Chaplains Corner

 

       blindfolded

TO PLAN OR

             NOT TO PLAN

 

  Many situations in life catch us by surprise, illness, death, long term care for a love one etc. These situations often catch people unprepared and scrambling around about what to do or think about. Some things require legal considerations while others cause us to fret over a personal decision. It is not easy, especially if you are not prepared. The following is a partial list of considerations which we will explain more in detail later. Ask yourself how prepared am I as you review this? 

  Long Term Care Planning, Guardianship, Health – care Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Wills and Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Privacy laws and regulations,

  Real Estate Law, Tax Issues, Corporate Business Law. Patient Rights and Responsibilities, Health Care Proxies, (Requirements for the state I am in or for the state a loved one is in) Transferring a loved one from one state to another. Death of a loved one in another state where they wish to be interred. Did they wish to be cremated or not. Spiritual planning and personnel help as you go through these situations, they could be long term. Do not go it alone, there is help available for you. All of these things can come up suddenly and leave you with many questions if preparations are not already in place.

  Let us first look at one of the most common ones that catches people by surprise.

  The Will or Estate Plan. Is there one in place and what can happen if not?

  The government could take a lot of the inheritance you planned to give loved ones. The court could appoint a third party instead of someone you love and trust to take care of medical and financial decisions. You could lose your home and savings to pay for long term situations like nursing care etc. 

  If previsions have not been made for these types of occurrences I strongly suggest you do so as soon as possible. The state of Massachusetts has information available to help you. Contact your local Clergy as a possible source as well as your local Memorial Park they can help or point you in the right direction.

  Also ask for any legal forms that may be available. An accountant or legal adviser is a good source as well and they may be willing to consult with you before you have to make a financial decision to implement things.

  Worcester Memorial Park in Paxton Massachusetts also offers a Chaplain’s service twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. Make an appointment and talk about these things as well as any spiritual or secular issues or concerns you may have. Call and make an appointment for another time if these times are not convenient for you.

  Thanks to a visionary leadership at Worcester County Memorial Park there is a compassionate helpful staff ready and willing to aid you with those immediate issues and is concerned about your ongoing living, spiritual, health and welfare needs.    

   Next time we will take a look at the Health Care Proxy issue information.

 Chaplain Ken

 

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