How to Choose a Health Care Agent When You Don’t Have an Obvious Family Member
The most common reason people delay signing a Health Care Proxy is not confusion about what the document does. It is not knowing who to name. If you have no spouse and no adult children nearby, the usual default choice is missing, and that gap can stall the whole decision indefinitely. The good news is […]
Guardianship 101: What It Means to Have a Court Decide Who Manages Your Life
If there is no Health Care Proxy in place, and no family member willing or able to step in, the court appoints someone to make personal and medical decisions on your behalf. This is called guardianship, and it is worth understanding clearly, because it is the path a solo senior may end up on by […]
DNR, Health Care Proxy, Advance Directive: What Each One Actually Does
It can be confusing to understand what each one of these documents do. Each one covers a different question, and relying on only one, thinking it covers the others, can cause a problem. It is important to understand the purpose of each document: What a DNR Does A Do Not Resuscitate order is a medical […]
Who Shows Up When You Can’t Speak for Yourself?
What would happen if you fell or had a stroke, or a sudden illness lands you in the hospital and you cannot make decisions for yourself, even for a short time. Someone has to decide what happens next: what treatment you receive, where you go when you leave the hospital, who manages your bills while […]
What Happens If You Don’t Plan?
Do you know what happens if you fail to plan and you suddenly become unable to make decisions for yourself? If you don’t have a valid Health Care Proxy or Durable Power of Attorney, the court will likely appoint someone to make decisions for you through a Guardianship or Conservatorship proceeding.
Choosing Your Fiduciaries: A Critical First Step in Planning for Your Future
Perhaps the most crucial step for seniors planning on aging alone is choosing fiduciaries. A fiduciary is someone you trust to act on your behalf and make decisions when you can't. It is important to understand that a fiduciary won’t be your caregiver, but they will decide what care you should receive and manage your […]
Tips for Fighting Loneliness
Did you know that Dr. Ruth Westheimer was recently appointed by the Governor of New York as the State's Loneliness Ambassador? At 93 years old, Dr. Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor, is taking on the important task of helping to combat loneliness. Loneliness can have serious impacts on both mental and physical health, and it's a […]
Now What? When You Never Expected To Be Alone
Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Perhaps you are married, but your spouse has dementia or a serious illness. You are still independent and healthy and taking care of your spouse. But, if you ever need help, who will be there for you? Maybe your children moved away or, for reasons beyond your control, […]
Choosing Your Power of Attorney
For seniors who are planning on aging alone, choosing a fiduciary to act as your Power of Attorney is a critical decision. A Power of Attorney document allows you to designate someone to act as your fiduciary to handle your financial affairs, during your life. This will be critical if you are ever in a […]
When Choosing Your Fiduciaries, Should Distance Be A DealBreaker?
One of the most important decisions solo seniors face when planning for the future is choosing a fiduciary. This person will have the authority to make critical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. But what if your top choice for a fiduciary is a family member who lives far away? Here are […]