There are many things someone in Colorado may plan for. A longed-for vacation, a child’s education and retirement are just a few things for which it takes time to build an adequate savings. Starting early can reduce the stress and allow one to truly enjoy these monumental moments. However, there are other things to plan for that may not be as pleasant as the vacation of a lifetime. Providing for the burdens of care is certainly not so easy to think about.
When planning for retirement, many people expect it will be a time of leisure and recreation. Few want to imagine that there may come a time when their health or circumstances will require them to need full-time care. If they are unprepared for the potential that an illness or accident will leave them incapacitated, they may find themselves at the mercy of courts and others who will make decisions they may not have wanted.
These are elements that can be addressed in an estate plan. A comprehensive plan includes a durable power of attorney, health care proxy and advance medical directives. These and other documents ensure the planner will have trusted people looking out for his or her medical and financial needs based on instructions and wishes clearly spelled out in the estate plan.
Care planning may not bring as much joy as providing a quality education for one’s children or grandchildren. However, it can provide peace of mind. Knowing their families will be protected from the stress of painful decisions at a difficult time is the reason why many in Colorado seek the advice of an attorney about providing for the burdens of care in their estate plans.