Legal Matters

No one wants to be a burden on loved ones in aging and that burden can include administrative hassle if they are handling your affairs on your behalf. In planning for your future at home, it is important that the following be in place:

• Your Will – This details how assets, debts, properties and possessions are distributed after your death

• A Durable Power of Attorney – This allows a designated loved one to act on your behalf for financial or healthcare decisions

• A Healthcare Proxy – Similar to a Power of Attorney but focused on healthcare

• Advance Directive/ Living Will – This states your preferences for how you will be treated at the end of your life or in case of a hospitalization

Here are some additional resources that may help with your understanding of this topic:

• The American Bar Association – Introduction to wills
• The American Bar Association – Introduction to durable powers of attorney
• The American Bar Association – Introduction to living wills, healthcare proxies and advance directives.