Power of Attorney Is Peace
Age is a funny thing. Society starts telling us we are “old” long before we feel it ourselves. Teachers make students gasp when they tell the class they are going to be 32 on their next birthday. The teenager at the grocery store calls you “ma’am”, and you think, “when did I become a ma’am?!” Then one day that letter from the government arrives announcing eligibility for Medicare, and you think, “when did I get to be my parent’s age?!”
In keeping with its mission of improving the quality of life for those we serve, Right at Home would like to remind adults of all ages that there’s a certain responsibility that needs to be taken care of, and it needs to be addressed in your family now: Power of Attorney (POA). It brings peace and comfort – both of which improve quality of life.
What is a power of attorney?
Power of attorney is a document that one signs giving another power over their finances and/or health. It is a form you can download from various websites, but you want to make sure it’s a legal document, not just something that was uploaded for kicks and giggles. To be 100% sure it’s something that holds up in court, run it by a law firm that specializes in elder care. Memphis has quite a few excellent ones to choose from:
- The Bailey Law Firm 901-843-2760
- The Bradley Law Firm 901-682-2030
- Zoccola Law Firm 901-523-8283
- The Stiles Law Firm 901-343-8522
When should I get a POA?
Believe it or not, 18 is not too young. While it’s everyone’s hope to grow old, rocking in their rocking chair, watching the sunset on their front porch with their loyal dog and silly grandchildren, that’s doesn’t always happen. Ugly events like strokes, car accidents, heart attacks, gun shots, & mental illness can step in the way long before you start to view yourself as “old” and want to get your affairs in order.
Right at Home takes calls on a daily basis from family members in crisis mode because their loved one hadn’t yet set up a financial or medical POA when tragedy struck. They are limited, frustrated, scared, and overwhelmed. Don’t leave your family in that position. POA is a simple labor of love. It will mean so much to your family if you are unable to speak for yourself. Choose peace. Choose a POA.
