Last month’s “Aging Matters” article focused on developing a family history health document to help guide health and wellness choices.

As a continuation of that article, this month we delve into other important documents for all adults, but particularly those over age 50.

No one plans to get sick or injured. But the reality is that each of us will likely experience a health emergency sometime in our lifetime – whether it is our own or a loved one’s emergency.

A well laid-out plan can make a stressful event run more smoothly for all involved. So, what are the steps involved in putting your documents in order?

Step 1: Gather all important documents into one place.

The location may be a file or notebook in a drawer or cabinet. If some documents are in a safe deposit box, make a copy and place it with the other documents. Documents may include the following:

* Personal records and information. These include but are not limited to legal name, legal residence, Social Security number, date and place of birth, names and addresses of immediate family members, certificates of birth, adoption, marriage, employment information, records of education and military service, and lists of doctors and other health care professionals, prescription and over-the-counter medication.

* Financial documents. These include but are not limited to banking information, investment accounts, Social Security and Medicare information, insurance information, recent tax returns, mortgages, loans, credit and debit card information, deeds, car titles and safe deposit box information and key.

* Legal documents. These include by are not limited to wills, trusts, estates, advance directives for health care and power of attorney. If you do not have one or more of these, consider meeting with an attorney soon to put these documents in order. Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation, but be sure to discuss fees before that first appointment.

Step 2: Identify and tell a trusted family member or friend where the documents are located.

Personal preference will guide how much access this person has to the documents. Some choose to give a copy of all documents to this trusted person. Others prefer to maintain more privacy. They may only share the location of the information with the chosen person. If there is no one you trust, consider asking a lawyer to help with this step.

Depending on personal preference, some individuals take this step well beyond sharing the document locations. These actions may involve putting a family member’s name on an account, title or deed. The reasoning is that in an emergency, this person can immediately take over financial responsibility.

Taking this advanced step should be well thought out. There have been instances in which accounts were drained by the other account holder, leaving the older adult penniless.

Step 3: Give consent to your doctors and lawyer to speak with your caregiver if necessary.

Health care professionals and lawyers are required to maintain patient and client confidentiality. They cannot discuss health status or legal situation with anyone except the patient/client without written consent. This consent may be a simple form or a notarized document. Complete and return this document to be kept in your file.

Additional resources

This article just offers a small taste of the information from eXtension, National Institute on Aging and the Elder Law Foundation. To learn more, visit the websites and then take action on putting your documents in order.

* eXtension.org, Organize Your Important Papers, www.extension.org/pages/12475/organize-your-important-papers#.VNvi0L908Rx.

* National Institute on Aging, Getting Your Affairs in Order, www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/getting-your-affairs-order.

* Elder Law Foundation, Don’t Keep Secrets and Don’t Be Kept in the Dark, www.nelf.org/resources/articles/other/67-don-t-keep-secrets-and-don-t-be-left-in-the-dark.

* Heather Greenwood Junkermeier is with the University of Hawaii Manoa Cooperative Extension, Maui Intergenerational and Aging Programs. Aging Matters will cover topics of interest to the aging Maui community and will appear on the third Sunday of each month.