In case of emergency checklist

The following In Case of Emergency Checklist will enable you to ensure that your loved ones’ affairs are in order. We have seen too many times that it can be just too late as was the case for Tracey.

Tracey’s mum’s health had been declining over a period of time. However, nothing too noticeable initially. Then her mum was diagnosed with early onset dementia and as time passed over the next two to three years Tracey didn’t realise that most of her mum’s affairs were not in order, such as her will, enduring power of attorney and even her advanced health directive.

Her mum did have a will, but no one ever mentioned the importance of an enduring power of attorney or an advanced health directive to ensure her mum’s wishes and future needs were going to be met. Without these legal documents things took a turn for the worse for Tracey as her mum no longer had legal capacity to update her wants and needs.

Let’s ensure you’re not in Tracey’s shoes.

Does your loved one have a current will?

A will is a legal document that says what a person would like to happen with their money, belongings and other assets (estate) when they pass away. They will name who they want to give their estate to (beneficiaries) and who they would like to administer their estate when they pass away (executor).

Does your loved one have an enduring power of attorney?

An enduring power of attorney allows them

(the principal) to appoint someone they trust (an attorney) to make decisions about personal (including health) matters and/or financial matters for them when they no longer have capacity to make those decisions either immediately or from a specific date.

Does your loved one have an advanced health directive or statement of choice?

An advanced care directive is sometimes called a living will. The directive is a formalised version of their advanced care plan. It outlines their preferences for their future care along with their beliefs, value, and goals.

Have you and your loved one discussed what their future care needs may look like in one, two or five years time?

Does your loved one have a list of contacts in case of emergency such as next of kin, GP, attorney under the enduring power of attorney, family, friends and other important contacts?

What about medical details such blood type, medical conditions, current medications, current vaccinations, any allergies, private health insurance provider and number and Medicare number?

Are these details easy to access?

Do you know your loved one’s lawyer, accountant, financial advisor and banking institutions?

Does your loved one have a pet and if so what arrangements have been made for that pet’s care in case of an emergency?

Is your loved one an organ donor?

Does your loved one keep a personal emergency kit in a safe, secure location and if so, who has access to it?