ORGANIZING & PLANNING
Thinking about everything a loved one needs can be overwhelming. That’s why we are including the following checklist – developed by Wellthy – to help guide your planning.
Legal
Setting up the right legal documents can be painful, but these will make tough decisions easier:
Power of Attorney – act in your loved one’s place for financial or healthcare decisions
Healthcare Proxy – similar to the Power of Attorney but focused on healthcare
Advance Directive/Living Will – states preferences for end of life or in the case of hospitalization
Will – how assets, debts, properties, possessions will be distributed after death.
Financial
Get a handle on finances to better inform needs and priorities:
Benefits – drug manufacturer rebates, assistance paying bills, etc.
Short and Long-term Care Insurance – both help cover future expenses for daily care services not covered by insurance
Health Insurance (Medicare, Supplemental, Medicaid) – plans change, as do health needs, so it’s important to rethink every year
Tax Deductions – deduct unreimbursed medical-related expenses
Social Security – Americans get a regular income check upon retirement, disability or death
In-Home
We recommend preventive measures to keep your loved one safe. Please check out our Home Safety and Modifications section
Safety – ensure your home is “fall proof”— handrails, furniture placement, lighting
Home Care (Aide/Helper) – in-home aides can help with bathing, dressing, housekeeping
Modifications – updating the home is important to keep it safe
Technology – technology helps ensure safety, connectivity and mental alertness
Transportation – public and private options to help your loved one get to appointments
Durable Medical Equipment & Supplies. For more information please see the Durable Medical Equipment resource section of this Web site.
Medical
Enlist the right professionals, stay on top of appointments and procedures, and enact our easy organizational tips:
Doctors – ensure your loved one has the appropriate care
Other Providers – professionals and services your loved one could use ( i.e. occupational, physical therapy)
Medical Records – gather and store test results, appointment notes, etc. for quick access
Medication Tracking – keep a master medication list
Appointment Scheduling – keep everyone on the same page through a shared calendar
Social/Emotional
Make sure you and your family feel supported:
Counselors and Therapists – consider visiting a professional or doing therapy sessions via text and video
Social Activities – ask loved ones about interests and set up enjoyable activities
Memory Care – keep your loved one’s mind in good shape and prevent cognitive decline
Support Groups – in-person, online and phone-based support groups let you connect to others in a similar situation