SENIORS: HAVE I COMPLETED MY CHECK LIST?
Aug 19th, 2011 | By Dr Jerry D Elrod | Category: Senior Moments BlogEvery so often, it is important that we review our life-plan check list. Having one is essential. Days go by and things don’t get done. With a check list you are enabled to get at the things that really do need to be addressed.
Reasons to Have a Checklist
Here are reasons for having a check list:
- First, acquaint yourself with the decisions that need to be made in regard to the management of your life, estate, all legal issues, personal considerations, and death.
- Second, leave nothing out. Do not assume someone else will take care of your check list.
- Third, review your list periodically. Depending on your state of health and that of others, be sure you have updated and kept current everything on and involved in your list.
- Fourth, if you need help, as will be likely, seek out the assistance of others who can contribute to your completing a thorough and well thought through list.
- Fifth, have your list reviewed by a third party, an attorney, a trusted confidant, a person with enough objectivity to point out omissions or inclusions that should be considered.
- Sixth, put your list in a safe place and have extra copies available to those who may need to have access to it.
- Seventh, schedule a time on your calendar (every other year, every 5 years, whatever you feel is prudent) to review the contents and intent of your list. Plan to do this with someone with whom you are comfortable.
- Eighth, make yourself comfortable with the idea of making necessary changes prompted by circumstances and influences since the list was reviewed last.
- Ninth, correct the list and return it to its safe keeping place, along with necessary copies to designated others.
- Tenth, keep the contents appropriately confidential, not involving persons who may have issues with your choices and decisions. If that prospect is a possibility, be sure an attorney or other referee is apprised of his/her role when the time comes.
Your list is yours. Make it. Keep it current. Don’t procrastinate. All seniors need a life-plan checklist, including you.