How Do You Ensure the Care of a Chronically Ill Spouse if He Outlives You?

Caring for an ill spouse can be exhausting, expensive, and possibly even damaging to your health. Research has shown that caregivers have higher blood pressure and higher levels of depression and anxiety than non-caregivers. Plus, they're less likely to spend time taking care of their own health. A 1999 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who were caring for a spouse and experiencing strain were at 63% greater risk of death than non-caregivers.

A caregiver’s death is not only heartbreaking for the family that loses a beloved member; it also creates uncertainty about how the surviving spouse will be cared for. Here are some steps to consider in making sure your spouse gets the care he or she needs if you are no longer living.

Plan early
As the old saying goes, "Hope for the best, plan for the worst." Talk to your family about who will step in to care for your spouse in the event that you pass away or become seriously ill. Who will be responsible for medical decisions? Who will keep track of the finances? What resources will be available to pay for care if you are not providing them yourself?

Make it official
To ensure that there is a seamless legal transition, both you and your spouse should, via powers of attorney, designate an agent who can make health-care and financial decisions on your behalf. (At the same time, you should communicate your wishes in these matters to the person you designate.)

If you die without naming an agent, your children or other family members could face a legal morass. They won't necessarily have the authority to make important financial and medical decisions for your ill spouse. Experts suggest that you review your powers of attorney and any other relevant documents every three to five years. This allows you to reiterate your wishes and, if necessary, take into account any changes that may have occurred in your life, such as a child or other designee who has moved away.