Do You Have a Power of Attorney? Is it up-to-date?

A financial power of attorney is a document which allows someone else to act on your behalf if you are sick or out of the country. This power can be used to pay your bills and access your bank account, for instance. When you hear the term “attorney”, you probably think of a lawyer (also known as an attorney at law). The term actually means “representative” and the power of attorney document allows you to select people of your choice to make decisions for you. If you don’t have a “power of attorney” document and necessary financial decisions must be made when you are unable to make them yourself, your loved ones or others will need to go to court to have a guardian appointed. That will result in needless expense, aggravation and delay.

Ideas for Helping an Aging Parent (2)

Develop a Relationship with Your Parents’ Doctors

 
Most doctors appreciate the input of adult sons or daughters who accompany their parents to office visits, especially if they arrive with current medication lists and knowledge of medical issues. Consider scheduling your parents’ appointments while you’re visiting.  To avoid future frustration, ask your parents to sign privacy releases giving your doctors authority to speak with you by phone regarding their care.

  

Additional resources:

Family Caregiver Alliance (www.caregiver.org) 800-445-8106

National Family Caregivers Association (www.nfcacares.org) 800-896-3650

National Respite Network (www.archrespite.org) 703-256-2084

AARP (www.aarp.org/families/caregiving) 888-687-2277

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Maintain a Care Notebook

Keep a file of your parents’ medical records, test results, medications, allergies, insurance coverage and Social Security numbers along with doctors’ contact information.  Gather e-mail addresses and phone numbers for neighbors and close friends as well as the phone number for the nearest hospital.

 

Additional resources:

Family Caregiver Alliance (www.caregiver.org) 800-445-8106

National Family Caregivers Association (www.nfcacares.org) 800-896-3650

National Respite Network (www.archrespite.org) 703-256-2084

AARP (www.aarp.org/families/caregiving) 888-687-2277

Don’t ‘Lose’ Your Common Sense

We all receive solicitations – on the phone, over the internet, and through the mail – for “can’t miss” financial opportunities.

It may be an interest rate way above current market rates, or a chance to invest in oil wells or currency speculation, all at no risk.

Don’t fall victim. There is no such thing as a “risk-free” investment.

We’ve all heard the saying “If it’s too good to be true, it is.”  Unfortunately, many of us treat that advice as a cliché that doesn’t deserve the respect it should receive.

I recognize that con men -- and women -- can be very persuasive and confidence-inspiring. If they’re not, they’ll be forced to take up a different line of thievery.

So, if you receive a pitch that sounds “too good”, make yourself stop and think.  Tell the phone solicitor you want to think it over -- put aside that letter -- don’t reply to that E-mail.  If the next day you’re still unsure, call your attorney, accountant or best friend for a second opinion. Chances are that you’ll make a wise decision then.

If you still have the urge to try and strike it rich, go buy a lottery ticket.  Your chances of succeeding won’t be much greater but the ticket should cost a whole lot less that falling for a scam.

Support for Caregivers

Caregivers of all kinds can face enormous frustration, isolation and depression. But those who care for patients with Alzheimer's face specific challenges. Physicians don't fully know what causes Alzheimer's, and there is no cure.  Since patients with Alzheimer's don't get better, caregivers can spend years putting forth tremendous effort. Caregivers also need a strong network of friends and relatives who offer help on specific tasks — even something as small as relief on Sunday morning so the caregiver can attend church.

For more information, resources and links to organizations:  

National Family Caregiver Support Program

http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/Caregiver/index.aspx