Driving back from a family trip to watch baseball on Sunday, we were notified that Mr. PFL’s 89-year-old grandma fell and broke her hip. She had surgery on Monday, leading to her new nickname, and has the goal to return home where she had still been living on her own. Thankfully, Old Iron Hip has a Durable Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney. We’ve also previously talked to the local county’s agency on aging and had a meeting with an estate planning attorney. Having all of this information ahead of time has helped keep the stress level down as much as possible in this unfortunate situation. Having these documents signed has also clarified the leader, which has been invaluable.
Every family has issues, including this one. I’m pleasantly surprised that the work we put in over the last few years is paying off. I’m hopeful Old Iron Hip will make a satisfactory recovery and will live a content life, on her terms. I’m also grateful that she was able to pre-plan her funeral for when that time eventually comes.
Finally, one of the concerns people have when we tell them we are planning to move to Hawaii is: What are you going to do if/when something happens and you live so far away? The short answer: Fly. The longer answer: If something/someone is a priority, we will be there and we have the resources to make it happen.