Legal Planning For Seniors
As seniors age, difficult decisions may eventually need to be made. If they still have the capacity to deal with their financial, legal, and healthcare affairs, legal planning for seniors should begin as soon as possible. “In our culture, there seems to be this idea that we are always going to be able to take care of things. Unfortunately, we never know when we will have had our best season,” says Terry Hammond, executive director of the National Guardianship Association.
It’s usually best when discussions about final wishes happen organically, rather than in an intimidating meeting type situation. However, if you have been unable to broach the subject and feel outside assistance is warranted, a geriatric case/care manager or social worker can help lead a conversation on legal planning for seniors. You should then consult a qualified legal practitioner so your loved one can file documents to protect his or her personal and financial affairs. Locate attorneys through the National Guardianship Association (www.guardianship.org) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www.naela.com). After one or two planning sessions, says Hammond, planning instruments—which can include a will or trust, power-of-attorney variations, and advanced directives—can be executed in one sitting.
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