As we grow older we should consider and plan for our later years. The Cleveland Westside Village Master Aging Plan has been created as a guide for this purpose. The Master Aging Plan (MAP) (below) is offered to help have the conversations about how we would like to age. Such things as:
- where would I like to live,
- what is my financial situation,
- how is my health,
- and much more that effect one’s life plans.
This is not a process that needs or should be done all at once. Thinking about the different areas for a while, discussing them with your spouse, a friend or someone else can be helpful in putting together your plan. Whatever plan is finally put into writing would benefit from periodic reviews to add and change things as you and your circumstances change.
We recommend the following four items be done as part of the planning process and reviewed periodically.
1.Complete Vial of Life, post it on the refrigerator, updated as needed
2. Complete Critical Documents List with instructions and let key people know where to find the list (perhaps put a note in your File of Life as to where someone can find this list)
3. Complete Advanced Directives and let key people know where to find them
4. Create a written document which will answer questions regarding your plans as you age; your personal MAP. Revisit this planning every year or so, or when a significant event happens.
These documents will help you and those who will be involved in your life as you age to make decisions and support your decisions.