Things that should be done

Hi Sisters,

It's me, the Provident Living Specialist. I smile at the specialist part because that's furthest from what I am really. I'm just someone who's learning as I am going along- like you. I've never specialized in anything, really. But I have learned by observing, listening, reading and just plain ol' doing and I'm still learning. There are countless times I have been taught by others and without them even knowing it. I remember begging my mother as a very little, little girl to let me please help with making cookies and she would say, "You ARE helping. You are helping by just watching." Oh, that was the lesson. We all go through life learning from others by just observing and then when it's our turn to do, we'll know how.

Growing up, my best friend's parents died in a car accident when she was 5 years old. Her older brother was the only other member of the family to survive the accident. Truly a sad time for them. They immediately went to go live with their father's brother who lived just a mile or two away from their parents' home. So, why am I sharing this with you? As the Provident Living Specialist (ugg, there's that word again), it's my calling to give you information, to share, to teach. Not only about food storage or where to find the best shopping deal, but about important things to help us be prepared. Prepared for whatever. You just never know.

So here it is, 4 things that should be done:

1. A will.

No matter the age or what are assets are, we all should create a will. At the time of a person's death, if there is no indication of that person's wishes, the court will step in and distribute property according to the laws of the individual state. If the person has no apparent heirs and dies without a will, the estate/assets will go to distant relatives. Sometimes things will get locked up in probate, which equals a mess. A will should also tell who will care for your under age children if you were to die. As I watched from my friend's experience- it's an important detail.

2. Create a Living Will.

If you are on life support, your wishes can be made known what kind of care you would want, particularly if you are terminally ill and incapacitated.

3. Durable Power of Attorney for Health-Care

This type of document allows the individual who is being cared for to point to whom they want or will make medical decisions if he or she becomes mentally incapacitated.

4. Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

This document appoints who will be allowed to handle the finances and make money decisions in behalf of the cared for persons.

Start by having the "talk" with your spouse or family. If you haven't gotten a few things in order by now, it's time to get going. Write things down. Seek out an attorney to help with the legal forms. Taking these precautions will be a relief and comfort for those who love you and your family.