Just because we always have, does not mean we will always be able to.
State laws provide for a default in the event of a person’s incapacity, but those defaults are generally geared toward familial support. Solo Agers should be especially careful to put advance directives and documents together ahead of time so they get to decide who that person will be instead of being assigned to someone they have never met by the court. The legal documents that every Solo Ager should execute are:
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Health Care Directive
- Last Will and Testament
In appropriate circumstances, the Solo Ager should also consider establishing a revocable living trust for financial management.
The Solo Ager needs to look into a care management agency to delegate responsibility for these decisions. A care management agency is a company that specializes in understanding the needs of older adults, what Medicare and Medicaid and other social programs cover, and options and services related to aging such as food, housing, rehabilitation, and legal issues.
