A long life means eventually growing older, but as we age things can get a little upredictable. Senior citizens may be injured, get sick, or begin to lose their memory – and when these events begin to occur, older adults often need help with decision making and long-term planning. Seniors also often need help ensuring that all of their affairs are arranged and planned for in a way they agree with. Although it may be difficult and emotional to bring up this topic with your loved one, it is important that they have the opportunity to talk about their desires and objectives – and have the correct legal documents to carry out their wishes.

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There are several critical legal documents that seniors should have prepared while they are still cognitively sound. Once documents are prepared, make sure that papers are saved in a digital and hard copy format, and are kept together in a safe and secure location. There should also be a way for a trusted loved one to access them if necessary.

Here are a few tips from professionals:

Financial Documents

Senior citizens should:

  • Meet with a financial advisor to pull together financial, banking, billing and payment information.
  • Document bank account numbers, credit cards, investment accounts, and any additional sources of income.
  • Work with the bank to grant permission to a trusted friend or family member to access personal financial accounts to pay bills.
  • Designate a durable financial power of attorney
  • Collect critical financial documents such as property deeds, title and registration for vehicles, insurance policies, and income tax returns

Healthcare Issues

Decisions regarding health and wellness can be challenging for loved ones if they are uncertain about their senior’s expectations. To prevent anxiety and confusion, senior citizens should clearly articulate their wishes before they are not able to. Some essential documents include:

  • Advanced Directive: This document indicates what type of care the individual wants to receive (or not) – including ventilators, feeding tubes, or resuscitation orders.
  • Durable Power of Attorney: This document names an authorized person to make medical decisions on their loved one’s behalf if they can’t make those decisions for themselves.
  • Release of Information: This document provides healthcare professionals with permission to share healthcare data with specific individuals.
  • Insurance Information: Senior citizens should maintain copies of health insurance policies.
  • Emergency Information: Individuals should write down the contact names and numbers of healthcare providers, as well as an accounting of any medical conditions, surgeries, and prescription medications.

Additional Documents to Consider

Here are some further documents your family may find helpful:

  • Revocable Trust
  • Last Will and Testament
  • End-of-Life Planning
  • Personal Legal Records (birth and death certficates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and military records)

While no one wants to think about the need for these documents, preparation is the key for seniors and their families to face any eventuality, confident in the knowledge that they are honoring teir loved ones wishes. These conversations can be difficult to have, but putting legal documents in place is a vital step for end of life care. Don’t forget to inform any necessary caregivers family members, attorneys or financial planners about where the documents are stored and how they can be accessed.

A Banyan Residence is a professional and compassionate assisted living and memory care facility in The Villages, Florida. We invite you to call today to schedule a visit.