Getting your affairs in order: a checklist

Why do it now

An accident or sudden illness can leave anyone unable to manage their own affairs for a while. The NIA recommends planning ahead so that the people you trust know where things are and what you want. It is easier to do while you are well and not under pressure.

Gather the key documents

Based on the NIA’s checklist, keep these together in one safe place (paper or a secure digital folder):

• Personal: birth and marriage certificates, ID, and contact details for family, doctors, and advisers.
• Money: bank and pension accounts, insurance policies, property deeds, regular bills, and any debts.
• Health: a list of conditions and medicines, and health insurance details.
• Legal: your will, and any power of attorney or advance directive documents.
• Digital: a list of important online accounts and how someone you trust can access them.

Choose who can act for you

Think about who you would want to make decisions for you about health and about money if you could not. In the US this is usually a durable power of attorney for health care (a health care proxy) and for finances. In England and Wales the equivalent is a lasting power of attorney. Rules differ by country and state, so check the official process where you live, and consider getting legal advice.

Write down your care wishes

An advance directive (US) or advance statement (UK) records what matters to you about future care: where you would like to be cared for, your values, and treatments you would or would not want. The NHS explains that an advance statement is not legally binding but must be taken into account by those caring for you. A separate advance decision to refuse treatment can be legally binding if it meets certain rules.

Store it and tell people

• Tell the people you have chosen where your documents are.
• Give copies of care wishes to your doctor and the people named in them.
• Review everything every few years, and after big life changes.