donations to charities; reconciling the checkbook; and reviewing and making decisions on how to respond to a fairly large volume of mail.  Vera has also appreciated the focus on her need for legal help as they have established a will and other important documents.  “She has been great in helping me organize the practical aspects of my life under the condition of diminished sight; she acts as an alter ego,” said Vera.

She also said she has found a connection with Kate as far as her capacity to see the complexity of what Vera has to deal with beyond simple solutions.

“In this relationship with Kate, what is paramount is the mutual recognition that the problem is not in a loss of mental capacity but rather in the capacity to deal with practical everyday problems,” said Vera.  “Without her help, I would have been stressed and unable to manage my current life.”

Advance directives (living wills, powers of attorneys, and health care proxies) are legal documents that express an individual’s wishes with regard to medical decisions. They are intended to provide direction to a designated “agent” to speak on behalf of a person who is unable to speak for himself.

An agent under an advance directive has legal authority to make any decisions and take any actions for the individual who appointed them. It is important for an individual to appoint a trusted person to speak for him when he is unable to speak for himself with respect to medical and end-of-life decisions. Once that person is appointed, it is vital that the individual explains his directions as to the type of medical care he does or does not want.

The format and form of advance directives vary by state. Consultation with an attorney is critical to address the legal nuances, personal preferences, and state differences. When drafting advance directives, an individual’s wishes for health care and end-of-life decisions must be specifically addressed to assure that they will be carried out. This includes following religious preferences, personal preferences, and preferences for or against specific medical procedures. Considering the significance of these decisions, it is important to appoint an agent who will follow the individual’s directions even if family members, medical professionals, or friends disagree.

Things to Consider While Planning Advance Directives
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) advises consumers to consider five key items when speaking with an elder law attorney about a living will, health care power of attorney, and health care proxy:

1. Who will serve as your Agent for Health Care? Who will serve as the alternate?

2. Are there certain medical treatments or pain control measures you want or don’t want?

3. Do you wish to take or refuse any medication that may reduce or eliminate the ability to communicate?

4. Do you have any particular directions regarding specific health care facilities, religious preferences, disposition of your body, donation of bodily parts for transplant or research, etc.?

5. What directions will you provide related to end-of life decisions specifically regarding:
if you can no longer eat, drink, or breathe on your own
if you cannot function independent of machines
if you are confined to bed
if you have no cognitive ability

For more information about elder law attorneys and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, visit www.naela.org.