Planning for the Inevitable


The Foundation of Laguna Woods Village: Who we are and what we do.
Mission Statement: A charitable organization dedicated to helping residents of Laguna Woods Village by providing temporary financial and emergency assistance for individuals in need as well as funding life-enhancing programs for the community. Vision Statement: Neighbors helping neighbors establish a sustainable and healthy community.

​The Foundation has produced a series of programs, initially shown on Laguna Woods Village Television which also appear on YouTube, dealing with how we all should plan for our potential incapacity and end of life. Each program is an interview with an expert on the topic. 

Click the title to view these half hour programs.

Advanced Care Directives

Estate Planning
     Estate Planning Outline

Reluctance to Plan
                                                ​
Digital Assets Planning
     Detailed guidance on managing digital materials

Incapacity and Estate Planning

Avoiding Financial Exploitation

Planning for the End of Life

Hospice and Palliative Care

                              *     *     *
​Summaries of the online videos:

Video: Advanced Care Directives
Guest Experts: Matthew Janssen, MD, Hospice Medical Director. Lawrence Tran, MD,
Medical Director of Inpatient Services. Both: MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. Foundation: Marcy Sheinwold
Who will speak for you when you cannot? Make your wishes known. Talk to loved ones and sign documents that detail your wishes and values. Documents include: Advance Care Directive; POLST form that you complete with your doctor; and power of attorney. Surrogates should make decisions that you want, not what they want.

Video: Estate Planning
Guest Expert: Fay Blix, Esq., Attorney: Elder law, estate planning and probate.
Foundation: Marcy Sheinwold
Estate planning is for all of us. What is estate planning? Plan for whom you want involved; a substitute decision maker; giving to whom, how and when you want; and saving on taxes and court costs. Establish a living trust.

Video: Reluctance to Plan
Guest Expert: Sonia Sehgal, MD, Geriatric medicine, UC Irvine.
Foundation: Joel Goldstein, Debra David
An acute medical emergency often catches people unaware. Only about 1 in 3 adults has a written plan. They may lack knowledge of resources; have cultural sensitivities, superstitions or fears; or may not have an available surrogate. Consult with an elder law attorney. Meet with your primary care physician to plan medical options.

Video: Digital Assets Planning
Guest Expert: Debbie Dotson, Host: Let’s Talk Tech.
Foundation: Joel Goldstein
Secure your digital assets as part of your estate planning. Assets include social media sites, photos and images, videos, ebooks, diaries and creative work. Organize assets, secure and share them. Nominate a digital executor.

Video: Incapacity and Estate Planning
Guest Expert: Fay Blix, Esq., Attorney: Elder law, estate planning and probate.
Foundation: Marcy Sheinwold
Look ahead: what do you want people to know/do if you become incapacitated? How do you protect your rights, interests, property and health care if you can no longer communicate? Don’t be afraid. Do it now.

Video: Avoiding Financial Exploitation
Guest Expert: Kerrie Lloyd, VP, Index Fund Advisors.
Foundation: Marcy Sheinwold
When in doubt, don’t. No concern is too small. How to protect yourself in different situations: money scams, contractors, caregivers. Resources: FINRA, licensing bureaus, legal/financial professionals and social services.

Video: Planning for the End of Life
Guest Expert: Renay Teper, Dignity Memorial.
Foundation: Debra David
Preplanning is a gift to your loved ones. Make decisions in advance so you have enough time to consider options about what is meaningful for you and your family. Consider Disposition (burial or cremation) and Service (celebration of life, memorial; graveside or other setting).

Video: Hospice & Palliative Care
Guest Expert: True L. McMahan, MD, Director, Palliative Care, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
Foundation: Marcy Sheinwold
What is your understanding of hospice care? How is it different from palliative care and how is it paid for? When are patients transitioned to hospice care; and do patients still receive treatment when on hospice care?

Useful Materials ​for Planning Needs
​
FIVE WISHES
This brochure is a United States advance directive created by the non-profit organization Aging With Dignity.  It has been described as a “Living Will
with a heart and soul.”  Village residents can obtain this brochure from Laguna Woods Village Social Services Department on request, 949-597-4267
 
CALIFORNIA ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE
This document can be obtained online - type in “California Health Care Directive” The document also includes Power of Attorney for Health Care.
 
POLST  Physician Order For Life-Sustaining Treatment (Obtain Online) The POLST form should be completed by a medical provider in which the patient and provider should discuss the form’s medical terms and options. The form, which is usually printed on pink paper, is available here.
 
FILE OF LIFE  THE FILE OF LIFE FOUNDATION, INC. ,  (800) 814-1788
“An organization that promotes emergency preparedness through the lifesaving File of Life program.”  File of Life Magnet Pouch and Large Standard Card price $0.62-$1.12. This is to be used for your latest medical information, contact person and more.  Keep it in a place visible for family, contact person, and first responders.
 
YOUR COMPLETE INFORMATION FOR LIFE KIT
This tool is for putting together a comprehensive compilation of your personal, legal, medical, and financial information.  To order online for $3.50, Go to csa.us, then go to Resource, and go down to csa store, click on Standard Brochures and you will find “Your Complete Information For Life Kit.