Legal Issues of Interest to Older Adults – The Vintage Times

It is important that every adult plan ahead for a time when he or she may be unable to make decisions concerning their healthcare, finances and other personal matters. A discussion about documents such as wills, living wills and powers of attorney for health care is presented on the Vintage Times, a local cable television program for senior citizens.

“How do you plan for medical decisions at the end of your life?” “What types of medical treatments would you want or not want, in case of a terminal illness?” “How do you choose someone to make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated?” “What happens if you do not have a will, a living will or a durable power for health care?” Eileen Fitzgerald, an elder law attorney, discusses these questions and other legal issues of concern to older persons. “One of the most important directives is the power of attorney for healthcare. This is a legally recognized document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself,” says Ms. Fitzgerald.

This program can be seen on the following channels:
• DGTV channel 6, during the month of June 2012 on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 am.
• Comcast channel 19, during the month of July 2012 on Thursdays at 6 pm.
• In the Village of Darien, on channel 6, daily at 4 pm.
• For AT& U-Verse customers the program airs on channel 99 on same days and times as listed above.

Or, log on www.downers.us. Click on “Stay Connected” then click on “DGTV.”

DVD copies will be available for loan at public libraries in Downers Grove, Darien, and Westmont as well as at the Township office.

Hanna Benioff
Senior Services Coordinator
Division of Human Services
Phone: (630) 719-6682
Fax: (630) 719-6608