Recently, I wasn’t feeling well for several days. I thought it was due to the smoke from our wildfires. That usually bothers me each year. Then I thought maybe I was catching a cold. Given that I haven’t had a cold, flu, or any real ailment in years, it was unsettling that the symptoms were not abating. Out of concern for my husband who I knew would be home in a couple of days, I decided to do a rapid COVID test and to my surprise, it was positive! I was shocked because I work from home, don’t circulate a lot, and I’ve been vaccinated since April. Where and how I came into contact long enough to contract COVID is still baffling, but not something I’ll ever really know. My idea was to self-treat and stay home which is what guidance suggests. Boy, did that go sideways!
At the beginning my symptoms were annoying but minor. I had a light, low-grade headache but nothing that wasn’t controllable. I also felt fatigue and was developing a fever at night. The fever got continually worse, and then the upper nasal congestion moved south and settled in my lungs. By Sunday, August 15, my oxygen had dropped below 90 and I couldn’t breathe. I literally had to call 911 and be transported. It was scary and I thought it was my last day on earth. I actually called Randy with the, “good-bye, I love you,” call in case I didn’t make it.
You may be wondering how this ties in to financial planning for this blog post. First, I just wanted to share my experience. Second, August is an estate planning reminder month and that’s where this comes in. Once I was stabilized in the ER, the next step was moving me to the COVID ward for further intake and data gathering. Mind you, I was rather loopy and on my own because you are not allowed visitors in the COVID ward. Part of this intake process involved being asked, while sick and not in my best state of being, whether I had a health care directive, whether it is on file, and whether my family or next of kin knew where I was. Think about that… if you are on your own and go to the hospital in an emergency situation, who would know where you are? Moreover, do you have your health care directive ready and on file with your local hospital? Just FYI, it generally goes to a place called the records department or patient records office. Just ask your preferred hospital, they will direct you where to file.
Luckily, mine is on file. But what this did was crystalize for me the importance of having this ready. If I had to make decisions at that moment, what are the chances I would understand and make the best decisions? Probably, not good. It also makes life for your care team a little easier because they don’t have to scramble and second-guess your wishes. This document is a serious document and you need to really read through and not just accept boiler plate options. Those options may be more serious than you realize. Such as, DNR – do not resuscitate. Is that truly your wish? Under all circumstances, or only certain circumstances do you really want DNR? Because with COVID, that DNR could be a very real situation.
A basic guide to get you started.
End of life planning, or estate planning, are very important parts of one’s overall financial planning. As an independent CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I can help you. Contact me and let’s get started on building a better future and securing your peace of mind during emergencies. #talktometuesday #selfcare #retirement #healthcaredirective #estate #hospital #estateplan #CFPPro #moneydolist