When Disaster Strikes: Estate Planning In Tampa And Other Tips To Protect Older Adults
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has proven devastating for communities along the Gulf Coast and beyond. Tampa and surrounding areas suffered high winds and significant flooding, posing serious hazards to local residents.
If you have older loved ones in our area, you are likely concerned and wondering what you can do to help. Our Tampa estate planning lawyer explains important documents older adults should have in place and other tips to ensure they are protected.
Tampa Estate Planning Documents That Help Protect Older Adult Loved Ones
The National Weather Service warned that it would be an active hurricane season in 2024. So far, it has lived up to the hype. While residents of Tampa are accustomed to dealing with often dangerous storms, the devastation they cause still poses considerable challenges. This is particularly true for older adults.
According to U.S. Census data, nearly a quarter of all Tampa residents are over the age of 60. If you have an older friend or family member you worry about, one of the ways you can help is by ensuring they have the appropriate estate planning documents in place. These include:
- A will: Everyone needs a will. Having one allows older adults to convey final wishes, provides an inventory of their assets, and determines distributions among beneficiaries.
- A trust: Creating a trust offers a variety of benefits. In addition to allowing for more detailed distributions than you can make in a will, it can also help entitle them to Medicaid benefits.
- Power of attorney: This designates someone they trust to handle their affairs if they are incapacitated and unable to handle matters on their own.
- Advance directives: These dictate wishes regarding emergency and end-of-life care.
Protecting Older Adults In Tampa When Disaster Strikes
Living along the coast carries certain risks, but as Hurricane Helene proved, disaster due to hurricanes or other forces can happen anywhere. To ensure older adults are protected, follow these tips:
- Keep estate planning and other important documents, such as a marriage license or military discharge papers, in a waterproof lockbox and a safe location.
- Make sure they have emergency numbers handy.
- Make a list of all their medications, ensure they have an adequate supply, and get contact information for their medical providers.
- See if they have a neighbor nearby who can check in with them in case of an emergency.
- Check their evacuation zone and help them make the appropriate plans in the event they have to leave.
- Help them gather hurricane supplies, including bottled water, shelf-stable food, blankets, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, and a whistle to help alert potential rescuers of their location.
Our Experienced Tampa Divorce Lawyer Is Available To Help. Contact Our Office Today
While the Gulf Coast may be vulnerable, disaster can strike anywhere. To ensure older adult loved ones are prepared and protected, contact Bubley & Bubley, P.A. We provide the caring support and the professional legal guidance needed to put the documents older adults need in place. Reach out today and request a consultation with our experienced Tampa estate planning lawyer.
Sources:
weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww
data.census.gov/pro
