The things I learned from Dad

 

I sat with Dad and Claudia in the bedroom where Momma died to glean valuable information that I could pass on to you. It would be difficult for Dad to discuss these issues, but I knew I should.

U He stressed you should not put something off, whether it be discussions, decisions, or significant things.

U Don’t put faith in the doctor’s time frame. They don’t know. God is the only one who truly knows. Mom died twelve days after she got her feeding tube. 

U He mentioned calling the Social Security office to claim a disability, especially with Mom having ALS. It took two to three months to get her first check. She only got one disability check even though she could not work for a long time. From her diagnosis to her death, it was only about nine months. Search on the web under Social Security disability.

U The ALS Association of Georgia had good resources and information.

U Dad got a power of attorney because Mom couldn’t sign her name. His financial advisor suggested they get joint accounts because it makes it more manageable.

U Set your investments as (Payable On Death). A POD is any account, investment, etc., given to a specified person when you die. You don’t want to go through a trustee or a banker to disburse money.    

U What have you learned from reading this book?  U