Make Sure Your Loved Ones Can Access Your Digital Accounts After Your Death

Author

Rocky Mountain Elder Law

Posted on

Oct 04, 2022

As we spend more and more of our time online and conduct our business there, we inevitably start to have numerous passwords for our digital accounts. Moreover, to make them secure enough, we make them so complex that no one can guess them. 

However, what happens after we die? Often our relatives have to go through a lengthy and onerous process to get control of all the essential digital accounts. Sometimes there is no way for them to access digital accounts without setting certain things up in advance. Here are some things to think about and do as part of your digital estate planning.  

Designate a beneficiary when possible

This information is correct as of July 2022.

  • Apple iCloud – Starting in iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, and macOS 12.1, Apple users can add a Legacy Contact for their Apple ID. If someone is a Legacy Contact for you (and they have both the unique access key you created when you added them as a Legacy Contact and your death certificate) they can start a request on their device or on the Digital Legacy – Request Access page. If they don’t have a Legacy Contact access key, they can still ask to delete an account or request access to an account.
  • Google GSuite – Google lets you make a plan for your digital legacy through the Inactive Account Manager. You can decide when to label your account as inactive, as well as set up a legacy contact. 
  • Microsoft – Microsoft doesn’t yet have any legacy contact options. They recommend that you cancel any subscriptions to Microsoft and then Outlook.com and OneDrive accounts will be frozen after one year. Any email messages and files stored on OneDrive will be deleted shortly thereafter. Microsoft accounts expire after two years of inactivity.
  • Facebook – Facebook lets you identify a person who will be able to manage tribute posts on your profile; request the removal of your account; respond to new friend requests; and update your profile picture and cover photo. Alternatively, if you don’t want to have a Facebook account after you’ve passed away, you can request to have your account permanently deleted instead of choosing a legacy contact.
  • Instagram – Instagram doesn’t currently let you appoint a legacy contact. After death, someone will be able to request the memorialization of your account. 
  • Twitter – Twitter doesn’t yet have a legacy contact option, but it has a feature to allow someone to deactivate an account on your death. 
  • LinkedIn – If someone has the authority to act on your behalf, they can request to memorialize or close the account. If they aren’t authorized to act on your behalf, they can report you as deceased. LinkedIn identifies certain legal documents that give someone authority. Reporting a deceased LinkedIn member will result in the account being hidden. Once an account is hidden, the profile is no longer searchable or visible on LinkedIn.

Store your passwords safely and accessibly (to the right person)

Password managers, like LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden enable you to set digital heirs who will be able to access your account information. LastPass and Bitwarden have an emergency access facility, and 1Password enables you to create an emergency kit. 

Equally, make sure your loved ones know your phone access codes. Many platforms require two-factor authentication, one of which can be sending an SMS to a designated phone, or a code generated in an app. 

If you use a hardware security key like Google’s Titan Security Key, make sure that it’s somewhere accessible to your loved ones. 

Ultimately, the most important thing is to make sure your accounts are safe while you’re alive, but accessible to your loved ones after your death.

Download our digital accounts form to start thinking about your digital legacy.

If you would like help with any area of estate planning, don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected] or call us on 720 457 4573.

Other Articles You May Like

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: Are they the same?

