by Beth Seidelhuber

After a busy holiday season, I think I need to make some changes in the new year to simplify, focus and get organized. What I want to do is make time for the not-urgent, but important tasks that we all seem to put off every year. So instead of resolving to lose 10 pounds, I’m going to work on safety and financial health instead. Here’s what I propose:

1. Create a will. This is one of the most important things we should all do. If you don’t have one or more importantly, your parent doesn’t - consider adding this to your resolutions too. I’m horrified at the thought of the state deciding who should get my grandmother’s special teacup collection or any of my other special treasures.

2. Research more estate planning like trusts. A trust can be a good way to protect assets for future generations and avoid probate. I don’t know nearly enough about this so I’ll research this and determine if we need one.

3. Make our home more safe. I fell on our stairs a couple months ago. The bruises are gone but it reminds me that every home can be more safe regardless of the age of its residents. I’ll check for tripping and fire hazards and schedule or fix any needed repairs.

4. Set up my advance directives. I’m not looking forward to this one but I’ll feel better knowing that my family won’t have to possibly guess about decisions affecting my health care.

5. Collect and document important information. I want to list all the banking accounts, online user id and passwords, valuable possessions, insurance policies, etc. We might even buy a safe to store these important records. Then, if anything should happen, we have everything in one place to reduce possible confusion.

This feels like a hearty list but I have a whole year - maybe I’ll shoot for getting one or two done per quarter. And come next December, I probably won’t be 10 lbs thinner, but I’ll certainly feel better knowing my affairs are in more order and my home is safe and secure. Join me in adding a few of these to your resolutions list too. If you are looking for more New Years Resolutions please check out our lists here: http://www.agis.com/newyearsresolutions/

Related Resources from AGIS.com:
AGIS’ Home Safety & Security Checklist
AGIS’ Personal Information and Records Inventory
New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers and their Families

Filed under: Caregiving, Estate Planning, Health & Safety