Courageous Decision at Life’s End
Published: January 28, 2007
To the Editor:
“Care in Old Age: Confronting the Inevitable” effectively highlighted the challenges individuals face when caring for the needs of our aging population. Most Americans do not abandon their frail, aging parents but are blindsided by the enormous costs and legal barriers that must be surmounted to provide adequate and safe care in this country.
The Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared,” is the best defense baby boomers have to combat the complicated facets of elder care and to effectively facilitate change. Some individuals may find the discussion of sensitive issues facing older adults difficult and distasteful; therefore they delay and deny its importance. Planning ahead and seeking professional advice is empowering.
The value of addressing these issues alleviates the frustration when a loved one’s capacity is in question and there are no advance directives in place.
Teri Koff
New York
The writer is an elder-care specialist. | 
