Page 32 - Healthcare News 2023 Senior Planning Guide

Nutrition
Continued from page 28
(Note: although some items may not look picture- perfect when frozen, they work exceptionally well in soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces.)
• Never defrost foods at room temperature. Use these three safe ways to defrost food: in a refrigerator running at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, in the microwave, or under cold running water. (Note: for foods thawed in the microwave or by running cold water, cook immediately after thawing.)
Plan
Continued from page 34
more than a matter of simply naming, for example, your eldest child; rather, give some thought to each person’s proverbial resumé.
Durable Power of Attorney
The purpose of the durable power of attorney
is to designate someone to manage your financial affairs during your life. The person you appoint is variously referred to as your ‘agent’ or ‘attorney-in- fact.’
When your agent may act for you will depend
on how the document is drafted. In some durable powers of attorney, the agent’s authority is immediate. In so-called ‘springing’ durable powers of attorney, the agent’s authority commences only
Tips for Use
• Enjoy frozen fruit as is, without cooking, for smoothies, flavoring plain yogurt, adding to sautés, and baking recipes.
• Vegetables can be cooked while still frozen and/ or after thawing.
• Raw meat and casseroles can be cooked, or reheated, from the frozen state.
• Always reheat and/or cook foods to their recommended internal temperature, as verified with an instant-read food thermometer.
As you can see, any challenges that impact
upon the determination of a physician that you lack the capacity to manage your own affairs. Each of these approaches has its own pluses and minuses, which your attorney can explain.
Healthcare Proxy
In a healthcare proxy, you designate an individual to serve as your ‘healthcare agent.’ Their role is
to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to communicate your wishes. However, the healthcare agent’s authority is effective only upon a physician’s determination that you are incapacitated.
Healthcare proxies are often conflated with what are commonly known as living wills. A living will
nutrition as you age can be minimized by incorporating a few new practices into your normal routine. Preserving nutrients and flavor of seasonal produce and your favorite recipes by freezing is
a great way to control your food budget as well. Happy freezing! BW
Kimberly DaSilva is dietetic intern with Be Well Solutions. Carrie Taylor, RDN, LDN, RYT and Andrea Luttrell, RDN, LDN are registered dietitians with Big Y.
is a document in which you set your preferences regarding, among other things, end-of-life care. Living wills, unlike healthcare proxies, are not legally binding in Massachusetts; however, this document can provide a helpful framework for your healthcare agent in making medical decisions on your behalf.
This is a general overview of what is ultimately an intensely detail-oriented subject. But, armed with this little bit of knowledge, you have the beginnings of what you need to create your estate plan. The next step, naturally, is to contact an attorney. BW
Stephen Sobey is an associate with Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin.
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