When it comes to various housing and care communities for older adults, one of the most common misconceptions is that assisted living and nursing homes are essentially the same thing.The simple answer is, they are not. Heres how they are different:Nursing Homes Provide Skilled Medical CareNursing homes are designed for individuals who require ongoing medical supervision and skilled nursing services.Residents may:-Have complex medical conditions-Need rehabilitation after hospitalization-Require around-the-clock nursing care-Depend on specialized healthcare services, labs, medical oversight and moreMedical staff are available 24 hours a day to provide clinical care and monitor residents health in a nursing home.Assisted Living Focuses on IndependenceBy contrast, Assisted Living emphasizes lifestyle, independence, and support.Residents typically:-Live in private apartments or suites-Participate in community activities, programs and events-Receive assistance with activities of daily living, but not necessarily around the clock-Maintain greater control over their daily routinesFor many older adults, assisted living offers the right balance between support and independence. Staff provide care and guidance, but not so much that the individual is bedridden, highly monitored or restricted to a hospital-like setting.At Kavod Senior Life, Assisted Living residents enjoy the best parts of living as Kavod lifts the struggles and isolation of individual home life outside a community. Benefits include:-Three meals a day in a family-style dining environment-Activities such as music, lectures and outings (at no extra cost!)-Housekeeping, laundry and bed-making-Medication monitoring-Five wellness checks per day-On-site access to geriatric medical clinics, physical/occupational and speech therapy, and a variety of health clinics-Available add-on services (oxygen management, incontinence care and escorting to appointments around campus)-Affordable rents that are 66% below market rate in the Denver area!If youre wondering whether a nursing home or Assisted Living is right for you or your loved one, consider the tips above to help you make that decision. We are always happy to discuss your options with no obligation. Contact us today for assistance!Created with the assistance of ChatGPT

The Bridge to Independence: A Story of Integrated Care in Colorado

For years, home was a place that felt more like a memory than a reality for one senior who spent most of his time moving between hospitals and rehab centers. As someone relying on Health First Colorado, his healthcare journey was often exhausting and repetitive until he found a way to bridge the gap between needing help and wanting to stay in his own favorite chair.A Lifeline through Colorado Medicaid Remote Support ServicesEverything changed when he started a new routine that combined four hours of daily help from a caregiver with the around the clock security of Colorado Medicaid remote support services. While his caregiver focused on making sure his home was clean and his meals were delicious, the remote support team acted like a quiet guardian watching over him through the day and night. By using simple devices to check his blood pressure and oxygen levels, he was never truly alone, and his remote coordinators became familiar voices who checked in on him with a friendly call every single day.Technology that Catches the Small DetailsThe true value of this hybrid care became clear when his daily vitals showed a trend that no one would have noticed otherwise. His remote team saw his blood pressure was dropping to a level that made him feel lightheaded, and they immediately coordinated with his doctor to adjust his medication before he could have a dangerous fall. Even during a sudden bout with an infection, he was able to use his emergency button to keep everyone informed while he was being helped by paramedics, ensuring that his care team was right there with him every step of the way.Six Months of Staying Home After a lifetime of being told he needed to be in a facility, he has now spent six months thriving in his own home with only one very short hospital stay. This story proves that when we combine human heart with the power of technology, staying home is not just a dream but a reality that is accessible through programs like Colorado Medicaid.

