Critical Documents for Older Adults

Posted by Presbyterian Homes on Jan 31, 2019 8:44:43 AM

 Senior couple reviewing critical documents at a table with a binder of documents and desktop computer.

Life’s emergency situations require advance preparation and planning. Being prepared will help you avoid the stress, expense, and inconvenience of looking for critical documents under emergency situations.

The first step is to organize your papers:

• Do you have an appropriate place for each document?

• Have you told anyone else where you keep your vital information?

• Have you shared your wishes in the event you are unable to speak for yourself?

Take Action Now to Avoid Financial Problems Later

Use the list of personal documents below to create a log. For your personal documents log, it’s a good idea to locate each document, then make a list of them and their locations (as well as any relevant information) for family members or friends to use in an emergency situation.  

Before getting started, remember the following tips:

  • Always store original documents in a safe location that is accessible day and night, seven days a week.

  • Make sure key family members and advisors have copies of this information and related documents.

  • Review your Personal Documents Log every three to six months for possible revisions and updates.

Personal Documents Log

When logging information for the following list, keep in mind any account numbers, names associated with the account, or any important information someone would need to know regarding your possessions or accounts.

  1. PIN Numbers/Access Codes

  2. Computer & Internet Usage

  3. Personal Bank Accounts

  4. Automatic Bill Paying

  5. Paid Liens Against Property

  6. Loans

  7. Business Bank Account

  8. Credit Union

  9. Company Pension

  10. Retirement Account

  11. Savings Certificate

  12. Savings Bond

  13. Stock Certificate

  14. Safe-Deposit Box

  15. Will, Trust, and Living Will

  16. Power of Attorney for Property

  17. Power of Attorney for Health Care

  18. Letters of Instruction

  19. Funeral Instructions/Memorial Services

  20. Social Security

  21. Military Discharge Papers

  22. Income Tax Filings

  23. Passport

  24. Driver’s License

  25. Credit Cards/Charge Accounts

  26. Health Care Insurance

  27. Long-Term Care Insurance

  28. Dental Records

  29. Life Insurance

  30. Disability Insurance

  31. Homeowner’s Insurance

  32. Real Estate Investment Insurance

  33. Business Insurance

  34. Liability Insurance

  35. Vehicle Insurance

  36. Vehicle

  37. Valuables Insurance

  38. Real Estate Ownership Documents

  39. Cemetery Plot

  40. Items in Storage

  41. Items Borrowed

  42. Medical History/Birth Record

  43. Marriage License/Divorce Decree

  44. Employment History

  45. Father’s History

  46. Mother’s History

  47. Dependents

  48. Grown Children-- No Longer Dependents



Peace of Mind at Presbyterian Homes

Planning for the future? At Presbyterian Homes, we provide peace of mind to all residents by offering a full continuum of care and helping them to plan for their future. When you become a member of a Presbyterian Homes community, you’ll gain access to independent and assisted living options, rehabilitation services, memory support, skilled nursing, and so much more. That way, you can relax and enjoy your life without worrying about future care. Explore our communities and find out which best fits your lifestyle.

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Topics: Future Planning