Keeping things in order is critical, so that in an emergency, or if you pass away, your loved ones or executors can find critical documents, particularly to know your wishes for what you want done. Lori Hutson joins Suzanne on behalf of Vitality Revolution podcast series gold sponsor Humana, to talk about this aspect of emotional wellness.
This causes so much stress for people if mom is in the hospital, and you need power of attorney, or passwords to get into their phone if they’ve passed away. Having a “life book,” as Lori calls it, updated regularly eliminates all sorts of hassles for your family. It may not help with your own personal emotional wellness, but it will certainly help others.
Examples
For example, does mom have a life insurance policy? How would her children know that? A lot of people have a will, but a life book can serve as a precursor. Choose a format: paper or digital. Make categories of your personal information, doctor contact information, medical information in case you’re in the hospital, financial records, legal documents including a will, important emergency contact information. It can be a three-ring binder with sections. You’d want to tell certain people what’s in there, such as people who would serve as your power of attorney or executor of your will.
List your valuables. List items you want to bequeath to people, similar to what’s in your will — but updating your will is expensive, whereas you can update this whenever you like. Put a personal message in there for your family after you’re gone.
List your valuables. List personal inventory to help your family members know about. Lori’s mom gave away a painting from her mom she later found out was worth $7,000. Also list items you want to bequeath to people, similar to what’s in your will — but updating your will is expensive, whereas you can update this whenever you like. Take an opportunity to include a personal message for your family after you’re gone.
This hour’s segments are:
- S1 How to Forgive, Part 1
- S2 How to Forgive, Part 2
- S3 Health Benefits of a Positive Attitude
- S4 In Case of Emergency, Be Organized
You can contact Lori through her website at L.J. Hudson Insurance LLC. Hear more of Lori’s podcasts on Answers for Elders. Learn more about the overall Vitality Revolution podcast series and find more episodes about Physical Wellness and Emotional Wellness. Learn more about Answers for Elders, the North Star in Navigating Senior Care.
