Whether you’re planning for an extended recovery from surgery or a long-term illness or disability, covering your health and personal needs takes thought. Here’s a checklist to help make sure you’re covered.
Choose the right caregiver:
- Sit down with family members to put their caregiving roles in writing.
- Encourage your caregivers to explore the Family and Medical Leave Act to make sure they can take up to a 12 week leave to help care for you if needed.
- Involve anyone who will play a caregiving role in a relationship with your doctor(s).
- Discuss what type of caregiving option you prefer, including in-home care, personal care homes and senior living.
- Determine your wishes for your pets if you need to move out of your home.
Get your financial books in order:
- Create a list of assets, account numbers, names and contact information for financial advisors and any other financial personnel you interact with on a regular basis.
- Sign up caretakers to be authorized users on all financial accounts.
- Determine if insurance will cover home health visits, mental health visits, physical therapy or skilled nursing facilities.
- Look into your insurance and retirement options, including disability coverage, life insurance, insurance through work, pension benefits and long-term care insurance.
- Ensure that you are enrolled in public benefits, which can include Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Veterans benefits, etc.
Address your legal needs:
- Draft a power of attorney document that indicates who you would like to have legal and financial authority over your affairs if you become incapacitated.
- Communicate the exact location of all important documents caregivers may need including:
- Birth certificate
- Citizenship papers
- Death certificates of family members
- Deeds to cemetery plots
- Deeds to property
- Divorce decree
- Insurance policies
- Marriage certificate
- Military discharge papers
- Pension benefits