In the past couple months I’ve had an unusual number of people tell me, “I or my spouse/partner and I have no one to represent or advocate for me/us and I’m/we’re worried.” Two different people told me that their healthcare surrogate now has cancer and they don’t have anyone else to ask. Couples without children have told me they are worried that they will lose the other and then don’t know who they will have to manage their life. Their friends are aging too leaving them with few options. It is best to plan now.
In just 12 years more than one million adults 65 to 74 will not have children, many of whom will be living alone. Research says that seniors without children have higher rates of institutionalization, but that is not the only issue. Whether living at home or elsewhere seniors need to have someone that has the knowledge, interest and ability to represent them and be their advocate.
For this purpose, it’s assumed that all legal documents are in order and up to date. If not, it is essential to see an estate attorney to create or update them. These documents require the naming of a durable power of attorney, a trustee for those who have a trust, a healthcare surrogate (that includes a HIPPA) and designation of a pre-need guardian.
Since the durable power of attorney has the power to make financial decisions for the person it is critically important to choose wisely as sometimes people step in with the wrong intentions to the detriment of the senior. Those living alone generally rely on other family members (nieces, nephews), friends or neighbors to perform these functions. But people’s lives change every day. People move, become ill, lose touch or are no longer interested. Therefore it is important to maintain an up to date list of one’s designees, and to periodically confirm them that they are willing to continue to represent the senior in that role.
People will need a “go-to” person to assist when life management tasks get too difficult and/or emergencies arise. This person may be a skilled person they know or a trusted advisor who has been recommended. This person will not only perform tasks but will advocate for the senior in a variety of living situations and needs. They will help with routine daily tasks such as managing bill payments, organizing and filing of financial records, processing of credit, insurance, medical and other important documents, and representing them for billing, service or other issues with utilities, government and other service providers. They will also help with one time or special project assignments such as applying for a disabled parking permit, digitizing records, arranging for transportation, food delivery, pet care and more. They can prepare a list of professionals for specialized roles such as an aging in place specialist, physical therapist, handyman, landscaper, et al. When the need arises, they can quickly arrange for a temporary or permanent replacement of an on-going professional who has moved, retired or become ill such as a physician, accountant, attorney, financial advisor or others.
A “care manager” may be needed. A care manager will perform both tasks regarding care management and advocate for the client in living and medical environments. Some of the tasks a care manager performs are: assessing the care needed and creating and managing a care plan, overseeing home care, providing transportation to medical appointments, assisting in long range living plans.
As seniors age, they don’t need to be alone. But they must act sooner rather than later since an accident can occur at any time rendering them unable to make these choices and decisions. We at The Seniors’ Answer have been helping seniors and their families with these situations for several years and can be a resource for those who are alone so they can live an ordered and harmonious life.
