Many seniors have no family.
As people age, so do their bodies.
These aging bodies often need long-term care.
In fact, about two-thirds of individuals over age 65 will require some sort of help.
According to a recent WFMZ TV article titled “The single senior life: Elder orphans,” many of these individuals rely on family for support.
Not everyone has family though.
What if you are a senior who is essentially alone?
What should you do?
Where do you turn to in place of family?
You must make careful planning now.
Work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that you are protected should you become incapacitated.
You should name trusted agents through a general durable power of attorney for your financial matters and through an advance health care directive for health care decisions.
Who should you designate?
It could be a friend, a pastor, or some other trusted person.
You can even provide guidance regarding your medical wishes to guide them.
You must also consider housing.
Where will you live?
Plan for weakened health and limited mobility.
Considers assisted living or senior communities.
Home help services may also be an option.
Occasionally families may be adopted.
Care may be provided in exchange of an inheritance.
This must be entered with extreme caution as it could make you increasingly vulnerable to elder abuse.
Take steps to stay connected socially.
Volunteer.
Start a hobby.
Take a class.
Be with people on a regular basis.
These actions are beneficial for any senior—regardless whether you have a family to care for you.
Reference: WFMZ TV (March 7, 2019) “The single senior life: Elder orphans”
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