Plan Now

One of the most valuable steps you can take in planning for the long-term care of your parents is to identify all key documents and to create a list of key contacts. The benefits are immeasurable. Having invested time in this important work will provide you and your family with peace of mind, especially in times of crises or when your elders may be incapacitated. Don't delay in gathering all documents, and in creating a list of key contacts. Here are suggested items:

Family Documents Checklist
¨Birth Certificates
¨Social Security Cards
¨Drivers Licenses
¨Wills, Trusts, Living Wills
¨Durable Power of Attorney
¨Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
¨Income Tax Filings
¨Medical Insurance Policies
¨Medicare or Medicaid Information
¨Long Term Care Insurance Policy
¨Life Insurance Policies
¨Disability Insurance Policy
¨Annuities, Stocks, Bonds, Other Investment Instruments
¨Homeowners Insurance Policy
¨Renters Insurance Policy
¨All Vehicle Information, Including Vehicle Ownership and Insurance Policies
¨Real Estate Ownership Documents
¨Cemetery Plots
¨Items in Storage Inventory
¨All Medical History
¨Personal Bank Account Information
¨Safety Deposit Box Information and Keys
¨All Pin Numbers and Access Codes

Scanning all documents into your computer can be helpful. And, saving them on a jump drive can make them portable.

Key Contacts List
§ In Case of Emergency Numbers
§ Home Health Care Aides
§ Doctors
§ Lawyers
§ Accountants
§ Banker
§ Specialists (audiologists, Alzheimer's specialists)
§ Faith-Based Institution Leaders and Members
§ Neighbors
§ All Family Members
§ Close Friends
§ Hospital information
§ Social Worker
§ Housekeepers
§ Handy Person
§ Adult Day Care Facility
§ Faith-Based Institution
§ Local Area Agency on Aging

Ø Begin this process as soon as possible
Ø Store original documents in a safe location that is accessible day and night, seven days a week
Ø Keep copies of original in your elder’s file and make sure that key family members have copies of this information
Ø Review documents periodically for possible revisions and updates