Tips for Helping Your Parents Organize their Paperwork

Many adult children who live a distance away from elderly parents often feel there is not much they can do to help with day-to-day care.  However one of the things experts suggest that can be done long-distance is to help mom or dad get their paperwork organized.

Initially the job requires more time and energy, but once you have everything gathered together, you will just need to make sure to keep it updated.  In fact having all of your parents’ pertinent information up-to-date and in one place, will make caregiving long-distance much easier as it allows you to more quickly make decisions and respond to a crisis. 

Paperwork should include maintaining and managing current information about your parent’s health and medical care including the type of medications and the dosage they are taking.  Other important information includes details regarding sources of income and assets, i.e. bank accounts, pensions, life insurances, IRAs, 401 (k)s and other investments, their home and monthly liabilities. 

To do long-distance, it may be easier to schedule a visit or two to mom or dad’s to begin the process.  Also if you do not already know, ask if they have a will, and if so, make sure it is in order.  Furthermore discuss with them the benefits of drawing up a durable power of attorney, which legally gives the person named on the document the right to handle their financial decisions.    

Sometimes older adults can be protective of their financial and personal information.  You will need them to understand that you are not trying to invade their privacy or take over their personal lives but rather want to be prepared to assist in the case of an emergency.   

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, one of the finest Colorado Springs’ assisted living facilities, is ready to care for your elderly parent’s physical, intellectual, spiritual and social needs.  Amenities and services include wellness programs and activities, three tasty, daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, 24/7 care and more.  We also have a compassionate team that feels privileged to serve seniors.  Contact us to set up a tour of our beautiful community.


At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents at the foot of the majestic Rockies.  Schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living community in Colorado Springs.     

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