A few years back, a friend had a very serious medical crisis and was unable to speak, gesture, write, or in any way act for himself for eight weeks. Of course, because he was “young and healthy”, he didn’t have a Representation Agreement or Power of Attorney.
This caused considerable stress and logistical problems for his family and close friends. We were concerned about his bills, car insurance, missed obligations with his business relationships, and other practical issues, but we were helpless. We couldn’t get into his cell phone or email accounts because we didn’t have his passwords. We didn’t know how to communicate with many of his contacts. We could figure out where he banked, from his mail, but the bank wouldn’t talk to us without his authorization. On top of that, the medical condition was serious enough that a conversation about stopping treatment was a possibility, and nobody knew what he would have wanted in that event.
It was an emotional situation, made even more so by all the red tape and obstacles.
Fortunately my friend’s story had a happy ending, as he did recover. But this situation can just as easily play-out with not-as-happy endings.
Just think how quickly a medical crisis can happen. Are your friends and family able to do what you would want them to do? Or will they be hampered by red tape and a lack of information?
“Continuity” is needed if you are unable to act for yourself. Take steps to make sure that proper documentation is in place to ensure it happens and that your family and friends know “what to do next”!