Powers of Attorney, Explained

As we age, managing our finances and personal affairs can become more challenging. Many older adults want to maintain their independence but also recognize they may need some help. This is where a durable power of attorney can be very useful.What is a Durable Power of Attorney?A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to handle certain tasks for you. This person is called your "agent" or "attorney-in-fact." The word "durable" means that the document stays in effect even if you become unable to make decisions for yourself later on.How Can a Durable Power of Attorney Help?A durable power of attorney gives you flexibility. It allows you to get help with tasks when you need it, while still keeping control over your affairs. Here are some ways it can be helpful:Bill Paying: You can have your agent help pay your monthly bills, while you still manage other parts of your finances.Banking: Your agent can handle bank transactions for you if needed.Legal Matters: Your agent can sign legal documents on your behalf.Property Management: Your agent can help manage your property or real estate.Healthcare Decisions: If you have a healthcare power of attorney, your agent can make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so.You Don't Lose ControlMany older adults worry that having a power of attorney means giving up control. This is not true. Here's what you need to know:You can still manage your own affairs as usual.You can still make your own decisions and handle your own finances.Your agent doesn't replace you - they just have the ability to help when needed.You decide what powers to give your agent. You can make it very limited or very broad.Flexibility for the FutureA durable power of attorney provides peace of mind. It ensures that someone you trust can step in to help if you ever need it. This can be especially important if:You become ill or hospitalizedYou have memory problems or confusionYou have physical limitations that make it hard to do certain tasksYou want to travel but need someone to handle things at homeChoosing Your AgentPicking the right person as your agent is very important. Here are some tips:Choose someone you trust completelyPick someone who is responsible and good with financial mattersConsider choosing an adult child, close relative, or trusted friendMake sure the person is willing to take on this responsibilityYou can name more than one agent if you wantSetting It UpTo create a durable power of attorney:Decide what powers you want to give your agentChoose your agent(s)Have a lawyer draft the document for youSign the document in front of a notary publicGive copies to your agent, doctor, and important family membersMaintaining Your IndependenceRemember, having a durable power of attorney doesn't mean you're giving up control. It's a tool that helps you maintain your independence by ensuring you have help available when you need it. You can still:Make your own decisionsManage your own moneyPay your own billsSign your own documentsYour agent only steps in when you ask them to or if you become unable to handle things yourself.Changing Your MindIf you ever change your mind, you can:Revoke (cancel) the power of attorney at any time, as long as you're mentally competentChange who you've named as your agentModify what powers you've given your agentPeace of MindHaving a durable power of attorney in place can provide great peace of mind. It ensures that:Someone you trust can help you if neededYour wishes will be followedYour affairs will be managed even if you can't do it yourselfYou have a plan in place for the futureGetting HelpIf you're interested in setting up a durable power of attorney:Talk to your family about your wishesConsult with an elder law attorneyDiscuss it with your doctorReach out to local senior services for guidanceRemember, a durable power of attorney is a powerful tool that can help you maintain control over your life as you age. It provides flexibility and security, allowing you to get help when you need it while still maintaining your independence.

September is Self-Improvement Month, a great reminder that setting personal goals isn't just for New Year's resolutions. While January 1st may seem like the perfect time to start fresh, why wait? In fact, the fall season is ideal for making positive changes. This is especially important for seniors and their caretakers, who can benefit greatly from setting achievable goals now.The Benefits of Setting Goals in the FallSetting goals in the fall has its own unique advantages. The crisp air and changing leaves can be incredibly motivating. The end of summer often signifies a time of new beginningsfrom the start of the school year to the shift in holiday seasons. This makes fall an excellent time to reassess and set new goals.Fall-specific goals could include organizing seasonal clothes and decorations, starting a new exercise routine in anticipation of winter, or joining a local class or activity group.Small Daily Changes That Add UpChange doesn't have to be overwhelming. Small, incremental adjustments can make a big difference over time. Consider drinking an extra glass of water each day, taking a 10-minute walk after meals, or doing a short stretching routine every morning. These small steps can help you build momentum and make larger changes more achievable. The key is consistency; even small changes can lead to major improvements in your health and well-being.Mental Health GoalsMental health is just as important as physical health, especially for seniors. Setting mental health goals can improve your overall quality of life. Consider practicing mindfulness or meditation for 5 minutes each day, engaging in social activities like joining a book club, attending community events, or keeping a daily gratitude journal.Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental health. Simple activities such as chatting with a friend or family member can do wonders for your mood and outlook.Physical Health GoalsPhysical health is crucial at any age, but for seniors, staying active can make a world of difference. Consider taking a daily walk around the neighborhood, incorporating gentle stretching exercises into your day, or trying low-impact activities such as water aerobics or yoga.As the weather changes, staying outdoors may become more challenging. Consider activities you can do indoors, such as tai chi or riding a stationary bike. Consistency is key, so find activities you enjoy and stick with them.Personal Goals You Can Start ImmediatelyWhy wait? There's no better time than now to set personal goals. You don't need a monumental event to motivate you; even the smallest goals can lead to big results. Consider learning a new hobby or skill, such as painting or playing a musical instrument. You might also reconnect with old friends through phone calls or social media or declutter and organize a space in your home.By setting realistic and achievable goals, you increase your likelihood of sticking with them. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and give yourself a reasonable timeframe to accomplish them.Get Help Reaching Your GoalsSetting goals in the fall can enrich your life and provide a sense of accomplishment. Don't wait for the New Year to make positive changes. Start today with small, manageable goals that can lead to significant improvements in your mental and physical health. If you need personalized support to achieve your goals, including help with basic care tasks at home, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We serve Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont. Let us help you take the first step towards a better, more fulfilling life this fall.

