Back on the Forum - An Observation and Recommendation.

[TucsonJim]

Thanks to Rob and Howard for covering my moderator duties for the last three weeks. I was dealing with a death in the family and an aging parent at the same time. And to top it off, I was in a cell phone and internet black hole.

If I learned one thing during this time it's that careful planning can go a long way towards making life easier for your family if they should ever be in the same situation I was. I'd recommend that all of us have the following documents in place:

Living Will
Will, trust or both
Health Care Power of Attorney
Durable Power of Attorney

This is especially true for those of us who frequently travel. An accident or death on the road will be much easier to deal with if someone can take care of your affairs if you are incapacitated or deceased.

Jim

[Country Campers]

Good advice Jim, glad you are back.

Brian

[Paul & Deb]

Agree Jim and good reminder. I take it you visited your dad in Maine? I hope things are okay on there.

Good to have you back.

[JColeman]

I'm sorry for the trouble you and your family have had.

As someone who ran hospice and elder care companies for the last part of my career I wholeheartedly second your suggestions. It is very important that those who you give Powers of Durable and Medical Attorney to are 100% in line with your final wishes. We saw too many families really damaged by making hard decisions in the last few days that could have been worked out months or years before. Or worse yet, paying no attention to the wishes of the patient.

[Chiefblueman]

Jim, I'm sorry for your loss and glad to see you're back. The place isn't the same without you!

My mom passed away when I was in my early thirties and had no will of any kind. As the oldest child I was appointed administrator of her estate. It was a very trying time and some of the decisions I had to make for a group that could not agree were very difficult.

Taking care of these matters ahead of time is a loving thing to do for your family.

[webpilot]

If I learned one thing during this time it's that careful planning can go a long way towards making life easier for your family if they should ever be in the same situation I was. I'd recommend that all of us have the following documents in place:

Living Will
Will, trust or both
Health Care Power of Attorney
Durable Power of Attorney

This is especially true for those of us who frequently travel. An accident or death on the road will be much easier to deal with if someone can take care of your affairs if you are incapacitated or deceased.

Jim

Thanks for the reminder Jim. We have all of these documents, but never thought about bringing copies when we go traveling for months at a time. Probably the Health Care Power of Attorney and the Durable Power of Attorney are the most imoportatnt to carry in the unfortunate case of need.

Thanks,
George

[el Rojo]

Welcome back Jim!

[Capt Jim]

I will add my condolences as well, Jim. I also add my encouragement to all to have those important documents whether traveling or not. It's also important to remember that things change and these docs will need to be be updated.
I have been through this too many times in my life.

Safe Travels.

Jim

[kevinpo]

Welcome back Jim. Sorry for your family issues. Thank you for the reminder (I need to get off my hiney and get these done).

Regards,
Kevin

[VinceB]

Welcome back Jim,
Sorry for your loss. This is a really good reminder for all of us as we move towards our golden years.