Aging Academy: Navigating Decisions

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the selfless work of caregivers across the country. This month highlights the challenges faced by family caregivers, celebrates their dedication, and raises awareness about the support they need. Whether caring for an aging parent, a child with special needs, or a loved one with a chronic illness, caregivers play a crucial role in providing comfort and stability.

Supporting caregivers is essential to help them manage their responsibilities and maintain their well-being. AARP Florida and The Professional Fiduciary Council of Florida are the proud sponsors of Aging Academy: Navigating Decisions. The goal of Aging Academy: Navigating Decisions is to provide practical, useful information and resources to identify the “what ifs” and help you and your family safely navigate aging and life’s legal moments.

Darby Jones, who serves as the speaker for the Aging Academy, is a professional fiduciary with almost 25 years of experience serving in a wide variety of fiduciary capacities such as Corporate Trustee, Individual Trustee, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Surrogate, Personal Representative, Executor, and Guardian.

Darby shares a recent question that she was asked: My mother finally got her estate plan done, but I am named her Power of Attorney (POA) for finances and medical decisions. However, I’m unsure what this entails or what responsibilities I need to assume.

This is a great question. It is important to familiarize yourself with what a POA means, especially in the event your mother is unable to manage her financial or medical affairs. Sit down with her and discuss what her goals and fears are as she ages.

Here are some important points to discuss with her:

· Funeral Plans: What are her wishes? Document these plans and keep them with her important papers.

· Bank Information: Identify her primary bank and introduce yourself as her POA. Ensure the bank has this designation on record for her account—note that you should not be a joint owner, just listed as POA.

· Medical History: Understand her medical background, including any allergies or previous conditions. Does she have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and a living will?

· Current Medications: Keep an updated list of her medications and know what each one is for.

· Financial Advisor: Who is her financial advisor? Trust your instincts about this person. Send them your POA document and ensure you’re on the account.

· Primary Doctor: Know who her current primary care physician is.

· Communication System: Establish a check-in system between you and your mother. Get to know her friends, neighbors, and other frequent contacts, and ensure they have your contact information.

· Involve Siblings: If you have siblings, make sure they are aware of your role as POA. A family meeting—either in person, via phone, or through Zoom—can help everyone stay informed.

· Locate Documents: Know where the original estate documents are and who the attorney is.

Find answers to these and more questions on Aging Academy: Navigating Decisions. Find recordings of past sessions and resources at www.agingacademy.com.

*Please note: the views and opinions expressed in Aging Academy: Navigating Decisions content are those of Darby Jones and The Professional Fiduciary Council of Florida and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AARP Florida