Senior Resource Guide - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Do Your Homework: MAKE YOUR FINANCIAL WISHES KNOWN A Durable Financial Power of Attorney (often called simply a "Power of Attorney ") is a document by which you give another person the legal authority to manage some or all of your financial affairs if you become incapacitated or just need extra help. The person you appoint (your agent) will have all of the powers you have specified in your personalized Power of Attorney (for example, the authority to write checks from your account, sell your real property or pay your bills). Having a Power of Attorney can be more important to your personal well -being than a will. It gives you and your family peace of mind, knowing that in an emergency, the person you have chosen will have the authority to act for you. If you don't have a Power of Attorney and you are suddenly incapacitated, your family may have to go through an expensive and time - consuming court action to appoint a guardian or conservator to make decisions for you. Even if you sign a Power of Attorney, you can still manage your own affairs. You are not giving up anything. Instead, you are taking steps today so that your agent will be able to act when and how you have directed, if or when it becomes necessary. Powers of , Attorney end with your death. �. a The most important way to reduce any risk ; associated with a Durable Financial Power of 4 Attorney is to choose your agent carefully. Never forget that you are giving your agent the opportunity to access your funds at a time when you may not be able to keep tabs on what the / agent is doing. The person you choose needs to be someone who can do the job, and most importantly, someone you can trust. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii can help you with f �� this document, free of charge, if you are 60 or - older. �r Re -Think your Housing Options: SHOULD YOU MOVE? REMODEL? Thinking about leaving your home, or even altering it, can be very upsetting. You need to weigh the advantages of staying where you are against the disadvantages, which often increase as you age. Some things to think about: • Some day, you may not be driving_ Access to public transportation, shops within walking distance and living within delivery distance of services will aid you in your goal of staying home. Not all government and non -profit helping agencies are able to deliver in -home services far from town. Rememher: the fisrther you are. from town, the more dependent you may he on fancily or yourself. • Some day, your STAIRS could be a big barrier: Inside stairs could trap you on the first floor of your home. Is there a bathroom on the first floor? Outside steps could prevent you from leaving your home or from getting back inside. Is there a ramp? • Some day, reliable access may save your life: Do you have clear cell phone reception where you live? (A land -line is the most IN type of phone). Could you summon help in an emergency'? Is your house easy to find, with the street address clearly marked? Is your road accessible to emergency personnel'? Is your driveway'? Think about it! M