Planning to move into an assisted living or similar facility when the time comes is a good plan, as long as we are able to plan.
So often these decisions are taken out of our hands by strokes, accidents, etc., and then our families, if we have one, are left to deal with it all in an emergency.
There’s finding an available bed in a suitable facility, and paying for it, which involves using up all assets and then relying on Medicaid.
Although I had springing powers of attorney in place since my husband died, when we hadn’t done these
, I redid them last year, both medical and financial.
They are in place now, although neither go into effect until my PCP determines I am unable to make my own decisions…which could come at a gradual pace, or suddenly.
I’ve also put both of my kids as co-users on my bank accounts, so that if they have to take over financial decisions on a moments notice, they can do so.
Of course, I trust my kids not to clean me out.
My state, as I’m sure do many others, has downloadable POA forms that can be filled out and signed in advance, if you have someone you trust to take on this responsibility.
If you don't, and end up in an ER, the doctors will make the best decisions they can for you.
We’d all like to think we will be able to make our own plans when the time comes, but I feel pretty sure that the percentage of us who land in the **** has hit the fan scenario is very high.
I guess what I’m saying is that if you are age 50 or over and have loved ones you will rely on, get your stuff together and make a plan, to make it easier for them.
So they don’t have to do it all on the fly, and there will still be a lot to do and a disruption in their lives, because that’s the way that works, those shifts often coming very suddenly.
