Should you include age-in-place instructions in an estate plan?

On Behalf of | Jun 12, 2023 | Estate Planning

When creating an estate plan in Florida, it is essential to consider various aspects that address your future needs and desires. One consideration is whether to include age-in-place instructions, which outline your preferences for living arrangements and care as you age.

Here are some of the potential benefits of including age-in-place instructions in your Florida estate plan.

Understanding age-in-place instructions

Age-in-place instructions, also known as aging-in-place directives, are provisions in your estate plan that express your preferences for housing, healthcare and support services as you grow older. These instructions can cover a wide range of topics, such as staying in your own home, receiving in-home care, transitioning to an assisted living facility or exploring other long-term care options.

Preserving independence

Including age-in-place instructions in your estate plan allows you to maintain a sense of independence and autonomy as you age. By clearly expressing your preferences for living arrangements and care, you can have a say in the decisions that may impact your quality of life.

Ensuring personalized care

You can outline any medical or personal care preferences, dietary requirements, mobility needs and other important considerations. This helps ensure that your future care aligns with your needs and values.

Facilitating financial planning

By clearly stating your preferences, you can work with financial advisors or eldercare specialists to estimate the potential costs associated with your desired living arrangements and care services. This information can help you make informed decisions regarding your estate plan’s savings, insurance coverage and other financial aspects.

Providing guidance to loved ones

By documenting your preferences, you can help alleviate potential conflicts or uncertainties among family members or caregivers, providing them with a framework to honor your choices.

As you create or update your estate plan, consider discussing age-in-place instructions with a professional experienced in estate planning to ensure that your wishes are accurately reflected and legally valid.