3 of the most important papers you will ever need
- Remember, the old brain ain't what it used to be, so let's make things as simple as possible, We know that;
Our home can be cleaned in an hour (at least daily things),
All of our papers are in order, so we know insurance agents, policy numbers, military and social security information,
We have folders for all of our bills to help us out at tax time
All of the bills go into one area waiting to be paid and filed after they are paid and keep track on the calendar
All of the flowers in our yards are perennial and all we have to do is weed it every now and then.
We have eliminated all of the scatter rugs (that we can trip over) and extra furniture (too much to clean)
Given away all of the china and good glassware (they can invite you over to eat so you can still use it)
Now make sure that these three IMPORTANT Papers are filled out and where your family members can find them in an emergency.
- Power of Attorney for Health Care, Living Will and Power of Attorney for Finances
This is definitely something that everyone should have - no matter what your age is.
Let me explain to you just what they are:
Power of Attorney for Health Care
Is a document signed by you designating someone (friend , family, attorney) that you trust to make health care decisions for you and to carry out your wishes, if there is a time that you can't voice these wishes on your own. This would include instructions on the treatment that you want or don't want such as' artificial nutrition (IV feeding tubes), resuscitation, life sustaining measures (Machines to keep you alive) etc.
Living Will
This is a document signed by you that tells what you want in case of a terminal condition or in a vegetative state. It is more limited than the Power of Attorney for Health Care, but both of these should be filled out. You have the right to not allow any resuscitation or CPR, no drugs except for pain, no tubes or any other emergency equipment or to allow all or only some of these to be used.
Power of Attorney for Finances
This is a document that gives someone else the ability and legal right, to take over your personal finances and paying your bills, when you aren't able too. This could be for a number of reasons, but just think if you broke your writing arm or if you were in a serious accident and weren't able to do these things for yourself. Make sure that you designate someone that you trust with taking care of your money.
These are available at all hospitals, through some doctors offices and online.
This is a good thing for all people to have to make sure that your wishes are followed out 100%. You could have family members that are not together in the thought of what you want, you could have two doctors that disagree on what should be done and countless other things. Without your words (in writing) saying exactly what you want, the decision is up to the courts, NOT YOUR FAMILY. Make sure that you give your family the right to protect your wishes.