The purpose of a living will is to ensure that your future health care decisions and plans are respected. It is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care if you become unable to communicate.…
Estate planning typically involves wills, trusts, and passing assets on from generation to generation. However, there is another part of estate planning that doesn’t get as much attention. It concerns advance health care planning. Have you thought about what type…
Many people believe they are prepared for end-of-life care if they have created and signed a living will. Unfortunately, medical professionals misinterpret end-of-life care documents more often than you think. The issue is that medical professionals often have little training…
In a will, you specify who will inherit your assets and property after your death, and a properly executed will is legally binding. Your will names a personal representative (executor) who will carry out your directives. In addition to asset distribution,…
Estate planning is essential to most older adults. Still, nearly half of Americans age 55 and older have no will, and fewer still have powers of attorney, a living will, or health care directives. You can use these documents to…
In the United States, the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming increasingly more available. According to the medical community, vaccinated individuals are significantly less likely to contract COVID-19; however, they may pose a health risk to others. What then is appropriate behavior…
Elder abuse can manifest itself in many different ways and may present itself in older adults' lives concurrently. Sadly, elder abuse events are significantly underreported. The National Council on Aging reports that estimates range as high as five million older…