As we get older, our roles with our parents often change. We start out with them taking care of us as we grow up and become adults. Then, as time goes on and we ourselves become older, we being to take on the parental role making sure our parents are safe and looked out after. One element that is sometimes difficult to face is that they will not be with us forever. While they are, providers of cremation services in Thornton, CO. suggest talking with them about their last wishes as well as gathering up any important documents.
If you aren’t sure exactly what documents you should talk to your parents about, we have compiled a small list of some of the most important. Of course, every family and individual will have different circumstances, but this should give you a good starting point.
Medical Documents
These documents include papers that will help your loved ones should you need to be in the hospital or have medical care. They include:
- An Advance Health Care Directive – This document is a combination of their Living Will and the naming of a Health Care Proxy
- Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR) – If it is their wish that doctors do not try and resuscitate them, they will need to fill out this DNR order.
- HIPAA Authorization – This is to allow their private health information to be released to the parties they name.
Financial Documents
It is important to make sure if your parents become unable to care for themselves you have certain documents allowing you control over their finances. Also, you will need to make sure to talk with them and gather things such as:
- A Financial Power of Attorney (POA) – This document is imperative in assigning someone to handle their finances if they are unable to do so
- Tax Returns – Make sure they have these available for you. No more than the past six years should be needed.
- Vehicle Titles – Gather any and all vehicle titles they may have.
- Stock Certificates – Gather any documents related to stocks they own or savings bonds
- Any Deeds – Deeds such as housing, cemetery, or land
- Loans and Payments – Documents showing any loans they have as well as payments made
- 401(k) – Papers relating to their 401(k) and retirement accounts
Personal Documents
While this isn’t a complete list and your parents may have more or less depending on their life circumstances, here are some personal documents to keep in mind:
- Marriage License – Gather documents showing they have been married and/or divorced
- List of Passwords – Compile a list of passwords for accounts as well as login codes for items such as their computer and phone
- Digital Estate Plan – This document outlines how they would like your social media accounts to be handled
- Last Will and Testament – This will appoint those who will inherit their assets if no beneficiary is named on an account
- Letter of Instruction – This document instructs how they would like their last wishes to be carried out such as where they would like to be buried.
Providers of cremation services in Thornton, CO. understand it can be a difficult conversation when it comes to talking with your parents about their passing. However, making sure all documents and paperwork are in order before they pass will be so beneficial to you and them in the long run.