Do you have a Will or a Trust? Power of Attorney? Healthcare Power of Attorney? Living Will?If so, great. Here is a really important question: when was the last time you reviewed and updated your estate planning documents? For a significant portion of the population, the answer is unfortunately I cant recall.My favorite story about old estate planning documents involves a neat couple in their 80s from southeastern Colorado. At our first meeting I asked the husband, Sir, do you have a Will? He answered, Yes sir, I do. I followed up, May I see it? He responded by sliding a one-page document across the table. I reviewed the document. It was a Will signed in 1961. I asked the man if anything had changed. He replied, I reckon so.During the course of our meeting I learned that the 1961 Will was signed when the man and his wife were a young couple just starting out. At the time, the had one young son; when we met, they had three more children two daughters and another son. In 1961, by their own assessment, they were poor public servants; when we met, they were successful ranchers with significant savings. Many things had changed but their estate plan had not kept up with the changes in their lives.Unfortunately, this is par for the course. Many people put off getting their planning done. Of those who do their planning, most fail to keep their plans current. They treat estate planning as a check the box exercise much like the man with the 1961 Will. A non-current plan is arguably better that no plan at all but probably not by much. An out of date plan can actually be worse than not having a plan.The best way to ensure that your plan is up to date is to regularly review it to ensure it remains consistent with your objectives. Change is the only constant in life. People change there are births, deaths, marriages and divorces. Finances change. Health changes. Relationships change. It is imperative to ensure that, as change happens, your estate plan remains consistent with your objectives.Pull out your estate planning documents and read them. When you notice things that are out of date or otherwise are no longer accurate, go see an attorney. Update your documents. Get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are All Set!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Kevin Forbush J.D., CPA. Kevin is one of the principal attorneys at Forbush Goldberg PLLC and may be reached at 719-473-6654 or by email at kevin@forbushgoldberg.com.

Aging in America has never been a popular subject. We know it happens, but we never really want to think or talk about it. When we do, the conversation usually revolves around how to hide the signs of aging instead of how we can embrace and prepare for the next phase of life. Believe me, life can be enjoyed through the end, Ive seen joyful aging in action. However, education and preparation is pivotal to understanding how to age well and have the best care and quality of life.For instance, do you know the difference between a Nursing facility (medical model of care), an Assisted Living facility (non-medical model of care, but can provide some healthcare services) and a Personal Care Home (non-medical model of care)? Are you aware that Therapy Services can be provided in your home? Did you know that Home Care, Home Health and Hospice are similar but offer distinctly different services that can be provided anywhere you call home?As an industry, Long Term Care has not done the best job educating our future consumers on what is available to them as they age. With new technology and a growing older population, the industry is expanding and evolving by leaps and bounds. You need to be proactive, research and plan for the inevitable, not avoid it. The better the research the better the outcome.Thankfully the days of the Old Folks Home are gone, replaced by vibrant senior living communities that focus on hospitality, wellness and aging gracefully with dignity and independence, but you need to make sure the community is the right fit for you. All communities are dynamic and have their own living culture regardless of whether they are owned by a large corporation or a small regional provider. You need to tour, ask questions of residents and staff, and attend a meal and/or activity. The same due diligence applies to researching home care agencies. Research and prepare now. Form a plan. Meet with an estate planner if needed, but do not put off for tomorrow, what you need to do today. If you wait until you need the help your options may become significantly limited.Editors Note: This article was submitted by S. Denny Granahan. Denny is the Executive Director with Greenfield Senior Living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Validus Senior Living announces the Grand Opening of its newest memory care community, Inspired Living at Bonita Springs, located at 27221 Bay Landing Drive.Inspired Livings hallmark is personalized care for those with Alzheimers, dementia or another type of memory loss.Inspired Living at Bonita Springs consists of 72 memory care suites and features the latest resident location technology, including an emergency call system and keyless door locks. This technology enables family members to participate and engage in the care of their loved ones regardless of distance, giving them a sense of comfort and peace of mind. It also empowers residents to explore the expansive but secure campus with confidence, knowing caregivers are there if they are needed.Our new community is one of the most technologically advanced memory care communities ever seen in Florida. But what makes us stand out from the rest is our personal approach to care, said Validus Senior Living CEO Steven Benjamin.Caregivers use a Positive Approach to Care, based on the teaching of renowned expert Teepa Snow, which focuses on what each person still can do, not on what abilities they may have lost. Programs are tailored to residents specific interests, abilities and needs and support their mental, social, spiritual and emotional wellness.Fresh, chef-prepared meals are served daily, featuring visually appealing, portion-sized gourmet food. Dining hours are flexible with snacks and refreshments available anytime.The beautifully landscaped courtyard at Inspired Living at Bonita Springs features a gazebo with butterfly garden, raised flower beds, walking paths and seating areas giving residents the option to seek out friendly conversations with new friends or to simply enjoy a little fresh air and nature on their own.Other services include daily suite tidying and weekly deep cleaning, plus full laundry service and on-site therapy services. Licensed nursing is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days week.Editors Note: For more information or to arrange your own personal tour of the community, please call Inspired Living at Bonita Springs at (239) 330-2119.