Aging: Taking Care of Business

A Guide for Older People, Families and Friends Regarding:

  • Health Care Advance Directives
  • Durable Powers of Attorney for Finances
  • Guardianship/Conservatorship
  • Other Related Information

Booklet "Aging: Taking Care of Business" (Word*) or (PDF*) (size 2.92 MB)

Table of Contents

  Preface
Chapter 1 Planning Ahead
Chapter 2 Health Care Advance Directives: Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Living Wills
Chapter 3 Joint Bank Accounts
Chapter 4 Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
Chapter 5 Revocable Living Trusts
Chapter 6 Becoming a Representative Payee
Chapter 7 Becoming a Guardian or Conservator
Chapter 8 Resources

Preface

Many people are able to stay independent and take care of business by themselves as they age. For some people, however, there may come a time when they are unable to make or communicate their decisions about health care or finances. This book discusses how adults can protect their right to choose by making decisions ahead of time. This book is intended for two audiences:

  • People who want information on how to plan for the future using a Health Care Advance Directive, a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, a Joint Bank Account or a Revocable Living Trust;
  • Families and friends who want information about how to take care of business for someone they know under these arrangements or under Guardianship, Conservatorship or Representative Payeeship.

Note: This book is intended to give readers a general understanding of the subject and information on where to go for help. It is not intended as legal advice for people to follow in specific cases. Readers should consult an attorney or the Register of Probate with questions about their own situations.