A Legal Checklist for Aging Parents | A Place for Mom

Its important to be able to quickly locate your parents legal documents in case your loved one needs to move, becomes ill, or wants to file for state, federal, or veterans benefits.From deeds and power of attorney to living wills and medical history, heres how to get your elderly parents documents in order.Your Checklist, Part 1: Financial DocumentsFinancial information can be crucial in many instances for timely, efficient, and more affordable care, says Stuart Furman, A Place for Mom legal expert and elder attorney.For example, a senior applying for certain benefits is required to demonstrate their financial need, and will have to provide comprehensive documentation of past and present finances.If a family member cannot locate important documents like tax returns or bank account information, it could delay or even cause a senior to be denied benefits like Medicaid or veterans benefits, says Tiffany Wise, senior director of customer development at A Place for Mom.Important paperwork for the elderly:A list of all bank accountsPension documents, 401(k) information, and annuity contractsTax returnsSavings bonds, stock certificates, or brokerage accountsPartnership and corporate operating agreementsDeeds to all propertiesVehicle titlesDocumentation of loans and debts, including all credit accountsPower of attorney (financial proxy)Your Checklist, Part 2: Health Care DocumentsRegardless of good or bad health, its vital that the seniors preferences be stated clearly in a living will.

This document includes their general wishes and care instructions regarding life support, the donation of organs, and other medical issues.This is also known as a health care or advanced directive.A living will also designates a trusted person to be your power of attorney, which is someone who oversees and carries out financial decisions documented in the living will.When you have an older parent, you never know when you might need to visit the hospital.Being able to quickly grab official paperwork such as durable power of attorney or an advanced health care directive can eliminate lots of stress.

Doctors want proof that you are the decision-maker, says Melissa Pratt, a Senior Living Advisor at A Place for Mom.Having quick access to a seniors medical history can be lifesaving during a medical emergency.For example, a single piece of medical information, such as a certain current medication, could dramatically influence treatment.Medical records are necessary when applying for benefits, including VA assistance and Medicaid.

They are also needed when moving to a senior community.Important health care documents:Health care proxy or power of attorneyAuthorization to release health care informationLiving will (health care directive)Personal medical historyInsurance card (Medicare, Medicaid, Independent)Long-term care insurance policyEmergency information sheetYour Checklist, Part 3: End-of-Life and Estate Planning DocumentsWe can save ourselves and our loved ones the burden of added stress during an already difficult time by making sure that documents related to estate planning and end-of-life have been drawn up, are up-to-date, and are easily accessible.Otherwise, if a senior passes away without having drafted a will, families can be thrown into unnecessary legal and financial chaos.Essential end-of-life documents:A willTrust documentsLife-insurance policiesEnd-of-life instructions letter (regarding wishes or items not covered in a will, for example regarding memorial terms)Actions letter (regarding wishes or items not covered in a will, for example regarding memorial terms)Your Checklist, Part 4: Miscellaneous DocumentsMarriage certificates and military records are required when applying for veteran benefits such as Aid and Attendance, and are also required in applications for many kinds of state and federal assistance.Seniors may even need their birth certificate on occasion.

For example, some states require that voters have a photo ID.If a senior doesnt have a photo ID, a birth certificate is usually needed in order to get one.Miscellaneous important papers:Marriage papersDivorce papersList of online usernames and passwordsList of safe deposit boxes and the location of their keysMilitary recordsBirth certificateDrivers licenseSocial Security cardPassportTips on Storing Important DocumentsIts not enough to merely have these legal documents for aging parents they need to be accessible.Experts recommend important documents be added to a master folder or box.

The folder should be kept in a safe place, for example, a safe deposit box, fire-proof safe, or with an attorney.The National Institute on Aging has additional tips to help you and your family plan and sort affairs accordingly.Weve also created a quick and handy Essential Document Locator Checklist, which includes advice on assembling and organizing.For more information about approaching this conversation with your family and determining which documents are necessary, please check out our in-depth guide by elder-care attorney, Stuart Furman: An Elder Law Attorneys Perspective on Aging Parents.Related Articles6 Things an Elder Law Attorney Can Do to Help Family Caregivers
Essential Document Locator Checklist
Financial Planning Mistakes to AvoidA Legal Checklist for Aging Parents: All the Documents You Need posted by Merritt Whitley