Caregiving is an unselfish act of love, but it can also be challenging. Making sure a loved one’s affairs are in order makes the caregiver’s job a little easier and less frustrating. Having the following in place will help.
A Will – When someone dies without a valid will, settling their estate can be a drawn-out process that may involve unnecessary expense for the estate’s administrator. A will names an executor, the beneficiaries, and the assets to be disbursed, making the probate process easier, and helping to avoid family disputes.
Medical Power of Attorney (POA) – This gives you the authority to make healthcare decisions for a loved one when they can’t, rather than leaving these decisions to the discretion of the healthcare provider.
Medical POAs can include advance directives and/or living wills. Advanced directives detail a person’s healthcare wishes and can be invoked at any time that person is incapacitated by serious illness; living wills contain instructions for end-of-life care.
Financial POA –This authorizes you to act on your loved one’s behalf in their financial affairs. It should be designed for their specific financial needs and circumstances to avoid questions of impropriety.
Account Numbers, Usernames & Passwords – This information is crucial for gaining access so that you can monitor your loved one’s physical and online accounts as needed.
Organized Paperwork – Gather and organize important paperwork—your loved one’s birth certificate, marriage license and/or divorce decree, spouse’s death certificate, deeds to properties and cemetery plots, pension benefits, insurance policies, and the like.
Helpful Agencies – Explore available resources for financial, medical, and physical assistance. Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, Visiting Nurses and similar programs and agencies can ensure your loved one receives the care you may not be able to provide.
Please note: not all documents mentioned here need to be drawn up by a lawyer, but it is advisable. A lawyer can ensure the documents meet your State’s legal requirements and help you avoid common mistakes and oversights.
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