25 Documents Everyone Should Have in Place

Loma Linda Senior Center hosted "25 Documents Everyone Should Have in Place", a presentation on various health care items every citizen-not just the seniors-should have in a safe, easily accessible area. The event consisted of a brief lecture given by Sandee Hayden, Business Development Representative and Community Liaison for Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Southern California. It focused on certain important healthcare documents, primarily the Advanced Health Care Directive and the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) sheets. The presentation centered around the importance of not only filling out these documents, but making sure your family knew where to find them in case of an emergency. "The greatest gift you can give your family is having your medical care and emergency plans in order," said Hayden. "When patients come to us, they are often in a crises and don't know what to do. Having these forms ready and easy to access makes the whole process much easier for everyone." The Advance Health Care Directive allows a person to assign a power of attorney over medical issues should the person be unable to speak for themselves. It covers everything from organ donation to which physician you want in the case of a medical emergency or procedure. The POLST lets your loved ones know what to do in terms of life sustaining treatments such a CPR and artificially administered nutrition. Although not easy topics to discuss, Hayden and RN Lyn Legaz stressed the importance of having these talks with your family. "People don't want to hear much about home care and hospice," said Hayden "so this presentation is a great way to get that door open and get people thinking about their medical needs." As for storing these documents, Hayden recommends a portable, fire proof safe. That way, you can take it with you in the event of a fire and keep the important information close at hand. She also recommends keeping copies in your car in case of an accident. After a brief discussion of other documentation, the conversation turned towards hospice care; Hayden wanted all of those attending the event to know what their rights and benefits are once their doctor has declared them ready for hospice. According to Hayden, "Most people don't know that hospice care is included in their Medicare benefits, so we really try to educate people and let them know their options." VNA is a non-profit organization that provides hospice care for senior citizens. They include everything from regular doctor and nurse visits to medical supplies and social worker care. All of the benefits provided by the company are part of Medicare and paid for by the government. "Knowing your options, having everything written down, and having the conversation with your family are a great way to give you peace of mind," said Hayden. "I've been married 7 years, and I can say from experience that having all my ducks in a row have really given everyone in my family some peace of mind." 25 Documents Everyone Should Have in Place: -Personal and family medical history, Medicare, Medi-Cal -Advance Care Directive-Living Will -POLST -Durable power of attorney Healthcare -Authorization to release health-care information The Essentials -Last Will and Testament -Durable power of attorney Finances -Letter of instruction -Trust Documents Marriage-Divorce-Military -Marriage license -Divorce papers -Military discharge DD form 214 Life Insurance and Retirement -Life insurance and Long Term Care policies -Individual retirement accounts -401 (k) accounts -Pension documents -Annuity contracts Bank Accounts -List of all bank accounts -Lists of all usernames and passwords -List of all safety deposit boxes Proof of Ownership -Housing, land, and cemetery deeds -Escrow mortgage accounts -Proof of loans made and debts owed -Vehicle titles -Stock certificates, savings bonds, and brokerage accounts -Partnership and corporate operating agreements -Tax returns