Now that is is legal for Iowa same-sex couples to marry, health care organizations are reportedly being encouraged to improve their communication skills so that they can discuss end-of-life care with their patients following Medicare and Medicaid advance care planning reform. These discussions should take into account different types of relationships, the fears of the patients, their values and life experiences that are relevant.

One way to approach the job of discussing end-of-life care is to employ advance care planning processes that are used for military veterans. Past experiences may be relevant to their end-of-life care. For example, a military veteran may have suffered mental trauma or memory loss that family members may not know. A LGBT person may wish to be identified as a certain gender. The end-of-life care plan ensures that this will be taken into consideration if the person becomes seriously ill or is nearing the end of his or her life.

Essentially, health care professionals should learn how to ask questions that are relevant to each individual person. When it comes to older LGBT individuals, communication tools may not be available for discussing past experiences with sexuality, especially when it comes to discrimination.

Often, an end-of-life care plan may require an elderly individual to move to a retirement home or nursing home. While many nursing homes provide proper care, a reduction in funds and an increase in overworked nurses can potentially lead to elder abuse. If it is believed that a loved one was subject to elder abuse, an attorney can assist with gathering the evidence, such as medical records and testimony, and seeking appropriate damages.

Tips to help Iowa residents with advanced care planning.

While many people in Iowa and throughout the nation may not have a plan in place for advanced care, it is something that they might wish to consider. Advanced care planning is a process in which a person has selected another individual who will reflect his or her desires regarding health care methods in the event that person becomes mentally incapacitated because of an injury or illness.

Nowadays, people are able to live longer because of the advancement of medical technology. Consequently, with all the medical options available, it is a good idea for people to choose an individual whom they completely trust. This individual should fully understand the person’s wishes regarding life support because health care professionals will automatically start life-extending procedures unless otherwise indicated by the patient’s representative.

Secondly, the decision should be documented on a power of attorney, health care proxy or appointment of health care agent. Although the form does not have to be notarized, it must be witnessed when signed.

Thirdly, regarding life-support measures, the person’s exact wishes should be put into writing. This may be in the form of a letter written to the person’s family members, a spouse, minister or a trustworthy friend. The document will indicate the person’s particular desires regarding his or her long-term health care procedures if, for example, an injury, stroke or disease should leave that person brain-dead. The person should make sure a copy of the letter is part of his or her medical records for a future doctor’s reference.

Also known as an advance directive, advanced care planning offers people the chance to reflect on and discuss important medical choices in case they lose the ability to make these decisions themselves. An attorney who is knowledgeable in the area of elder care may be able to offer legal advice including filling out proper documents and helping clients stipulate the long-term care preference they prefer.

Source: The Huffington Post, Advance Care Planning: What No One Wants to Think About But Everyone Should Do”, Diane Meier, Aug. 12, 2015

Families in Iowa may benefit from understanding more about how traditional financial planning is changing in the modern era. The fact is, there really is no average American family with typical finances. According to UBS Wealth Management, approximately 34 percent of all high-net investors are comprised of same-sex families, blended families and multigenerational families. Traditional families, described as heterosexual couples with children, account for about 35 percent of the high-net investors.

The study involved more than 2,700 high-net investors and also showed that the demographic reduces in size with each generation. Approximately 25 percent of the high-net investors are millennials, 37 percent are from the baby boomer generation and 46 percent are from the World War II era. However, about 70 percent of the respondents claimed that the financial advice they received was formulated for traditional families.

Strategic officers say it’s time for the industry to begin dealing with the complexities presented by many modern-day families. The dynamics of the American family now change dramatically in a short amount of time, so the opportunity for the industry to respond is here. Blended families constitute about 14 percent of the high-net worth demographic and can present a myriad of challenges to financial planners only accustomed to assisting traditional families. These types of families often live with more complications, financial burdens and emotional stress than traditional American families.

Anyone with suspicions of financial fraud may wish to confide in a lawyer before making any final decisions. Legal counsel may be able to review the financials and help determine whether or not the investment or proposal is a viable option for improving profitability in the future. Lawyers may also be prepared to review new contracts for terms or provisions that could be problematic for the future.