Estate Planning and End‑of‑Life Planning for Seniors
Plan with confidence. Protect your wishes. Ease the burden on your family. Our coordinated approach helps you create the right legal documents, plan for long‑term care, and prepare clear instructions for loved ones.
Why This Matters
Prevent family stress and confusion if you become ill or pass away
Protect your assets and reduce taxes where possible
Make sure trusted people can make medical and financial decisions for you
Prepare a simple, written plan for long‑term care needs
What to Include in a Complete Senior Estate Plan
1. Core Legal Documents
Will: Names who inherits your property and who handles your estate.
Living Trust (if appropriate): Helps avoid probate and may speed up distribution of assets.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney: Lets someone you trust handle money and bills if you cannot.
Medical Power of Attorney/Health Care Proxy: Names who can make health decisions for you.
Living Will/Advance Directive: States your preferences for medical treatment and end‑of‑life care.
HIPAA Authorization: Allows your family or caregivers to access your medical information.
Beneficiary Designations: Keep life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable‑on‑death accounts up to date.
Business Succession Plan (if you own a business): Names who runs or receives the business if you are disabled or die.
2. Long‑Term Care Planning (often overlooked, but essential)
Written Long‑Term Care Plan: Your care preferences (at home, assisted living, nursing home), budget, and backup plans.
Family Caregiver Briefing: Meet with potential caregivers to explain roles and share instructions.
Care Checklists and Contacts: Daily routines, medication lists, doctors, insurance, and emergency contacts.
Paying for Care: Review Medicare/Medicaid basics, long‑term care insurance, VA benefits, and private pay options.
Home Safety Review: Simple changes to reduce falls and hospitalizations.
A Simple 7‑Step Planning Process
Gather: List assets, debts, insurance, doctors, medications, and key contacts.
Choose Decision‑Makers: Select trustworthy people for financial and medical roles; name backups.
Meet an Elder Law or Estate Planning Attorney: Discuss goals, state laws, taxes, and care options.
Draft & Review Documents: Ensure your will, trusts, and directives reflect your wishes.
Create the Care Plan: Write instructions and checklists for caregivers; schedule a family meeting.
Organize & Share: Store documents in one place; give copies to decision‑makers and your doctor.
Update Regularly: Review each year and after big life changes (marriage, move, diagnosis).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not telling family where documents are or what to do
Outdated beneficiaries on insurance or retirement accounts
Creating a trust but not moving assets into it
Ignoring tax impacts on property or retirement accounts
No plan for incapacity or long‑term care costs
How We Help
We bring together a coordinated team—estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and care managers—to create a complete plan that covers legal documents, long‑term care, and end‑of‑life wishes.
Personalized guidance for seniors and families
Clear, plain‑language documents and caregiver checklists
Coordination with your doctors and preferred caregivers
Call now(800) 989-8137 or click “Find Care Near Me” to get matched with options today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a will and a living trust?
A will takes effect after death and may go through probate. A living trust can hold assets while you are alive and may help avoid probate, offering more privacy and faster distribution.
Do I still need a power of attorney if I have a trust?
Yes. A durable financial power of attorney covers assets not in your trust and lets your agent handle tasks like filing taxes and managing benefits.
What documents cover my medical wishes?
A medical power of attorney (health care proxy) names who decides; a living will/advance directive explains your treatment preferences; a HIPAA release lets your decision‑makers access your health information.
How often should I update my plan?
Review annually or after major life events such as a move, marriage, divorce, new diagnosis, or the death of a spouse or decision‑maker.
Who should be at the family caregiver meeting?
Your chosen decision‑makers, primary caregivers, and any backup agents. Share your care plan, emergency contacts, and where documents are stored.
