My husband is 70 years old. He has several health issues but is not terminal. He is very capable of self care and says he is very happy. He has not taken any of his medications for several months and says he will no longer see any doctors. If that is what he wants then so be it. My question is there any legal papers I should have him sign ?
Has he got another think coming, then???
It really might be worth finding out what the risks are and how you, as a married couple, would handle any adverse consequences.
That said, I refuse to take "preventative" medications. If I do not have the illness, why would I want to take "preventative" medications - side effects are very real with every medication. There isn't a medication that doesn't affect the kidneys and the liver - I will not take drugs for a problem I do not have.
My father was taking medications for Parkinson's for 15 years and since his medication dosage was never changed, he was sent to a Neurologist. Are you surprised to learn he never had Parkinson's but was taking medications for 15 years for a disease he didn't have?
Personally, I believe your Husband has the right to decide what medication and what treatments he is willing to have. Any testing using radiation can do damage. A Living Will will protect you from being accused of neglect but still allow him to decide for himself what he is willing to undergo. I had my father sign A Living Will and we even had it notarized, just in case.
Ticketyboo
If I were in your shoes I would probably put these possibilities before him and see what he says. If he's flippant about any of it, I might be tempted to inform him that my caregiving will only go so far and then he will be transitioned into a facility when I feel like I've had enough. Good luck!
My mother, at 90 is religious about her Bp, cholesterol, diabetes, everything. She's got nothing really to live for now--and was suicidal all the years I was growing up and well into my 40's....NOW she decides she's going to live to 100. I can't figure out her kind of crazy. She gets a LOT of attention, being 'so sick' and still tottering around. I'll never figure her out.
Is your hubby depressed? He can be faking it (being happy) and just pulling the plug on himself.
Has he even considered how YOU feel about this? My Dh has multiple health issues, and would be content to retire, crawl into bed and leave the TV on until he died. Yes, he's depressed and keeps going off his meds. He is one of those aging 'jocks' who never thought they'd get old. Surprise!
In the end, though, you cannot make someone take care of themselves.
He will need to visit his doctor to get the paper signed.
An attorney can help with durable power of attorney and a living will but the DH Form 1896 is the surest way that he gets to live the rest of his life on his own terms. And he can revoke it if he wants.
Good luck
If u don't have DPOA, I would get him to assign you. Not because you can make him do anything but so what he wants and doesn't want is in writing. My Moms medical read like a living will. A POA carries out the principles wishes.