Be Ready: Key Documents and Plans for Senior Parents Before an Emergency 

Life is unpredictable, and preparing for an emergency is essential, especially for our senior parents. The peace of mind that comes from knowing a healthcare directive and other key documents are in place in case of an emergency is invaluable to both seniors and their loved ones. 

At the Mission at Agua Fria, we want to help ensure your senior parents receive the care they prefer, even if they can no longer communicate their wishes. 

Key Documents and Plans 

Having these documents already prepared ensures your senior parents’ well-being and security in urgent times of need, as well as your peace of mind. 

• Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directive: A power of attorney is a legal document that selects someone to manage financial and health decisions for your parents in the event they become incapacitated. A healthcare directive is a legal document that specifies a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment, should they be unable to communicate. 
• Wills and Trusts: Wills and trusts play an important role in detailing how your parents’ assets should be distributed. Then, deeds for property and vehicle titles can be accounted for and properly managed. 
• Medical Information: It is always beneficial to have a list of allergies, current medications, and medical history readily available to provide to healthcare providers in order to help them deliver appropriate care during emergencies.  

Be sure to securely store all of this information, both digitally and physically, to protect privacy and ensure that the data is accurate and available when needed without unauthorized access. Regularly back up data and use secure communication methods to keep your parent’s medical information safe and secure. 

Financial Records

Organized financial records are helpful in times of crisis. Ensure that the correct person(s) maintain access to all bank account information, keeping it up-to-date, including investment records and insurance policies. 

To manage payments and financial obligations efficiently, a clear record of liabilities such as mortgages, loans, and credit card accounts is needed.  

The details of any safety deposit boxes and a list of all essential financial contacts, such as accountants and financial advisors, can prevent delays in accessing funds or making swift financial decisions during emergencies. 

Future Healthcare Needs

A healthcare proxy is a legal document that enables your senior parent to select someone they trust to make medical decisions for them in case they become incapacitated or unable to do so themselves. Helping them choose someone whose values concerning medical treatments and end-of-life care align with theirs is imperative. Be sure to consult with an elder care attorney to confirm that all legal requirements are met. 

A Living Will

A living will is a legal document outlining your senior parent’s wishes regarding the extent of medical treatments they do and do not want to receive if they become unable to communicate their decisions.  

Consult with your senior parent’s healthcare provider to discuss potential scenarios that may arise, ensuring the living will accurately reflects your parent’s wishes. Regular updates to the living will are recommended to adapt to any health or personal circumstances changes. 

Emergency Contact Information

Consolidate all essential emergency contact information, including family members, friends, healthcare providers, and any other critical contacts who need to be reached quickly in case of an emergency.  

A well-organized Emergency Contact Form should list names, phone numbers, emails, and the nature of their relationship to your senior parent. It should be easily accessible so these contacts can be reached without delay in any crisis. 

Creating a Support Network

Creating a strong support network can offer emotional support to both you and your senior parent. Discuss who in your circle (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) can play a helpful role. Consider not just their availability but their willingness to assist with tasks ranging from daily chores to emergency situations. Utilize your local community resources as well, which might include services like meal deliveries, transportation, or home maintenance.  

Delegate and clarify roles among your support network based on individual strengths and proximity to your senior parents. One person might be in charge of scheduling medical appointments, another might manage financial matters, and others could assist with daily living activities. It’s important to establish clear communication channels among everyone involved. 

Finances: In addressing the financial security of your senior parents, it’s vital to consider several key components: the availability of current insurance policies specific to your senior parent, their monthly expenses, the creation and management of a new budget, helping them make adjustments as necessary, and preparing for long-term healthcare. These elements form a comprehensive approach to securing your senior parents’ financial future, ensuring they receive the care they need without added financial strain. 

While reviewing multiple insurance policies and setting up a plausible budget together to plan for your senior parents’ long-term care may sound tedious, a financial planner, estate lawyer, or elder care attorney can address any concerns that may arise and help guide your support system along the way. 

By prioritizing documents for your senior parents to ensure proper planning for future healthcare needs, you’ll be readily equipped with the essential components that contribute to peace of mind for both seniors and their families in the event of an emergency. 

While proactive planning and preparation are important, it is the well-being and dignity of our senior loved ones in times of emergency that matters most. We want to be prepared in the case of an emergency while simultaneously hoping one never occurs. 

At the Mission at Agua Fria, we understand that honoring your senior parents’ lives and legacy means ensuring their wishes are acknowledged and met with the respect they deserve, even if they are unable to communicate. The steps we take today in preparation for tomorrow can significantly influence the grace with which we care for those who once cared for us.