Getting Your Affairs in Order

Earlier this month, NNV Board members Monica Knorr and Linda Lateana, both of whom are clinical social workers, walked members through the documents necessary for making their health care wishes known in the case of an emergency or prolonged illness. The group discussed the importance of identifying health care and financial powers of attorney (POA) and making sure your POA clearly understands your wishes and knows how to access important documents and accounts.

Some important considerations came up in these conversations. Solo agers questioned who would be their decision makers. One member was overwhelmed by how to begin getting her affairs in order. Another wanted assurance that her wishes would be carried out. I imagine some of these questions have entered your mind, too. Here are some resources to help:

• File of Life – This pocket-sized document allows you to share important information like your emergency contacts, medical conditions, medications, and more. EMS teams are trained to look for the magnetized pocket on your refrigerator. Some people choose to carry a second copy in their wallet or purse. To request a File of Life, contact the NNV office at 202-935-6060 or info@nnvdc.org.
• My End-of-Life Decisions Toolkit – This toolkit is created by Compassion and Choices and helps you think through difficult decisions related to end-of-life decision making and dementia care. Click here to order a copy.
• DC MOST – This form outlines your wishes regarding resuscitation (CPR), medical interventions, and medical treatment preferences. The DC MOST form must be completed with and signed by your medical provider such as your physician or nurse practitioner. The form can then be uploaded to a database that is accessible by DC Fire and EMS and all DC hospitals. Click here to access the form.
• Elder Law Attorneys – An elder law attorney can draft power of attorney documents, and can also act as your power of attorney for healthcare and/or finances if you don’t have anyone to serve in that capacity. To find a lawyer, visit the National Academy of Elderlaw Attorneys. NNV members can call the office to ask for a referral at 202-935-6060 or info@nnvdc.org.
• Organizing Your Affairs – The National Institute on Aging outlines the documents you need to put in place – click here to learn more. If pulling together this paperwork overwhelms you, consider hiring a daily money manager or professional organizer. Depending on the scope and scale of the project, an NNV volunteer may be able to help full members with this task.

The documents mentioned here are important for all adults, regardless of age. Over time your wishes may change. It is recommended to review the documents every five years, or upon a life change like a new diagnosis or the death of your significant other or POA.

P.S. Now that much of our lives are managed online, it’s also important to consider what happens to your accounts when you die or can no longer manage them. This New York Times article addresses the importance of creating a Digital Directive.