09/24/2024
I have many friends who are going through this or will be going through this with a loved one... I am posting again to help families prepare for the inevitable that no one likes to talk about... but needs the most discussion.
This is from a friend's FB page who is a hospice nurse:
Hospice Death Preparedness
I saw a slightly broader version of this on a friend's FB page and it got me thinking. With my job (hospice nurse), I noticed that many people are surprised by diagnoses and accidents (the stories I hear...) and are completely unprepared for end-of-life, well, everything. Even a little preplanning- a Last Will & Testament, Healthcare POA, knowing passwords, Living WIll (even just a discussion about what you want, "if this" happens or "if that" happens)- these are important things to talk about- some of these, below are really important to do, as well. See below:
Some other things that are important to do to save money (in probate/taxes etc) and feelings:
- Make sure all bank accounts have direct beneficiaries. The beneficiary need only go to the bank with your death certificate and an ID of their own.
- Last Will and Testament: Designates to whom personal belongings/assets will go to. You can get a lawyer or you can download one on the internet and have it notarized at the bank. If you do get a lawyer, let your designated executor know the name/address of your lawyer.
- TOD = Transfer On Death deed if you own a home. Completing this document and filing it with your county saves your heirs THOUSANDS. This document allows you to transfer ownership of your home to your designee. All they need to do is take their ID and your death certificate to the county building and the deed is signed over. Doing this will avoid the home having to go through probate.
- Living Will: Allows you to put in writing exactly what you want done in the event you cannot speak for yourself (temporarily or permanently) when it comes to healthcare decisions.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Allows you to designate a person to make legal decisions if you are no longer (or temporarily not) competent to do so.
- Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document allows you to designate someone to legally make healthcare decisions for you. Make sure they know what you would like done (this is why Living Will is important).
- Funeral Planning Declaration: allows one to say exactly one’s wishes as far as disposition of the body and the services. (You can just write this out or talk amongst yourselves but it's an important conversation to have).
** If the above documents are done, you can AVOID probate. Probate can be very expensive and time-consuming. If all the above is not done, you have to open an estate account at the bank. All money that doesn’t have direct beneficiaries goes into this account. You have to have an attorney to open the estate account. The attorney also has to publicize your passing in the newspaper or post publication at the county courthouse, to allow anyone to make a claim on your property.
To help your family, also:
** Make a list of all banks and account numbers, all investment institutions with account numbers, lists of credit cards, utility accounts, etc. Leave clear instructions as to how and when these things are paid. Make sure heirs know where life insurance policies, the Will, safe deposit boxes/keys are located.
** Make 100% sure SOMEONE knows your computer password, phone password, Apple ID, bank ID account logins and other important passwords! (Or knows where to find them)
** Make sure you have titles for all vehicles, campers, etc, or information re: loans for those vehicles.
- VERY important, too- - Talk with those closest to you and make all your wishes KNOWN. Talk to those whom you’ve designated, as well as those close to you whom you did not designate. - Do this to explain why your decisions were made and to avoid any lingering questions or hurt feelings.
Most people are stunned, emotional, and exhausted during a time when they need to be making important decisions. These steps can make things so much easier for people. Oh, and (if ever) a hospice social worker or nurse has to ask you if you've chosen a funeral home, they're just trying to help. It's way better to have an idea ahead of the day you need one. (the stories I could tell).
