topic | first days after death

Step 4: initiate planning for long term care

The emotional strain that accompanies a death and associated funeral can be consuming, and planning for things beyond the immediate situation can easilybe overlooked. 

Attention must be given to the well-being of a surviving spouse or loved one.  As necessary, because of financial, medical, safety or other reasons, consider options for long-term living arrangements. These considerations require sensitivity. Many changes may be happening at once, and grief is still fresh. An unscheduled move has the potential to create even more stress.

Activity 1
  Facilitate Immediate Care

Changes after the death of a spouse or loved one are extremely difficult. The safety and well-being of the surviving spouse are of the utmost importance, and preserving them may require a change in living situations. Take care to initiate these changes with delicacy.

Ensure that immediate care, for the next two months, for the surviving partner is addressed. These are short-term arrangements. Be considerate and creative!

Evaluate whether they should remain in their residence.  Consider whether living independently is safe, desired, and appropriate.

Consider other options such as living with a relative or a friend. 

Activity 2
  Discuss Long-Term Care Needs

Always consider the needs and desires of the surviving spouse or loved one.  The timing for transitioning to any long-term arrangement is critical and varies in each situation. 

It is best to address the subject of assisted living with the surviving partner after researching general options.  Consult with the surviving partner’s family members, personal physician, financial advisors, and estate attorney to determine needs and capabilities.  Have an understanding of the various options, benefits, and costs of assisted living. If there are significant concerns about current living arrangements, and short-term arrangements are difficult to extend, assisted living may be a good option. 

Activity 3
  Gather Information

Research assisted living facilities. Conduct site visits to determine which facilities meet the requirements and needs of the surviving partner. Criteria should include:

  • proximity of health care and family members
  • annual expenses
  • reputation for safety, service, etc.
  • contractual obligations
(if this Step is complete) 		Continue
to Step 5

Return to Step 3

n/a

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered representatives and investment advisor representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered.

The information in this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. It is provided solely for general informational purposes and may not be applicable to specific fact patterns. You should consult with an experienced legal or tax professional licensed in your state before acting on any of the information described on this site.

To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS under Circular 230, we inform you that any U.S. Federal tax advice contained in this site was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein.

Providers listed on this site that have not been specifically identified as having passed the 15-point background check are provided for your information only. The PROvision Network does not endorse, nor accept any responsibility for the quality of their services. The PROvision Network does not independently verify their information, nor do we guarantee its accuracy.

No fees have been paid to The PROvision Network for inclusion in our general provider listings. These listings are provided for your convenience. Other than specifically stated, The PROvision Network may receive paid compensation for paid adverting from companies listed on this site.

The accuracy of information put into the EstateDigitalLockbox isn't guaranteed by The PROvision Network. It's only as accurate as your input.

We strive to keep information up-to-date, but The PROvision Network doesn't purport this site to have up-to-the minute accuracy at all times.

Links on this site are provided for your information only. Since they are provided by third parties, The PROvision Network does not endorse, nor accept any responsibility for the content or damage or loss resulting from your use of these sites. The PROvision Network does not independently verify this information, nor do we guarantee its accuracy or completeness.