Check out ElderTipZone’s video review of the “Top Five Stories Impacting Seniors in 2021.” This recollection serves as a gentle reminder that a resolution in 2022 should be to do an estate plan.
# 5 Nursing Home Visitations. The start of the pandemic saw homes locked down to protect residents. In 2021, more Seniors were vaccinated so restrictions lessened.
# 4 Nursing Home Closures. Some contributing factors included cost of protective measures like cleaning and equipment as well as staff shortages. Plus, Seniors just felt safer in a private family home.
# 3 Mask Up. Are masks here to stay to protect the health of Seniors?
# 2 Covid-19 Related Deaths. The numbers at the end of December were grim. Michigan recorded 29,200 deaths out of approximately 1,850,000 reported cases. Nationally, the U.S. figures were 835,000 deaths for 59,400,000 cases.
# 1 Estate Planning Impact. No doubt the pandemic negatively impacted health and many Seniors suffered from the onset of complications. Whether cared for in a nursing home or living independently, Seniors were physically isolated from loved ones. Planning at the last minute on short notice wasn’t possible.
If you get sick and have to be isolated for health reasons . . .
How will you update your plan?
What if you haven’t done any plan?
Now is the time for action and not procrastination. If there is no estate plan or the plan is outdated, loved ones will face an unnecessary struggle. Having a plan will provide you with the confidence your loved ones will be taken care of. You can ensure that the individual(s) you choose can help manage your affairs and make decisions for you if you are incapacitated.
Westerbeke Law Firm is here to help. You can reach us at 616-965-2060. You can also visit our web site at www.michiganlegacyplan.com for more information including our free seminars.