After a fall, it is essential for seniors to revisit their end-of-life planning to ensure their healthcare and financial decisions are respected, especially if their ability to make decisions is affected.
A fall can significantly impact a senior’s physical and cognitive health, making end-of-life planning even more important. If recovery is slow or if the fall causes long-term health issues, seniors may need to rely on their loved ones to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf. End-of-life planning includes creating advanced healthcare directives, appointing a healthcare proxy, and clearly outlining personal wishes regarding life support and other critical decisions. By revisiting these documents after a fall, seniors can ensure that their wishes are respected even if they become unable to communicate them. Additionally, having a living will can prevent conflicts between family members and medical providers about care decisions during end-of-life stages.