In An Instant – The new estate and end of life planning

**  That’s Tracy and me in our new fashion statement!

Clients procrastinating with long term care and estate planning needs are not new. It  has always been a challenge. Most people wait until something bad happens or some sort of motivating event before they take action or make decisions. Unfortunately, with Eldercare, this can severely limit your options.

In the year 2020 there should be no more motivating event than the pandemic that has landed at our feet.  Now  clients are frequently calling to update or review their plans and many younger and middle aged people no longer need convincing.

Let’s take a look at what has completely upset our lives and upended our world  in the last 4 months.

• Covid is alive and well in Florida and is a concern for all ages.
• Covid has become upfront and personal.  Most people know someone who has had the illness. I know two who died and one who survived.  There are 3 new  cases in my neighborhood.
• People are waiting in cars for hours to be tested.
• Covid can be fatal at every age and it doesn’t discriminate.
• It usually  comes suddenly taking families by surprise
• Doctors do not have all  the tools they need to treat ill patients if patients do not have the appropriate documents.
• Masks are part of our life for the foreseeable future.
• Covid is everywhere, including the White House.
• This disease can have long term health effects for all ages
• Covid has shown us how fast things can change in life.
• It has  put at risk those with other  illnesses  who are pushed aside or who are afraid to go to the emergency room
• It has  been devastating to nursing home residents and some assisted living residents
• Covid has created fear and stress for ourselves, family and friends
• It has given us a feeling of being alone
• It has no end in site
• We will probably never go back to the normal we knew

Doctors are worried about possible spikes in new cases, as well as worsening disease for people with other illnesses, but are who avoid  care during the pandemic.  Doctors are also concerned about the number of people who have not discussed end of life issues with families. As a result, they  do not have  living wills, health care directives and powers of attorney; crucial documents when one is ill and which encourages conversation with the family.

We are currently doing a number of  Medicaid applications, three where the family cannot get into the nursing home to see their loved one. This is more than sad.  

Florida has very specific requirements for a durable power of attorney to be effective.  ALL three of these clients have deficient durable powers of attorney that the financial institutes are ignoring and will not accept. They or I can’t get a crucial  new power of attorney signed because we cannot get into the facility.  Before covid I would get things signed at the facility as long as  the person was still competent.  Now It is more important than ever to have these documents in place FOR EVERYONE OVER 18 before and “event” occurs and it’s too late.

Illness and death are part of life. No one can put their head in the sand when life can change for all of us  in a heartbeat as it has.

We have worked with hundreds of families all over South Florida, Broward and Palm Beach and can help you sort out these issues at this uncertain and stressful time.  We are professionals.  It’s what we do!    For the sake of your family and physician, please address or update your estate planning now. Kindly contact us. We will find the best solutions for you and your family.