Must-Have Legal Documents for Elderly Healthcare

Tips from the Experts at Our Independent Living Facility in West Hartford

Seniors looking over documentsTo protect patient privacy, the law strictly defines who can participate in healthcare-related conversations and decisions. This means that you need proper written authorization from your elderly parents stating that you can act on their behalf when they are not in a position to speak or make decisions themselves.

At our independent living community in West Hartford, Connecticut, we always advise our residents’ families to prepare the necessary legal documents well in advance. When a situation occurs, valuable time and money can be lost in trying to establish guardianship that allows you to make decisions on their behalf.

Here are 3 important documents that you must have in order to be able to participate in the healthcare decisions of mom, dad or any elderly family member:

  • HIPAA authorization: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is a federal law that protects the privacy of patients’ health care information. Doctors cannot share any details about your parents’ health without written consent from them. The HIPAA authorization form, which is available at your doctor’s office, authorizes doctors to share this information with you. It is simple and short and only takes a few minutes to complete.
  • Healthcare Proxy: A healthcare proxy is a legal document in which your parent will stipulate that you can make health-related decisions for them when they are unable to advocate for themselves. (An alternate name may be suggested in case you are unable to serve.) Also referred to as a medical power of attorney, this form must be prepared when your parent is still able to do so. Forms differ from state to state, so it is important that you use the right one.  
  • Advance Health Care Directive: Also known as a living will, it allows individuals to make important decisions about end-of-life-care before a medical situation occurs. The advance healthcare directive must be clear on the following:
    • Whether your parents want to be resuscitated if they stop breathing
    • Whether artificial life support should be used
    • Should a feeding tube be inserted
    • It can also specify types of treatment they want and don’t want in specific circumstances

We recommend that you keep a file with their medical records and drug information handy. This can be taken to doctor’s visits and also be presented to healthcare professionals in the event of an emergency.

Checking the blood pressureAt The Holiday Retirement Community in West Hartford, the health and well-being of senior residents is top priority. Our trained and dedicated staff provides the level of care and attention your elderly loved ones need. We take the time getting to know residents and their families as well as educating them on a variety of important healthcare topics like emergency preparedness.

Your parent or elderly family member will love the comfortable and caring environment here. A host of services, and well-planned daily activities and dining make residents feel like they are on a permanent holiday. Our expert staff and management can ease the transition for your loved one into our independent living residence. You will have peace of mind knowing we care for your family like our own.

Give us a call at 860-233-8208 to learn more about the legal documents you need to participate in elder healthcare or to get information on our independent living facility in West Hartford, Connecticut. Fill out this online form to book a tour.