Do you know whom to contact, what paperwork is necessary and how to handle legal and financial issues when a loved one dies? Many of us don’t. Seeing the need, Senior Village created a Forms & Documents Team of experts trained volunteer advocates and a handbook that Senior Village members describe as “amazing.”
Planning Ahead is a one-stop binder that organizes important information and provides step-by-step guidance after a death. “Everyone should have this book! I can’t say enough good things about it,” said Peggy Lockwood. “There are so many things that you need to do and so many that you don’t think about that you need to do.”
Because her husband had been ill for 19 years, Peggy thought she was prepared, yet, when she got into the handbook, she discovered there was a lot she hadn’t considered. The binder also helped with her own estate planning and put passwords, credit card and bank information together for her son and brother, the executor of her estate.
Volunteers from the Senior Village Forms & Documents Team go out in pairs to present the information in the handbook and provide clear explanations for the widowed spouse. After the home visit, the lead volunteer sends a summary email of points for the member to consider. This is followed up with a phone call two weeks later, and the duo willingly visits again if needed. The team’s consultants include a retired estate attorney, long-term care insurance policy specialist and veterans’ rights advocate.
Some Senior Village members like Susan Allen join and request the handbook shortly after a spouse dies. Others are already Senior Village members when they lose a loved one or decide to ask the Forms & Documents Team to help with their own estate planning.
Planning Ahead is a great resource for estate planning, navigating a loss and storing important information. Susan Allen found it invaluable and so have others. Members can call (520) 314-1042 to schedule a visit with a Forms & Document Team volunteer. For membership information, visit seniorvillage.org/members.
