Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 WIN Waste takes part in annual Shadow Day BY JIM MILLER How to Get Help as an Elder Orphan Dear Savvy Senior, I need to fi nd someone honest and reliable to look after my estate, health and long-term care when I’m no longer able to do it myself. I’m a 67-year-old recent widow with no children and one sibling I rarely talk to. Any suggestions? Solo Ager Dear Solo, This is big concern for millions of older Americans who don’t have a spouse, children or other family they can depend on to watch out for their well-being. While there’s no one solution to this issue, here are some tips and resources that can help you plan ahead. Essential Documents If you haven’t already done so, your first step, before choosing a reliable decision maker, is to prepare a basic estate plan of at least four essential legal documents. This will protect yourself and make sure you’re wishes are carried out if you become seriously ill or when you die. These essential documents include: a “durable power of attorney” that allows you to designate someone to handle your fi nancial matters if you become incapacitated; an “advanced health care directive” that includes a “living will” that tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you beWIN Waste Innovations hosted Saugus High School juniors Jenisha Berry and Tanisha Berry as part of the annual Shadow Day sponsored by the Saugus Business Education Collaborative. Jenisha and Tanisha, who are sisters, toured the waste-to-energy facility with Environmental Compliance Manager Joe Brady and Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary with Geoff Wilson, who manages the sanctuary for WIN Waste. (Photos Courtesy of WIN Waste Innovations) Lynn boy held without bail in stabbing of another teen in Saugus By Mark E. Vogler A dangerousness hearing was scheduled for today (Friday, April 1) in Lynn Juvenile Court for a 14-year-old Lynn boy who was arrested for allegedly stabbing a 15-yearold boy in Saugus last week. The 14-year-old boy was arraigned this week in connection with the March 24 incident in the vicinity of Raddin Terrace, according to Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett and Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli. Carrie Kimball, director of communications for the Essex District Attorney’s Offi ce, said the juvenile was charged with armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. The judge ordered the 14-year-old off ender held without bail, pending the outcome of today’s hearing. Saugus Police responded to a 911 call shortly before 4 p.m. from a business in Saugus Center reporting that a stabbing took place nearby. Responding offi cers located a 15-year-old male suff ering from multiple stab wounds. He was treated at the scene and transported to a Boston hospital, where he remains, Kimball said. Offi cials wouldn’t say where the victim lived. Saugus Police and the Essex State Police Detective Unit continue to investigate the incident with assistance from the Lynn Police. Anyone with information about this incident or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area is asked to call Saugus Police at 781-233-1740. come incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney,” which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to; and a “will” that spells out how you’d like your property and assets distributed after you die. It also requires you to designate an “executor” to ensure your wishes are carried out. To prepare these documents your best option is to hire an attorney, which can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000. Or, if you are interested in a do-it-yourself plan, Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2022 ($199, Nolo.com) and LegalZoom.com ($179) are some top options. Choosing Decision Makers and Helpers Most people think fi rst of naming a family member as their power of attorney for fi - nances and health care, or executor of their will. If, however, you don’t have someone to fill those roles, you may want to ask a trusted friend or associate but be sure to choose someone that’s organized and younger than you who will likely be around after you’re gone. Also be aware that if your choice of power of attorney or executor lives in another state, you’ll need to check your state’s law to see if it imposes any special requirements. If, however, you don’t have a friend or relative you feel comfortable with, you’ll need to hire someone who has experience with such matters. To fi nd a qualifi ed power of attorney or executor for your will, contact your bank, a local trust company or an estate planning attorney. If you need help locating a pro, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org) is a great resource that provides online directory to help you fi nd someone in your area. Another resource that can help you manage and oversee your health and longterm care needs as they arise, and even act as your health care power of attorney, is an aging life care manager. These are trained professionals in the area of geriatric care who often have backgrounds in nursing or social work. To search for an expert near you, visit AgingLifeCare.org. Or, if you need help with bill paying and other fi nancial/ insurance/tax chores there are professional daily money managers (see AADMM.com) that can help. Aging life care managers typically charge between $75 and $200 per hour, while hourly rates for daily money managers range between $75 and $150. It’s also important to note that if you don’t complete the aforementioned legal documents and you become incapacitated, a court judge may appoint a guardian to make decisions on your behalf. That means the care you receive may be totally diff erent from what you would have chosen for yourself. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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