Image by xaviandrew from Pixabay
This past month, I heard from several people about issues they had. You will see a common thread running through their stories: the challenges of getting your affairs in order and the difficulties that can arise for your family if you do not do it.
One gal recounted her painful experience: “My brother never did any of his final planning. When he was rapidly declining, it was horrible for me – his closest relative. He did not have a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) nor a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. The medical staff were required to revive him. It left me making decisions that a sister should never have to make.”
A gent shared, “We used to have everything done, but our trustee passed away a few years ago. We should probably do something.”
A younger person shared her concern for her aging father who lives alone on a large property and is in poor health, “I worry about him. My brother does not help and has made it clear that when Dad passes, he just wants the land. Dad says, ‘You kids will have to figure it out.’ He has no will that I know of, nor anything else.”
A 60ish person expressed her uncertainty, saying, “I wish someone would tell me exactly what I need to do to get my affairs in order. I have nothing done.”
Fear of the unknown and the discomfort of facing our mortality can lead to procrastination. Do you recognize yourself in any of these examples? If so, you are not alone.
If I can get you to DO something, you will be giving your survivors the biggest gift ever. Take action, for heaven’s sake!
Schedule an appointment with yourself to tackle your end-of-life planning. How about one day this week? Then sit down, make a list of what you need to do, and give yourself a deadline to get it done. Then do it.
Begin with the HCPOA. It is crucial because it designates someone to make medical decisions for you when you cannot. This step is rather straightforward – you can get a form from you doctor’s office. At least fill out the section that names your decision-maker, then return the form to your doctor’s office so they can get it into your medical record.
Talk to your HCPOA and tell them what your wishes are. Do not make them guess.
Next, review your legal documents. Keep them in an easily accessible place for those who will need them and tell them where they are.
Consider who you trust to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. Formally appoint a Financial Power of Attorney. Financial POA ends upon death.
Then you should have a Trust or Will which should clearly name someone to oversee your affairs after you die. Review your documents to make sure the people named in them are still willing and able to serve in those roles. Life changes, and so should your plans.
Instead of being a “I’ll get around to it” person, at least on this critical issue, as the saying goes, just “Git-R-done.”