Facilitate Elder Life Planning in 3 Simple Steps
Don't task your loved ones with searching for your important documents when they may be needed the most. Elder Life Planning Can Be Easy If You Follow These 3 Easy Steps.
Elder life planning, like so many other things, is often harder to begin than to finish. Society shies away from discussing death and its impact on others. As a result, many things are often left undone until it’s too late. In some cases, this just makes it harder on the person tasked with finding and pulling together all the necessary information. In today’s digital age, this can mean assets are lost forever.
STEP 1 - Begin the Conversation
You can’t finish what you never start. Review these online resources and choose an approach you find most comfortable.• The Talk of a Lifetime (talkofalifetime.org) offers a free workbook to get you started• Deathwise (deathwise.org) download their “Wise Conversations Starter Kit”• The Conversation Project (theconversationproject.org) offers a free starter kit
STEP 2 - Lead By Example
Don’t ask a parent or family member to do what you aren’t willing to do or haven’t yet done. By leading the way, you’re protecting your own family from the frustrations of handling your affairs without guidance and access, should something unexpected happen to you.
Leading by example also helps you provide assistance to someone who is hesitant. With your newfound experience, it will be easier to show them how to pull their information together!
Leading by example also helps you provide assistance to someone who is hesitant. With your newfound experience, it will be easier to show them how to pull their information together!
STEP 3 - Use and Share Resources
- Everplans.com – This online life planning service poses a series of questions to help customize plans, including “to do” lists, resources and forms based on your state. (The basic plan is free; $75/year for a premium plan with all options.)
- GetYourShitTogether.org – An unfortunate name, but an excellent resource for life planning. This site is the brainchild of Chanel Reynolds, who found herself dealing with too many details while grieving the unexpected loss of her young husband. She urges everyone to plan ahead because, “It takes way more energy to worry about something than it does to be relieved.” (Free.)
You can count on Margie Yohn, Realtor® & Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, to guide you through seniors issues --either yours or on behalf of an elderly loved one -- with the goal to inform, educate and advocate for transitions that are less stressful and more successful. For Seniors On The Move!