A Path to Wellness: Care That Continues at Home

Returning home from a hospital stay can challenge anyone, especially people with chronic conditions. For Colorado Medicaid members, Remote Support Services simplify this transition. Our program provides comprehensive support right in your home, ensuring a smooth and safe return to your daily life. We use technology to monitor your health, empowering you to take an active role in your wellness journey and prevent future complications.Our Post-Hospitalization ProcedureOur simple process focuses on your well-being: Initial Contact: A member or family member contacts our agency to discuss their needs. Service Determination: We assess the members condition and decide if our chronic disease management services are right for them. Coordination with County/Case Manager: We contact the members case manager or county to confirm their benefits are initiated or enrolled. This step ensures a seamless process and proper coverage under Health First Colorado, the states Medicaid program. Initiating Remote Monitoring: Once we have confirmation, we start the member on remote monitoring to ensure their safety and track their progress. This allows us to proactively address any potential issues. Continuation Discussion: After the initial three-month period, we discuss continuing services to ensure the member continues receiving the care they need to maintain their health. How We Monitor Your HealthOur remote monitoring program uses easy-to-use, at-home equipment to help you track your health vitals and communicate with your care team. The program combines devices and daily check-ins: Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff: For those with hypertension or heart conditions, this device automatically sends your blood pressure readings to us, giving us a continuous picture of your cardiovascular health. Bluetooth-enabled weight scale: We use this to monitor for sudden weight changes. For conditions like heart failure, a significant, rapid weight increase can signal fluid retention and may need prompt attention. Pulse oximeter: This small device clips onto your finger to measure your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. Its especially useful for managing conditions that affect breathing, such as COPD or asthma, and provides a quick look at how well oxygen gets to your body. Daily phone questionnaire: You will have a brief daily check-in with your remote care coordinator by phone. This allows you to report on how youre feeling, discuss symptoms, and ask questions. This personal touch ensures we can provide timely support and adjust your care plan as needed. This regular monitoring allows our team to identify changes and intervene early, preventing complications and giving you a sense of security at home.Benefits of Chronic Disease ManagementOur chronic disease management program offers significant benefits to Colorado Medicaid members: Improved Health Outcomes: With continuous, proactive management, members can better control their chronic conditions, reducing the risk of complications and future hospitalizations. Enhanced Access to Care: Using technology and telehealth services, our program helps overcome barriers to care, ensuring members have timely access to medical advice and support. This particularly benefits those in rural or underserved areas of Colorado. Better Care Coordination: Our team serves as a central point of contact, facilitating communication between all healthcare providers involved in a members care. This ensures a well-coordinated treatment plan and effective communication of any changes. Increased Patient Engagement: By regularly monitoring their vitals, members become more engaged and knowledgeable about their own health. This empowers them to make better lifestyle choices and stick to their treatment plan. ConclusionOur remote support program provides seamless, personalized care for Colorado Medicaid members after a hospital stay. This approach benefits both the individual, by empowering them to manage their health safely at home, and the healthcare system, by ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively. If you or a loved one are a Colorado Medicaid member returning from the hospital, our remote supports program can be a critical step toward long-term wellness and independence.  

Local Services By This Author

Rocky Mountain Elder Law

Probate 12345 West Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado, 80228

Rocky Mountain Elder Law: Giving families peace of mind by protecting their legacyKate Silburn established Rocky Mountain Elder Law in 2019 as a women-owned law firm dedicated to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable adults. The firm helps elderly individuals prepare for end-of-life circumstances throughout the Denver Metro area, Colorado's Front Range, and high mountain communities.Our founder Kate Silburn's background as a hospice chaplain and her extensive legal training provide her with unique insight into your emotional and legal challenges. We're deeply committed to advocating for you when you may not be able to speak up for yourself.Were dedicated to elder lawWe focus solely on elder law services, including estate planning, probate, probate litigation, guardianships, conservatorships, and protection against elder exploitation. With our deep understanding of the complexities of aging, we provide compassionate, strategic legal representation to ensure that you and your family receive the justice and security you deserve. We specialize in helping older and disabled people who may be at risk of, or who have experienced exploitation.Comprehensive estate planning services for youWe know that proper estate planning is crucial for ensuring that your assets are protected and that your wishes are honored. Our full range of estate planning services includes:- Wills and Trusts: We create legally sound documents to dictate your asset distribution and protect your beneficiaries- Powers of Attorney: We help you appoint trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions when you're unable to do so- Advance Directives: We establish living wills and healthcare directives to outline your medical preferences- Medicaid Planning: We develop strategies to safeguard your financial resources and help you qualify for Medicaid or long-term care benefitsBy putting these critical legal protections in place, we give you and your family peace of mind knowing your futures are secure.Expert probate administration and litigation when you need it mostWhen your loved one passes away, their estate may go through probate, a court-supervised process for administering assets. We guide you through all aspects of probate, including:- Probate administration: We manage the legal and financial responsibilities of your estate to ensure proper distribution- Contested wills and trusts: We represent you as a beneficiary or personal representative in disputes over asset distribution- Breach of fiduciary duty: We hold executors and trustees accountable if they fail to act in the best interests of an estateProbate litigation can be complex and emotionally charged, but our extensive experience ensures that you receive skilled representation to protect your rights and your loved ones' legacies.Guardianships and Conservatorships to protect your vulnerable loved onesWhen you or your disabled loved ones can no longer manage personal affairs, you may require legal protection through guardianships or conservatorships. We assist you in obtaining these legal arrangements:- Guardianship: We help appoint a responsible individual to make healthcare and personal decisions for you or your incapacitated loved one- Conservatorship: We assist in assigning a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs and assets when you or your loved one is unable to do soThese legal protections are essential when you're concerned about a senior at risk of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.Fighting against elder abuse and financial exploitation to protect youWe understand that elder abuse and financial exploitation are growing concerns that can leave you or your vulnerable loved ones at risk of losing assets, independence, and dignity. We're committed to fighting for your justice.We give you and your family peace of mind by protecting your legacyFor expert legal guidance in estate planning, probate, guardianships, and elder abuse protection, contact us at Rocky Mountain Elder Law today. Let our team help you navigate the complexities of aging with dignity and security.

