Has Anyone Seen My Exit File!

Posted on

Jun 08, 2017

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As a Geriatric Care Manager, I have the honor of meeting so many interesting and different people! I always believe we can teach each other something new.
One of my most recent lesson was on organization and humor. I was asked to help a couple with some organization of their legal and financial matters. This couple referred to their current filing system as their Exit File! This is a wonderful and to the point title for some very important documents. They were wise enough to have told their loved ones about what was in this file and where exactly it was located. This is a very good first step in being organized while also injecting a flair of humor.

So, whats in YOUR Exit File? Here are some suggestions to what you will need to share with your loved ones.

Final arrangements/wishes
Power of attorney papers
Where the original Will is located
What and where the financial documents are located
Safety Deposit information
Passwords for accounts/on-line account information

There is another very important file to share with your loved ones while you are still healthy and well. This file will have some important details that they may need to attend to while you are incapacitated. For example, if you are unfortunately hospitalized in the middle of the night and your daughter/ Medical Power of Attorney is called and notified, she will need a file of your health history, a copy of the Power of Attorney, your Living will, phone numbers of neighbors that will take care of your cat, as well as phone number for your primary care physician, general medications (and Pharmacy choice) and allergies. A very thorough file would also include for your Power of Attorney, a copy of: your insurance card(s), Social Security Card, and Photo I.D.

Having this information may seem very over the top until your loved ones are put in the unfortunate position of finding this information without your help. Make it is easy for them because as you already know, they will be in a tough situation. Families are beginning to find it more normal to talk about these issues and to be proactive in their plan of care. This actually can be a very liberating feeling when you can be assured that your family knows, wheres the EXIT file!



Editors Note: This article was submitted by: Paula McCormick LSW Licensed Geriatric Social Worker with Columbine Caregivers and Elder Quest Care Management Services. She may be reached at 970-985-5950 or by email at: elderquestgj@gmail.com.

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