PA CARE PATH
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Get your affairs in order

So much of caring for an aging parent — or planning for yourself — is just paperwork: gathering it, and learning that it's more than a will. Here's the full picture in plain language, so nothing important gets missed. You don't enter anything here; this is a guide you can work through at your own pace.

Start with the time-sensitive ones. A power of attorney and health care directives can only be signed while the person can still make their own decisions. If that's a question at all, do these first.

Legal documents

These decide who can act for the person, and when. The first three can only be signed while the person can still make their own decisions — so they're the most time-sensitive.

  • Durable (financial) power of attorneyTime-sensitive
    Names someone the person trusts to handle money and legal matters if they can't. Why it matters: Without one, family often has to go to court for guardianship — slow, expensive, and stressful. It must be signed while the person still has capacity.
  • Health care power of attorney (proxy)Time-sensitive
    Names who makes medical decisions if the person can't speak for themselves. Why it matters: Hospitals need to know who's authorized. Without it, decisions can stall or fall to someone the person wouldn't have chosen.
  • Advance directive / living willTime-sensitive
    Puts the person's wishes for serious or end-of-life care in writing. Why it matters: It guides doctors and family and spares loved ones from guessing during a crisis.
  • Last will and testament
    Says who receives what after the person dies, and names an executor. Why it matters: Without a will, state law decides — which may not match the person's wishes.
  • HIPAA authorization
    Lets doctors share medical information with the people the person chooses. Why it matters: Privacy law can otherwise block family from getting information they need to help.

Financial documents

A clear picture of money coming in, going out, and who's owed.

  • List of accounts and income
    Bank, retirement, and investment accounts, plus Social Security and any pensions. Why it matters: You can't manage or apply for help without knowing what's there.
  • Insurance policies
    Health, life, long-term care, home, and auto policies. Why it matters: Long-term care insurance in particular can change which programs are needed.
  • Beneficiary designations
    Who's listed to inherit retirement accounts and life insurance. Why it matters: These override the will — so out-of-date ones (an ex-spouse, a deceased relative) cause real problems. Check they're current.
  • Property documents
    Deeds, vehicle titles, and mortgage papers. Why it matters: Needed for benefit applications and for settling affairs later.
  • Debts and recurring bills
    Loans, credit cards, utilities, and subscriptions. Why it matters: So nothing important lapses and so someone can step in if needed.

Medical information

What a new doctor, hospital, or program would need to know.

  • Medication list
    Current medicines, doses, and who prescribes them. Why it matters: Prevents dangerous mix-ups and speeds up any new appointment.
  • Diagnoses and providers
    Conditions and a list of doctors with contact details. Why it matters: Many programs and supports are tied to specific conditions and need provider information.
  • Insurance cards
    Medicare, Medicaid, and any supplement or Advantage plan cards. Why it matters: Required at almost every appointment and on most applications.

Identity documents

The proofs agencies ask for over and over — gather them once.

  • Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
    Official copies of the person's vital records. Why it matters: Commonly required to prove age, identity, and relationships on applications.
  • Social Security card
    The physical card or the number kept somewhere safe. Why it matters: Needed for most benefit applications. (You bring it to the agency — never type it into this tool.)
  • Military discharge papers (DD-214)
    Proof of military service, for veterans. Why it matters: Unlocks VA benefits like Aid & Attendance that many veterans never claim.
  • Citizenship or immigration documents
    Passport, naturalization certificate, or green card. Why it matters: Some programs require proof of status; having it ready avoids delays.

Where to get real help

This is information, not legal advice — and we never fill out these documents for you. To actually prepare them, these are the right people:

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