Make Sure You Have These Legal Documents for Aging Parents in Place

Finalizing all of the necessary legal documents for aging parents can be a challenge, but these tips can help.

If there’s one thing we learned from the COVID pandemic, it’s to be ready for anything. Although it’s human nature to want to procrastinate, particularly as it relates to the unpleasant topic of future planning and putting together all of the necessary legal documents for aging parents, now is the best time to take stock of your loved ones’ final wishes and make sure all of the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed, before the need arises.

Surprisingly, a number of older adults actually do begin the process of completing a will, trust, durable power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, etc., but for a variety of reasons, they never finalize these important documents. Attorney Carolyn Rosenblatt, author of “The Family Guide to Aging Parents” and other related books, provides several recommendations:

1. Talk to your parents, and also ask for a copy of their legal documents. Some senior parents may answer with an abrupt, “We’ve already taken care of that,” but you will want to confirm that for yourself, and to keep copies in an easy-to-access location.
2. Understand that finalizing these legal documents, if necessary, can often be done virtually, without the need to travel to the lawyer’s office. Check with the attorney about digital signing or other ways you can simplify the process.
3. Look into the app Mind Your Loved Ones (MYLO), endorsed by the American Bar Association, which is extremely beneficial for storing medical information, health care directives, etc. safely and securely on your phone, and then sharing that information directly with health care providers and other family members. The cost for this invaluable service is $9.99 per year, and it automatically renews annually for as long as you’d like.

Having the peace of mind that comes from knowing your aging parents’ future wishes are in place and legally binding is incredibly important, allowing you to shift your focus to helping them live life to the fullest and to enjoy every moment you have together.

How Can Home Care Help?

A home care professional can help with a wide range of in-home care services that ease the burden for busy family caregivers and provide seniors with enhanced socialization, help with tasks around the house, personal hygiene needs, and improved safety and independence.

Contact Hired Hands Homecare to learn more about our award-winning Sonoma home health care and care throughout the surrounding areas, at (866) 940-4343. Our aging care experts are ready and waiting to assist you in helping a senior you love in whatever way is needed for a better quality