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Home Knowledge CenterPeace of Mind Checklist for Caregivers

Checklist to Think About with Your Aging Loved Ones

You can use this checklist as a compass for caregivers to navigate eldercare.

“There’ll be time for that later.” “I don’t want to think about it now.” These are common excuses, but getting financial affairs in order and wishes on paper can buy peace of mind for everyone. Use this checklist to start a conversation with your aging loved ones. They may want to consult a lawyer or financial planner, but most of these can be created on one’s own.

A Will and Other Legal Documents

This signed legal document lets you say who you would like to make financial decisions for you if you can’t make them for yourself.

Living Will/Health Care Directive

If you become ill or disabled and can’t make or communicate decisions, a living will/health care directive spells out your end-of-life wishes regarding life-sustaining measures. Names vary by state.

Health Care Durable Power of Attorney

This signed legal document lets you say who you would like to make health care decisions for you if you can’t make them for yourself. This may also be called a health care proxy.

Advance Medical Directive

This may include one or more of the following: A living will, health care power of attorney, DNR order.

Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC)

Long-term skilled care can be very costly and not fully covered by Medicare. The average age to buy it is mid-50s. The older you are, the more it costs. If you are in poor health, you may not be eligible.

End-of-Life Conversations

If you have specific wishes about end-of-life choices, it is helpful to share your thoughts with family.

Communicate Location of Important Documents

Someone should know where to find your important papers, including passwords for online accounts.

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Caregiver Resources Eldercare Info Organizer Self-Care for Caregivers: Caring for a Loved One and Yourself

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The information included here is not legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are for general information purposes only, and you are urged to consult a lawyer concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have. Cigna assumes no responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the use, misuse, interpretation, or application of any information supplied here.

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