Setting resolutions, goals or ‘to-do’ lists: include these steps in your planning

Happy New Year KIRC fam!

By a show of hands, how many of you have been thinking about what to put on your resolution lists?

Does it by any chance include the yearly regulars? You know the items I’m talking about…

On the other hand, how many of you have thrown in the towel on resolutions and instead focus on setting goals – ones that truly are attainable?

2023 Challenge

Keeping It REAL Caregiving is starting this year with a challenge for all of you: to tackle at least four items before the end of January, that could have long lasting impacts for your futures.

Ready?

Prepare a Will

This isn’t fun stuff, but it is crucial for you and your families. I remember the day I finally managed to convince my mother to sit down with me and create a Will. It wasn’t anything fancy but it was enough to have some sort of legal framework in place.

Plus, it forced her to think about her wishes as she aged and eventually reached the end.

If you happen to be thinking, ‘I’m single, no kids, no other obligations – why do I need a Will?’

You might be surprised to learn that not having other marital or family connections already in place can make it much more complicated if/when you pass. Do you really want years of hard work, mortgage payments (and equity in your property) and/or savings to potentially go ‘poof’ if you haven’t planned ahead?

It can be stressful, but once you have those docs in place – a heavy weight is lifted.

Long Term Care Insurance

Research and seriously consider putting some level of Long Term Care Insurance in place. We’ve talked about this before so I won’t go into this very deep.

Consider this: what if something happens to you in which you are not able to care for yourself? An emergency situation can happen at any age.

Related articles:

One day when I can’t: 5 activities you probably NEVER think about —and why one day you probably will

Do you give yourself enough Tender Loving Care? Flip the script and think about LTC instead

A little TLC is nice but understanding LTC could help save your life!

Have tough conversations

Talk with older loved ones about ‘what if’ situations as they age.

• That includes finances – are funds available and how much, set aside for care?
• Where might your loved ones live as they age? Alone? With you or other family? Is their home suited for aging?
• Which family members – if any – will be the primary individuals responsible for stepping in? And if not, is facility care an option?

Funeral planning

None of us is getting out of this alive. Harsh, but true.

Have you given any thought to your own demise? Now is just as good a time as any to research and consider making your own funeral plans. Don’t leave what is perhaps one of the most stressful (and inevitable) moments in our lives (ironic, right?) to chance or to emotionally overwhelmed loved ones.

*And yes, I’m in the process of doing this very adult planning as well.

Would love to hear how many of you have already tackled these items – what did you learn about yourself by going through the process?

New Year party silver decorations on the table.

Happy New Year!

Yes, I know. It is easier to think about going to gym. Learning that new language. Getting more sleep. Reading a new book. All of that is important for our well-being. But so are these items.

Caregiving isn’t just about taking care of our loved ones. In many cases, it means thinking ahead so that we are caring for ourselves.