We know from personal experience how important it is to have your loved one\u2019s paperwork in order. When your family member has a medical emergency, it can be stressful and frightening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having their medical and legal paperwork in order and easy to access can turn a confusing situation into a remarkably straightforward one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It helps to know not just what senior care documents are needed in North Carolina, but also how to store them. And if you\u2019re not sure how to broach the subject, a good home care agency can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As your loved one gets older, it becomes more and more important to be prepared for emergencies. Having their documents in order and easily accessible will ensure that their wishes are respected even when they can\u2019t advocate for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the most important documents to have ready:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Power of attorney (POA)<\/a> is a legal document giving a specific person the right to make decisions on another\u2019s behalf. In North Carolina, there are two types of POA forms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n POA forms are only legally binding if they\u2019re set up properly\u2014and that can be tricky. One senior we know thought he had set up his POA, only for his best friend to learn otherwise at the hospital. The result was a scramble to find a living blood relative, leaving a family member unfamiliar with the situation responsible for critical decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s best to have a lawyer ensure POA forms are set up and filed properly. We know a number of attorneys specializing in elder law\u2014please don\u2019t hesitate to contact us<\/a> for a referral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure all insurance paperwork is up-to-date. Some of the most important types of insurance to document include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not enough just to have the documentation\u2014you\u2019ll also need to know how the policy works to get the most out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n North Carolina has a special type of at-home Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form called the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST)<\/a> Form. It allows seniors to specify their wishes in the event of a medical emergency outside a hospital. Without it, first responders in the state can\u2019t legally stop resuscitation efforts until a doctor agrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A MOST form must be signed by a doctor in order to be binding, so make sure to discuss it with their primary care physician. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Laws about resuscitation vary between states, and the MOST form doesn\u2019t apply outside North Carolina. When planning a trip out of state, make sure to look into the laws there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure your loved one\u2019s wishes are followed, their will needs to be worded, structured and prepared for filing properly. Contact us<\/a> if you need a recommendation for a good estate attorney to set up a will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as important as getting documents set up properly is making sure they\u2019re accessible. Don\u2019t just assume\u2014make sure you can personally lay eyes on them. They should be so simple to find that you can bring them out quickly even in an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to make sure you can find these documents is to have multiple copies of each. At minimum, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, you should store extra copies of certain forms in special ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure their POA keeps a copy of the designated form. In addition, their doctor should have a copy of their medical POA form, and their banker, lawyer or financial advisor should have a copy of the financial one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to keep copies of your loved one\u2019s will in a number of places:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aging is an uncomfortable topic, but talking about it frankly and frequently can make it more manageable. If you\u2019re not sure how to broach the subject, FirstLight Home Care of Greater Charlotte<\/a> can help. Our staff members know how to facilitate difficult conversations about care, guiding them to ensure your loved one\u2019s needs will be met. That makes starting senior care a great time to discuss both their documents and their wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Insurance Policies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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NC MOST Form<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Will<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Store Documents Related to Senior Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Store the NC MOST Form<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to Store Power of Attorney Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Store a Will<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to Have the Conversation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n