Weather and Aging

Weather and aging have a lot in common. Much like aging, weather is inevitable and
unpredictable. We know that weather is coming our way, but there is no crystal ball that
tells us exactly how it will effect our lives. Sometimes the effects of weather are
devastating and so it can be with aging. What we can do to take charge of the effects of
weather and aging is to have a plan. Whether it's hurricanes, tornados, floods or
earthquakes or the chronic problems of aging such as dementia, cancer,. or strokes, we
can soften the blow and manage the consequences or whatever crosses our paths in this
life.

To plan for aging an Aging Survival Kit should be assembled with the help of an attorney
and should be kept with your important papers. Your Aging Survival Kit should minimally
include the following:

1. A Health Care Power of Attorney, sometimes referred to as Living Will, that allows
you to appoint a trusted person who makes health care and medical decisions for you if
you are not able. This person must be someone you trust who will speak on your behalf
and advocate for the care you would want if you could make the decisions yourself.

2. A Property Power of Attorney is a separate document in which you appoint someone
you trust implicitly to pay your bills, pay your taxes and tend to all of your other financial
matters is you are not able to do so yourself. Not all power of attorney documents are
created equal: Be sure to seek advice from any attorney in the preparation of your
property power of attorney as there are provisions which can be added to the power of
attorney document that may have far reaching consequences based on your wishes and
your unique situation.

3. A Plan for Long Term Care must address who will take care of you if you are not able
to do so, where you will live and how your expenses will be paid. Will you be able to stay
in your home if so how will help be paid. Is your home safe? Can it be adapted to
accommodate disabilities? Consider if you would need to live in an assisted living
residence or a nursing home. If you do not have long term care insurance do you have
sufficient income and assets to defray the expenses? If not, find how long your assets
and income would last and what Medicare and Medicaid cover for long term care
expenses. Learn about long term care insurance and if it is appropriate in your situation.

4. An Estate Plan includes a will and sometimes a trust that allows you to direct the
distribution of your assets at the time of your death. These documents also direct that
your bills and taxes are paid prior to distribution of your assets. This is also where you
review the beneficiaries on your insurance policies, IRAs ad other beneficiary designated
accounts. The estate plan is where you plan for avoiding or reducing estate and
inheritance taxes.

5. A Funeral and Burial/Cremation Plan created by you will let your family and friends
know what you want to happen. You need to clearly communicate this so it comes as no
surprise at the time of your death. You may want to make a prearranged plan with a
funeral home.

6. Communicate your plan to whoever you have appointed to carry out your plan.
Remember that they need to know what you want and what is important to you. Tell them
where you keep your documents so they can do their job the way you want it done. You
may be fortunate enough to remain in good health as you age, but others find the Golden
Years tarnished by heath problems or their spouse's health issues.

Remember that planning ahead in matters of aging and weather, helps to manage the
inevitable and unpredictable events in life. Your Aging Survival Kit will bring you peace of
mind and will be an invaluable tool for your loved ones as well.