We celebrate National Food Safety Education Month in September. It is an excellent time to focus on kitchen safety, especially for seniors. As we age, our hands and fingers may lose some mobility, making it riskier to use sharp kitchen knives. Fortunately, there are several alternatives available that can prove safer for seniors.The Need for AlternativesMany seniors face challenges like reduced hand strength and dexterity, making it harder to handle traditional kitchen knives. This can lead to accidents and injuries, making meal preparation a daunting task. By using senior-friendly kitchen tools, seniors can reduce these risks and continue to enjoy cooking safely.Alternative Tools for Safe CuttingA range of kitchen tools can make cutting and preparing food easier and safer for seniors. Here are some excellent alternatives to traditional knives:1. Electric Food ChoppersElectric food choppers are compact devices that can quickly chop, dice, or mince ingredients with minimal effort. They are easy to use, provide consistent results, and reduce strain on hands. Recommended brands include Ninja Express Chop and Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus.2. Vegetable Peelers with Ergonomic HandleVegetable peelers are designed with large, comfortable grips that make peeling vegetables easier and safer. They reduce hand strain and are easy to hold. Try the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler or KitchenAid Euro Peeler.3. Kitchen ShearsKitchen shears are versatile tools that can cut through various foods like herbs, vegetables, and even poultry. They are multipurpose, easy to control, and reduce the risk of cuts. Consider the KitchenAid All-Purpose Shears or OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors.4. Mandolin Slicers with Safety FeaturesMandolin slicers make it easy to get perfectly even slices of fruits and vegetables without the need for a knife. They offer consistent slices, have safety features like hand guards, and are quick and efficient. Check out the OXO Good Grips Adjustable Handheld Mandoline Slicer or Benriner Japanese Mandoline Slicer.5. Food ProcessorsFood processors are powerful machines that can chop, slice, grate, and blend various ingredients. They are versatile, quick, and efficient, reducing manual effort. The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor and Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor are good options.Pre-Cut and Pre-Packaged OptionsSometimes, the best solution is to avoid cutting altogether. Many stores offer pre-cut and pre-packaged produce, which can save time and reduce the risk of injury. These options are widely available in most local grocery stores. Pre-cut produce is convenient, timesaving, and reduces the risk of cuts and injuries. When selecting pre-cut produce, choose items with bright colors, check expiration dates, and look for packaging without excess moisture to ensure quality.Finding the Right Solution for Different Cutting SituationsEach kitchen task may require a different tool. An electric food chopper works well for chopping onions and vegetables. A mandolin slicer is ideal for slicing fruits and vegetables, while kitchen shears are perfect for cutting herbs and softer items.When choosing kitchen tools, consider ease of use and safety features like non-slip grips and safety guards. Personalize your choices based on individual needs. What works for one person might not work for another, so try different tools to see what feels most comfortable and safe.More Help for Seniors at HomeKeeping the kitchen a safe place for seniors is crucial, especially when hand mobility is reduced. By exploring and adopting senior-friendly alternatives to traditional knives, seniors can continue to enjoy cooking without the anxiety of potential injuries. If you need more personalized assistance, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We're here to support you in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont.