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Spring 2007 |
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ž Maine’s Veterans Administration Center in Togus – Thanks to the VA Center in Togus, one veteran now knows he has post-polio syndrome and is getting the proper treatment. This veteran stated that the medical staff asked good questions, did good testing, and obviously was familiar with PPS symptoms.
ž Disability Coverage for Polio Survivors — The Veterans Administration recently updated its medical reference materials to include basic information on post-polio syndrome. Determining that military service aggravated the pre-existing polio will require written documentation, such as old medical exams, correspondence, affidavits. One article indicates that Social Security Administration offices are recognizing the 2003 SSA Ruling about Post-Polio Sequelae, stating that the overwhelming majority of polio survivors become work-disabled because of fatigue, not muscle weakness. More and more individuals are obtaining Social Security Disability coverage on the first attempt.
ž Peace of Mind – In the July &August 2005 edition of AARP magazine, an article entitled “Peace of Mind” made me realize that I did not want to subject my family to guessing what my wishes would be if I became incapacitated and unable to handle my affairs. The article was saved, and then ignored until recently. Then, I began thinking about my inadequate preparation for future crises. As much as we don’t like to think about it, incapacity and death will happen to all of us. So, here are some thoughts and suggestions that you might find useful, as well as websites or agencies to contact for more information or copies of sample documents. žList of assets and debts – Compile information on bank accounts, other monetary assets, current monthly bills and other liabilities. It may be helpful to prepare a simple Balance Sheet showing account numbers and location of bank accounts, stocks/bonds, real estate, other personal property, plus any mortgages, loans or other debts. On another sheet, list regular monthly bills and when they are to be paid. Providing contact names and phone numbers for each asset or liability is also helpful. žLiving Will – Write down in clear language the medical treatments you want, or don’t want, to avoid misinterpretation. žMedical Power of Attorney – Choose a trusted relative or friend to act on your behalf to make medical decisions, including those you have written in your Living Will. This form may be part of your Living Will in many states. žTalk with family and/or close friends or advisors – Discuss your wishes for medical care, end-of-life care, funeral arrangements, asset distribution. žLast Will and Testament – By having a written Will, your heirs will find it easier to handle disposition of your Estate. If you already have one, check to see if it is outdated (adding grandchildren, changing Executor, etc.). A Codicil may be sufficient. žPersonal requests – For many, there is no high monetary asset value requiring Estate Probate, but there may be personal property of sentimental value. Prepare a list of such items, explaining any sentimental history of each and designating who will receive each item. žFuneral arrangements – Some of you may wish to meet with a funeral director and set up an Irrevocable Trust. Unless it is open-ended, the Trust will cover such costs as funeral arrangements, including transportation, casket, services and burial. This can be done years in advance, such as upon retiring or moving away from where you want to be buried. Keep documents in safe/secure locations - Perhaps most importantly, be sure you let your family, close friend or advisor know where these documents will be kept.
You may contact the American Heart Association to receive a free brochure “Keeping Your Will Up to Date”. The local Area Agency on Aging, county Home Health Agencies, local hospital and many libraries should have copies and/or brochures on Living Wills and Medical Power of Attorneys. Also, you may wish to check the following websites for further information or sample copies: www.caringinfo.org, or www.agingwithdignity.org. The phone number for Caring Connections is 1-800-658-8898, and Aging with Dignity is 1-888-594-7437.
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