Introduction
Here are some advance care planning options applicable to everyone and especially for those who are caregivers family members such as their parents parents or others. It is a good idea to get advice from an elder law attorney or Certified Public Accountant, to help complete these tasks where applicable.
Estate Dispersion and Management:
Adults of all ages should consider doing the following:
- Discuss the advantages of completing, and the consequences of not completing a will.
- Discuss the advantages of completing, and the consequences of not completing a durable power of attorney.
- Discuss the advantages consulting a lawyer or financial advisor about setting up a trust/revocable living trust and what can happen if this is not done.
- Discuss the advantages of completing, and the consequences of not completing a joint ownership and tenancy.
Advance Directives
- Discuss the advantages of completing, and the consequences of not completing a living will.
- Discuss the advantages of completing, and the consequences of not completing "do not resuscitate" orders.
- Discuss the advantages of completing, and the consequences of failing to complete a durable power of attorney for health care (proxy).
- Put legal and financial documents in an accessible, fire-safe, secure location.
- Identify assets, liabilities, income (including Social Security and retirement compensation) and expenses.
- Check Social Security records for accuracy.
- Review credit histories.
- Determine the full extent of health/life insurance coverage, as well as Medicare and Medicaid entitlements. Check for duplicative policies.
- Investigate the costs and financing of long term care scenarios (e.g., assisted living, nursing home, aging in place facilities, retirement centers, etc.) taking into account the possibility of having to move more than once.
- Make a preferred possession list (who gets which piece of valued furniture or family valuables) and place in a fire safe, secure location.
Related Articles:
- About Advance Care Planning
- Advance Care Planning Current Trends
- Advance Care Planning: Your Options
- Advance Care Planning: How Social Workers Help
- Advance Care Planning Tip Sheets
- Resources for Advance Care Planning
- Advance Care Planning Real Life Stories
The authors have developed The Parent Care Readiness Program which will be available at www.StateofScienceCaregiving-Geriatrics.com on October 1, 2005. It uses 21st Century technologies to improve caregiving readiness. It consists of an automated, compreh
