Need to "get my affairs in order" advice

C

cDoubleyou

New Member
Hello, I am in my late 60’s and am starting to experience symptoms related to Alzheimer’s. I will continue to move forward and seek help and direction from my neurologist; however, I think it best to get my affairs in order right now. Any suggestions out there that specialize in helping seniors with this specific task? I need to rifle through all of my files and documents and toss a bunch of paperwork but keep the essential documents.

Please don’t respond with any health advice but thank you anyway.

Thank you in advance.

:)
 
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Hi Roses...I don't want to over load you with info, but maybe this advice from AI can get you started. :)

Welcome to the community, Roses. It’s a brave and incredibly practical move to tackle this now while you feel empowered to do so. Organizing decades of life is no small feat, but there are specialists who do exactly what you’re looking for.
Since you are looking to "rifle through" and "toss" paperwork while keeping the essentials, here are the three types of professionals and resources that specialize in this transition.

1. Professional Senior Organizers​

There is a specific niche of organizers called Senior Move Managers or Certified Professional Organizers. Even if you aren't moving, they are experts at the "sorting and tossing" phase.
  • What they do: They sit with you and help sort papers into "Keep," "Shred," and "Archive." They are trained to handle the emotional and cognitive fatigue that comes with downsizing.
  • Where to find them: Check the National Association of Specialty & Senior Move Managers (NASMM). You can search by your zip code to find someone local to your local.

2. Daily Money Managers (DMMs)​

If your paperwork involves a lot of confusing bills, bank statements, or insurance claims, a Daily Money Manager is a great resource.
  • What they do: They aren't investment advisors; they are "financial organizers." They help organize tax documents, track medical bills, and ensure that your filing system for "essential documents" is easy for you (and eventually others) to navigate.
  • Where to find them: The American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) has a "Find a DMM" directory.

3. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)​

You have access to a network of state-funded support.​

  • What they do: They can connect you with "Legal Assistance for Older Adults" programs. These specialists help ensure your "essential documents" (like a Power of Attorney or a Living Will) are not just organized, but legally sound for someone with a new diagnosis.

A Quick "Essential Document" Checklist​

As you begin sorting, here are the "Must-Keeps" that specialists will likely ask for first:
  • Legal: Power of Attorney (Financial and Healthcare), Last Will, and any Trust documents.
  • Identity: Social Security card, birth certificate, and any military discharge papers (DD214).
  • Financial: Latest statements from retirement accounts, a list of all bank accounts/PINs, and life insurance policies.
  • Property: Deeds for your home or land and titles for any vehicles.

One Helpful Tool: The "Legacy Folder"​

Many seniors find it helpful to create one brightly colored folder (like red or neon yellow) labeled "Emergency/Essential." Once you find those key documents, put them there first so they don't get lost in the "toss" pile.
Would you like me to help you draft a simple "Keep vs. Toss" guide for common household papers to make your first round of sorting a little easier?
 
cDoubleyou said:
Any suggestions out there that specialize in helping seniors with this specific task? I need to rifle through all of my files and documents and toss a bunch of paperwork but keep the essential documents.
Click to expand...

Sorry I don't have any specific advice. Although not Alzheimers specific, my mom toward the end of her life hired a temporary 'personal assistant' type of person to help her go through all of her boxes of stuff.

I think the Alzheimer Association has a free message board which probably has lots of good suggestions from people who have been preparing themselves. I have no experience with their forum, but when I had cancer I found cancer-specific forums had very useful information.

https://alzconnected.org

I Have Alzheimer's: Resources for Support | alz.org
 
cDoubleyou said:
Hello, I am in my late 60’s and am starting to experience symptoms related to Alzheimer’s. I will continue to move forward and seek help and direction from my neurologist; however, I think it best to get my affairs in order right now. Any suggestions out there that specialize in helping seniors with this specific task? I need to rifle through all of my files and documents and toss a bunch of paperwork but keep the essential documents.

Please don’t respond with any health advice but thank you anyway.

Thank you in advance.

:)
Click to expand...
Take a breath before spending any money on an ‘expert’.

It really depends on you and your situation.

If you don’t own real estate, live month to month with a small savings or investment account it could probably be handled with a few pay on death beneficiaries and a simple will.

The more you own and the more you owe the more complicated it can become.

One simple thing that you can do is go through your files and paperwork to get rid of anything that has expired, has no value, etc… to help simplify things for the person responsible for settling your affairs.

Keep at least three years tax returns and the supporting documentation.

Good luck and welcome.
 
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