As our loved one’s age, it becomes increasingly important to have their documents in order. This can include legal documents such as a will, power of attorney, and advanced directives, as well as financial documents like bank statements, insurance policies, and investment accounts.
From a company perspective, Senior Living Specialists can help guide families gather and organize these documents to ensure that their loved one’s wishes are met and that their assets are protected.
First, begin by creating a list of important documents. You can start by creating a list of all the important documents that your loved one may have, including legal documents, financial records, medical records, and insurance policies. This will help you keep track of what you need to gather.
The process of trying to find all of the different documents can be daunting and prove even more difficult if your loved one is suffering from a memory-related disease like dementia. If your mom has a financial advisor that can help guide you through some of this, request to meet with them. It should help guide you on where to look and find these different accounts and documents.
Next, families should gather all of their loved one’s important documents, including legal and financial documents, medical records, and insurance policies. These documents should be organized in a file or binder, and a copy should be kept in a safe and secure location. Be sure to make copies and keep them in a safe and secure location. You may also want to consider making digital copies and storing them on a password-protected device or in the cloud.
Once all of the documents are gathered and organized, families should review them with their aging parent to ensure that everything is up to date and that their wishes are being met. It’s important to have these conversations sooner rather than later, as it can be difficult to make important decisions during a crisis.
Senior Living Specialists play an important role in helping families find appropriate senior living arrangements for their loved ones. They can also assist with gathering and organizing important documents, which can help ensure that their loved one’s wishes are met and their assets are protected. Families can take steps to get their aging mom’s documents in order by scheduling a meeting with a Senior Living Specialist, gathering all important documents, organizing them, and reviewing them with their loved one.
