Most Americans understand why it is important to plan for the future. But when it comes to caring for an aging loved one, most families don’t have a plan until there is a problem. AARP understands lack of planning does not mean there is a lack of commitment. Often families avoid discussions about the future simply because they don’t want to think about changes in the lives of the people they love most. Putting together a care giving plan helps eliminate problems at home and at work.
AARP Foundation has created a booklet you can obtain online at their website, www.aarp.org called “Prepare to Care – a Planning Guide for Families.” The booklet breaks down the process into five steps to help families start the discussion of a care giving plan within the family. As 30 million households are providing care for an adult over the age of 50, with the number expected to double within the next 25 years, it is important the family has the opportunity to talk about and create a care giving plan for loved ones based on the needs and wishes of those who will be receiving the care.
The five steps are broken down as follows:
Step 1: Prepare to Talk;
Step 2: Form Your Team;
Step 3: Gather and Organize Information;
Step 4: Make a Plan;
Step 5: Take Action
This thirty page booklet creates checklists to start understanding your loved one’s goals for the future, a general needs assessment as it relates to home maintenance and living situations, financial affairs, transportation needs, personal care, health care, communications and adaptive devices. It also gives families the outline of a personal information checklist so the parties can start talking about important documents, bills and insurance coverage. Another section deals with information on Public Benefits for family members to consider in helping with the costs of elder family members living within the community.
AARP is requesting individuals needing further assistance contact them at their Benefits Outreach Program, AARP Foundation, 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20049 or email them at benefitssourcereach@aarp.org .
Ms. MacDonald’s practice is limited to Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law. Ms. MacDonald maintains her practice in the Santa Clarita Valley at 27013 Langside Avenue, Suite A in Santa Clarita, California. She can be reached at 661-251-1300.