Rocky Mountain Elder Law

Elder Law 12345 West Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado, 80228

Rocky Mountain Elder Law: Giving families peace of mind by protecting their legacyKate Silburn established Rocky Mountain Elder Law in 2019 as a women-owned law firm dedicated to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable adults. The firm helps elderly individuals prepare for end-of-life circumstances throughout the Denver Metro area, Colorado's Front Range, and high mountain communities.Our founder Kate Silburn's background as a hospice chaplain and her extensive legal training provide her with unique insight into your emotional and legal challenges. We're deeply committed to advocating for you when you may not be able to speak up for yourself.Were dedicated to elder lawWe focus solely on elder law services, including estate planning, probate, probate litigation, guardianships, conservatorships, and protection against elder exploitation. With our deep understanding of the complexities of aging, we provide compassionate, strategic legal representation to ensure that you and your family receive the justice and security you deserve. We specialize in helping older and disabled people who may be at risk of, or who have experienced exploitation.Comprehensive estate planning services for youWe know that proper estate planning is crucial for ensuring that your assets are protected and that your wishes are honored. Our full range of estate planning services includes:- Wills and Trusts: We create legally sound documents to dictate your asset distribution and protect your beneficiaries- Powers of Attorney: We help you appoint trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions when you're unable to do so- Advance Directives: We establish living wills and healthcare directives to outline your medical preferences- Medicaid Planning: We develop strategies to safeguard your financial resources and help you qualify for Medicaid or long-term care benefitsBy putting these critical legal protections in place, we give you and your family peace of mind knowing your futures are secure.Expert probate administration and litigation when you need it mostWhen your loved one passes away, their estate may go through probate, a court-supervised process for administering assets. We guide you through all aspects of probate, including:- Probate administration: We manage the legal and financial responsibilities of your estate to ensure proper distribution- Contested wills and trusts: We represent you as a beneficiary or personal representative in disputes over asset distribution- Breach of fiduciary duty: We hold executors and trustees accountable if they fail to act in the best interests of an estateProbate litigation can be complex and emotionally charged, but our extensive experience ensures that you receive skilled representation to protect your rights and your loved ones' legacies.Guardianships and Conservatorships to protect your vulnerable loved onesWhen you or your disabled loved ones can no longer manage personal affairs, you may require legal protection through guardianships or conservatorships. We assist you in obtaining these legal arrangements:- Guardianship: We help appoint a responsible individual to make healthcare and personal decisions for you or your incapacitated loved one- Conservatorship: We assist in assigning a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs and assets when you or your loved one is unable to do soThese legal protections are essential when you're concerned about a senior at risk of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.Fighting against elder abuse and financial exploitation to protect youWe understand that elder abuse and financial exploitation are growing concerns that can leave you or your vulnerable loved ones at risk of losing assets, independence, and dignity. We're committed to fighting for your justice.We give you and your family peace of mind by protecting your legacyFor expert legal guidance in estate planning, probate, guardianships, and elder abuse protection, contact us at Rocky Mountain Elder Law today. Let our team help you navigate the complexities of aging with dignity and security.