Important Paperwork for Parental Caregivers

by Terri Lonier

If you’re caring for aging parents, here are some of the many documents and details of importance to you. Take steps to locate them, create them, amend them, and update them.

1. Will
Make sure it is up to date and stored in an accessible place. Be clear on who is the executor.

2. Estate papers
If there are estate issues, are these papers up to date?

3. Powers of Attorney, including Medical Power of Attorney
Make sure these are up to date and that the proper persons have copies.

4. Health Care forms
Make sure your parents have completed these forms as per their wishes, especially DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) forms.

5. Bank accounts and financial holdings
Explore ways to help your parents keep their financial matters in order. Keep in mind that adding you or someone else to a bank account may have significant legal and/or tax implications. If in doubt, consult an eldercare attorney and/or financial planner.

6. Credit cards and other online bill payment
Examine options about monitoring and/or paying bills online for your parents.

7. Insurance
Make copies of all insurance cards, Medicare plans, etc. so that you have them in case of emergency.

8. Medications
Maintain an updated list of all medications your parents are taking, including dosage and pharmacy where obtained.

9. Medical care and history
Compile a list of all doctors (with complete contact information), past procedures, and other important medical history.

10. General information
Create a list with important information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, etc.

11. Friends and colleagues
It is impossible for someone to know all of the people who are important in another person’s life. Ask your parents to identify and prioritize individuals they would like to stay in touch with. If you’re at a distance, also keep a list of neighbors and their contact numbers.

12. Funeral wishes
Although this may seem an awkward topic, it is important for parents to retain control of as much of their lives as possible. Get clear on their wishes for the last passage of their life – funeral, wake celebrations, religious ceremonies, cremation and burial options, etc.


These are items I’ve encountered in dealing with my own parents. It is intended as a general guideline, not as an inclusive or definitive list. With many of these items, you will want to consult with a legal and/or financial professional. While this list may seem daunting, it is much better to be prepared than to face the stress of gathering information in an emergency or other stressful environment.


Copyright 2006 Terri Lonier. All rights reserved.
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