My husband’s aunt, Carol, never married and lived alone. Fortunately, she had a caring neighbor who looked out for her. Like many single individuals, Carol had no estate planning in place, and when she fell and broke her hip, she found herself nearly alone in the hospital. My sister-in-law stepped in to help, visiting Carol and ensuring she wasn’t entirely by herself.
If my sister-in-law hadn’t stepped up, the situation could have been much worse. Our society lacks robust systems for those who live alone and are estranged from family. While the Public Guardian exists to assist in such cases, they are often overwhelmed and unable to intervene promptly. Too often, individuals with no family support are sent to facilities where they spend their final days in isolation.
It became clear that Carol couldn’t return home, and she needed long-term care. With my sister-in-law’s persistence (and some guidance from me), we found a good facility for her. Carol was still able to sign a Power of Attorney, which allowed her home to be sold to pay for her care.
If you live alone, it’s essential to think about who you’d want to step in if you were to fall ill or need care. Having your documents in order ensures that your wishes are followed, and you avoid spending your last days without proper support. Give me a call to discuss putting a plan in place. You may not have someone like Carol’s niece to step in, but you can still make sure your future is secure.
