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Plan Ahead, Live Well


Planning Ahead for a Secure and Independent Future

 

Living well means thinking ahead. Wellesley Neighbors helps members stay active, engaged, and connected with social, cultural, and educational activities. Planning now is key to maintaining independence. A few simple steps today can ease future changes, lessen worry for family, and make sure your wishes are honored. (note: more information available on our Solo Aging page.)

You don't have to do it all at once. Pick one area to start with, take a small step, and come back when you're ready.



How the Village Model Supports Your Planning Ahead Steps

The Village model (like Wellesley Neighbors) is a perfect complement to proactive planning. It creates a supportive community network that helps members stay independent at home longer. By joining Wellesley Neighbors, you gain access to volunteer help, vetted services, social connections, and educational programs—all tailored to aging in place.

Villages don't replace legal or financial planning, but they make it easier to put plans into action and provide a safety net.


Planning Ahead in Five Key Areas:

1. Communicating with the Health and Legal Systems

2. Understanding How Long-Term Care May be Funded

3. Making Your Home Safer and More Comfortable

4. Staying Healthy and Connected

5. Letting Go of Extra Belongings


1. Communicating with the Health and Legal Systems

Putting essential documents in place ensures that your wishes are known and respected if you are unable to speak for yourself.

Key documents to consider:

  • Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)
    Appoints someone you trust to manage financial matters if you are incapacitated. You can specify when it takes effect and what authority is granted.
  • Last Will and Testament
    A will names a personal representative and specifies how your assets will be distributed. Without one, decisions are made according to state law. Everyone should have a will, regardless of the size of their estate.
  • Health Care Proxy (Massachusetts)
    Allows you to appoint a health care agent and document your preferences for medical treatment, including end-of-life care.
  • Driver Transition Planning
    Plan ahead for the time when driving may no longer be safe or practical. Discuss alternatives with family and friends before safety becomes an issue.
  • Advance Directives / Personal Directive
    Documents your values and preferences for care to guide your health care agent and medical providers.
  • Emergency & Vital Information Form
    In an emergency, first responders and medical professionals need quick access to critical information such as medical conditions, medications, allergies, insurance, and emergency contacts. Keep a one-page summary in your home and consider an online version when traveling. Additional information is available through programs such as the Vial of Life.
  • Letters of Instruction

    These informal documents supplement a will and can be invaluable to loved ones. They may include: 

  • Financial account information

  • Contact information for advisors

  • Preferences for funeral or memorial arrangements

  • Locations of important documents

Helpful links:


Massachusetts law on health care proxies & living wills

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-health-care-proxies-and-living-wills

Honoring Choices Massachusetts – Health Care Proxy & Personal Directive
https://www.honoringchoicesmass.com

CaringInfo – Massachusetts Advance Directive packet
https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/advance-directives/by-state/massachusetts/

Honoring Choices Massachusetts Durable Power of Attorney overview

https://www.honoringchoicesmass.com/dpoa/

Free MA Power of Attorney templates (financial/other)
https://legaltemplates.net/form/power-of-attorney/massachusetts-ma/

National Council on Aging estate planning basics: wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, organizing documents:

https://www.ncoa.org/article/estate-planning-checklist/ National Council on Aging


Medicare coverage of advance care planning
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/advance-care-planning Medicare

Planning AHEAD workbook (worksheets for financial planning as you age):
https://aging.extension.wisc.edu/files/2022/11/Planning-AHEAD-workbook.pdf

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2. Understanding How Long-Term Care May Be Funded

Many of us may need help someday—the timing and cost are unpredictable.  Think about:

  • How long might care be needed based on family history and health?

  • What types of care might be required?

  • Would long-term care insurance be appropriate?

  • Could home equity play a role?

  • What public programs might be available?

Learning about options early allows for informed decisions rather than rushed ones.

Helpful links:


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3. Making Your Home Safer and More Comfortable

Most people want to remain in their homes as long as possible. Small changes can make a big difference.  Consider:

  • A home safety or accessibility assessment

  • Simple modifications such as lighting, handrails, or removing trip hazards

  • Energy efficiency improvements

  • Planning renovations using universal design principles that support accessibility for all ages and can add long-term value

Wellesley Neighbors can help connect members with trusted local professionals and resources.

Helpful links:

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4. Staying Healthy and Connected

Physical activity, mental stimulation, and social connection are essential to healthy aging.

Wellesley Neighbors offers:

  • A full calendar of social, cultural, and educational activities

  • Interest groups, lectures, outings, and wellness programs

  • Opportunities to stay engaged, active, and connected to others in the community


Helpful links:

Plan Ahead 3 yoga

5. Letting Go of Extra Belongings

Downsizing, decluttering, or simply clearing space can reduce stress and make homes safer and more manageable. Wellesley Neighbors can help members identify:

  • Local donation organizations

  • Furniture and household goods services

  • Secure document shredding options

  • Responsible disposal resources


Helpful links:


Why This Matters

Planning ahead is not about giving things up. It is about maintaining choice, dignity, and independence, and making life easier for the people who may one day need to step in and help.

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Planning ahead is easier when you’re not doing it alone.
At Wellesley Neighbors, we share trusted information, practical guidance,
and real-life experience across the many decisions that come with aging
well: from navigating services to staying socially and culturally engaged.
Membership opens the door to deeper support, meaningful
connections, and programs designed to help you remain independent,
informed, and connected in the community you call home.
_______________________________

Call or email for more information, just chat, or inquire about membership.

617-858-0843        info@wellesleyneighbors.org



Wellesley Neighbors  | PO Box 812609  |  Wellesley, MA  02482  | WellesleyNeighbors.org  |  617-858-0843