. It’s the new term being passed around to describe baby boomers that do not have kids. This strong and self-reliant group faces a few unique challenges in growing old without children, chiefly who to designate as guardian and decision-maker in case they become no longer able to do so themselves. Inside her book, Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers, author Sara Zeff Geber, Ph.D. outlines several choices to consider:
- Dig through your support system. Typically, a solo ager’s spouse is the natural option for guardianship and also to make important decisions linked to medical care, however it’s important to have at least one and preferably two younger alternative options. Consider brothers and sisters and their children, close friends, and neighbors, taking into consideration whether or not each candidate holds matching values and is somebody it is possible to fully trust to make decisions in accordance with your wishes.
- Hire a professional guardian. Professional guardians, also called private guardians or professional fiduciaries, have become increasingly popular for solo agers. If considering this option, it’s necessary to interview a number of candidates to ensure they will have the required knowledge and experience, and don’t forget to request references. Consult your attorney for recommendations, or the National Guardianship Association or Professional Fiduciary Association in your state.
- Accept a court-appointed guardian. If a solo ager has not yet selected a guardian and is suddenly unable to make care-related and/or financial decisions, a probate court will appoint a guardian to handle his / her affairs.
When choosing potential guardians, collect answers to questions such as:
- How long have you been in practice?
- Are you certified by the National Guardian Association?
- Are you bonded and insured?
- What may be the succession plan if you predecease me?
- Are criminal background checks performed on all of your current employees?
- What is your knowledge of the particular medical conditions I’m facing?
- What are your fees, and how often will I be billed?
As soon as your guardian option has been determined, make sure that your attorney updates your existing (or creates a brand new) durable power of attorney or advance health care directive, will, and durable power of attorney for finances.
To get more detailed help and home care support in planning for long-term care needs, call the elder care professionals at Independence-4-Seniors Home Care. We can partner with seniors to generate a personal plan of care to ensure needs are fully met now and certainly will continue being met effectively as needs change in the years to come, always in respect to each individual’s wishes. Give us a call at (630) 323-4665 or contact us online to find out more about our Hinsdale senior care services.