Documents Every Caregiver Should Have

Suggested list of legal and other papers/documents to have in place for the person you are caring for. Please note that this list may be incomplete. Check with a lawyer to ensure you have all documents necessary:

• Will
• Trust (if applicable)
• Medical/Healthcare Power of Attorney (or HIPPA authorization form)
• Financial (Durable) Power of Attorney (“Durable” means the document takes effect immediately upon signing and is not contingent upon certain conditions)
• Advance Directives/DNR form (do not resuscitate)
• Beneficiary Designations for life insurance, retirement accounts
• Property Deeds or Titles for homes or vehicles/Papers for other assets or investments
• Passport/Citizenship papers if applicable
• Driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Health Insurance cards/Medicare or Medicaid documents and cards
• All medical information—list of drugs, current doctors, etc.
• Death certificate of spouse if applicable
• Banking (tax returns, bank statements, other financial statements/investments, saving bonds, credit card statements, outstanding bills)
• Veterans benefits/Military records if applicable
• Pension benefits if applicable
• Divorce papers if applicable
• Pre-paid funeral expenses papers if applicable
• List of online usernames and passwords

For honest reviews of care facilities you are considering:
https://www.yelp.com
https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/
https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes
https://www.aplaceformom.com/
Facebook page of care facility “Reviews” tab