Don’t Let Your Life Become a Hospital Horror Story! Complete These Documents to Retain Control if the Worst Happens
What happens if you become incapacitated without key estate planning documents like financial power of attorney designations and advanced health care directives in place? These tools provide peace of mind and guidance in the event you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Without them, incapacity could leave your health and finances in flux. WHO WILL MAKE YOUR MEDICAL DECISIONS IN THE ABSENCE OF A HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE? In California, if an adult becomes incapacitated or unable to effectively communicate their wishes for treatment, Assembly Bill 2338 applies. This law establishes a hierarchy of health care decision-makers. Your medical facility will assign an agent in the following order:
In short, your care and treatment are out of your hands if you haven’t completed a health care directive. Your treatment may also be delayed as the facility works to confirm the agent to act on your behalf. WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR FINANCES WITHOUT A FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY? In the same vein, you lose control of your finances if you are incapacitated and have not appointed an agent through the use of a financial power of attorney. However, there is a key difference: In this case, probate courts step in and appoint an agent who assumes financial duties on your behalf. This process often takes time and may result in someone unfamiliar with your financial circumstances or who has bad intentions for your money or health care taking control of your finances. If you have business interests, this becomes particularly detrimental. Because of the potential delays, your debts will grow and may become delinquent, your bills pile up, and recent financial progress can be significantly stunted. This is a significant risk. To protect yourself, complete your key estate planning documents before your health deteriorates or an accident strikes — and ensure your friends and relatives do the same.
• • • •
Spouse or domestic partner
• •
Adult grandchildren
Adult child
Another adult relative or close personal friend
Parent
Adult sibling
The chosen individual must be available, have demonstrated special care and concern for you, and be “familiar with [your] personal values and beliefs.” This authorization lasts for the duration of your care or 60 days — whichever is shorter.
One-Bowl Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
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Keep the dishwashing to a minimum and enjoy these fluffy vegan pumpkin muffins!
Inspired by NoraCooks.com
can create a precious gift for your children, grandchildren, and other loved ones that will preserve your memory for decades to come.
Ingredients • 15 oz can pumpkin purée • 1/3 cup melted vegan butter (or vegetable oil) • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant- based milk • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
“The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try.”
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare muffin pan by greasing and placing paper liners. 2. In a large mixing bowl, add pumpkin, melted vegan butter (or oil), milk, and brown sugar, then whisk until well combined and smooth. With a sifter, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices over the wet mixture. 3. Using a large wooden spoon, mix until just combined (do not over-mix). 4. Fill the muffin cups and bake for 22–25 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes and enjoy!
–Debbi Fields
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