Refuel #5

🔥 Refuel | Issue #5

A Newsletter from Faith + Gasoline
📅 Subject: The Paperwork Every Caregiver Needs—Before It’s Too Late

🛠️ Welcome to Refuel

Hey Fam,

Becoming a caregiver isn’t just about showing up—it’s about being prepared. One of the biggest mistakes families make? Waiting too long to handle the paperwork.

In a perfect world, your parents have done everything by the book and filed it in a neat folder for you and your family to find in an emergency. But most people haven’t done everything - usually one or two things but haven’t named beneficiaries on all their accounts or filled out a will or Power of Attorney. There’s usually a combination of things they have done and a list of things they need to complete. If you don’t have the proper legal documents in place, you could find yourself unable to make medical decisions, locked out of financial accounts, or even dealing with the stress of probate after your loved one passes. The fact is - what you don’t want to do is look for this stuff after Dad has had a fall or Mom is in the hospital.

Today, we’re breaking down the essential paperwork every caregiver needs so you can focus on caring and not scramble for documents in a crisis. It can happen quickly, so be prepared.

🔥 This Week’s Theme: The Caregiver’s Paperwork Checklist

📖 Verse of the Week:
"Do everything in a proper and orderly way." – 1 Corinthians 14:40

Planning isn’t just about legalities—it’s about honoring your loved one’s wishes and protecting your peace of mind.

🚗 Story from the Road: Someone may have to take over

My mom was vulnerable, and finally, we had to do something.

I thought I had everything handled. I was managing my mother’s care, helping with bills, and keeping track of her medications. But then came Covid-19. During this time, it was clear that she was not making great decisions. She would get calls all day about Medicare, or someone would knock on the door selling a new alarm system - pretending to be with the current company and checking to see if she wanted an upgrade. It was a relentless attack, even for someone who wasn’t impaired.

One day, I walked in to find her on the phone with a hacker. She stumbled upon a page telling her her computer had been compromised and to call the number below. If she hadn’t gotten so nervous, this guy claiming to be from “The Google” would have gotten into her bank account - she had turned most of the control of her computer over to him. That’s when I decided I had to get her paperwork in order. I wanted to be able to call the bank and explain what I was doing on her behalf if I had to fix something. I did a Power of Attorney for Finances and Healthcare.

I would also advise putting your name on their checking and savings accounts. They probably will say no, but lead with love and stay persistent. Parents should be cautious, but if you have earned their trust, they have to trust you—period.

I learned the hard way: Caregiving isn’t just about love—it’s about having the right legal tools in place.

📜 Essential Paperwork Every Caregiver Needs

✅ 1. Power of Attorney (POA) – Financial & Medical

• Why it matters: Allows you to make financial and medical decisions if your loved one cannot. For long-term diseases like Alzheimer’s, you want to have this ASAP.

• Without it: Banks won’t let you access accounts, and doctors may not follow your instructions.

• Tip: Get both Financial POA and Medical POA—they are separate documents!

✅ 2. Advance Directive (Living Will & Healthcare Proxy)

• Why it matters: Ensures your loved one’s medical wishes (DNR, life support, etc.) are followed.

• Without it: You may have to make impossible choices without knowing what they would have wanted.

✅ 3. Last Will & Testament

• Why it matters: Ensures their assets, home, and belongings go to the right people.

• Without it: The courts decide who gets what, which can take months or even years in probate. Very, very expensive.

✅ 4. Trust (If Applicable)

• Why it matters: A trust helps protect assets and avoids probate.

• Without it: If your loved one owns property, a trust can ensure it’s smoothly passed down.

✅ 5. HIPAA Authorization

• Why it matters: Allows doctors to share medical records with you.

• Without it: You may be locked out of critical health information in an emergency.

✅ 6. Medicaid Planning (If Needed)

• Why it matters: If your loved one may need long-term care, Medicaid has strict financial rules.

• Without it: Many families have to strategize before qualifying for assistance. Start planning now. Your parents may not be wealthy enough for private pay but are too rich according to Medicaid’s standards.

📌 Take Action: Do you have these documents in place? If not, start today.

⛽ Quick Refuel: How to Get These Documents in Order

💡 Step 1: Start the Conversation

• If your loved one is still mentally competent, talk to them about their wishes.

• Ask: Who do you trust to make financial and medical decisions for you?

💡 Step 2: Get the Right Help

• Work with an elder care attorney to draft key documents.

• Many states allow online notarization for basic forms—check your state laws.

💡 Step 3: Keep Documents Accessible

• Store originals in a fireproof safe and share copies with trusted family members.

• Make a digital backup on a secure drive.

📌 Pro Tip: Hospitals and banks will need original, signed documents—keep them handy! You got this.

📚 Refuel Reads: This Week’s Book Recommendation

📖 Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won’t Have To – Melanie Cullen
💡 Why you need this book: A step-by-step guide to creating a caregiving and end-of-life plan.

📌 Takeaway Tip: The best gift you can give your loved one is peace of mind.

🛤️ Faith in Motion: A Simple Prayer

"Lord, help me to make wise decisions as I care for my loved one. Give me strength, patience, and the wisdom to plan with love. Amen."

📌 Next Steps

💬 Let’s Connect: Check out this MadLove podcast from March 14, 2024!

📢I am buying gold - here’s where I’ve bought it since 2019: Acre 🏆💛✨

➡️➡️➡️➡️We’ve also got Refuel swag ☕😊 

If this newsletter helped you, share it with someone you love.

We are in this together. Community is the new currency. 💙💙💙💙💙💙

Go be great. Love you.
🚀💙

With faith & fuel,
Judith A. Culp
Founder, Faith + Gasoline