No-one Builds a House without a Plan

WENATCHEE - It may seem pretty basic, but no-one starts a construction project without a plan. That plan will include estimates on materials, time-frame, and costs. The more complex and long a project is, the greater the number of variables are present. When variables increase, so does the risk for error. In the real-world we call these planning errors “cost over-runs.” Again; this is all very basic.
Thus, I am always surprised when I talk to retirement-age people who have given very little thought to how they will maintain their freedom and autonomy as they age.
Perhaps this is because we naturally recoil at the prospect that we will eventually lose our ability to make our own decisions and achieve our preferences.
We tend to think something like: “I am my own man, I make my own decisions and I always will.” But that is not reality.
The reality is that our bodies and our minds will not last forever. They will deteriorate over time. If we are honest, we see this all around us in both our extended families and our friends’ families.
Ok -you will not always be able to make your own decisions. So what should you consider in choosing a “substitute decision maker” that can step up when the time comes?
 • Who will assist me when I can’t help myself?
 • Who can I rely upon to make sure that all my bills are paid?
 • Who can I rely upon to make sure my investments are managed?
 • Who will help me with seasonal tasks around the house?
 • Who can I rely upon to take me to doctor’s appointments and make medical decisions?
 • Who will drive me when I can’t drive myself? (For that matter, who will make the decision that I can no longer drive? (May it never be!))
Each person will have a different answer for the “who.” This will depend heavily upon the person’s family relationships (close or strained), health condition (good or terminal) and financial position (wealthy or meager).
For some, their family relationships are such that they absolutely trust the decision-making capability of their children. For others, their family relationships require that rely primarily upon third parties to assist with decision making (e.g. trusted friends or professionals).
“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” – Mike Tyson
The point of all of this is to encourage you to honestly assess your plan. Do you have one? Has it been put into writing? Is that writing a legally enforceable Durable Power of Attorney? Do your future decision makers know what your preferences are? Will they be able to execute on your preferences when the time comes?
Although known more for boxing prowess than good judgment, Mike Tyson clearly understands that even the best-laid plans must survive the unexpected.
How will your plan handle a cancer diagnosis, early on-set dementia or decade long stint in a nursing home? There are myriad variables at play for every different person and the time horizon is very long (hopefully!).
The call to action is for you to soberly assess your plan. This is your life, your preferences, and your desires. It is much more important than any construction project.
Have you given your plan for future substitute-decision makers the consideration that it deserves? If not, then the time is now.