Who will shovel the snow?

Last week’s snowstorm was beautiful, but we all know the next morning there is work to be done. Some of our neighbors are now unable to shovel their own driveway. Usually, their children or grandchildren come to help, or the neighborhood chips in. But I know this does not happen for everyone. It is more common than it used to be that the children moved to other states, so there are no immediate family members to come help.

As heartwarming as it is to see the generations rally to shovel on a snow day, it reminds me of the challenges some clients face with no family in town to help when home maintenance becomes a burden. The problem might be a snowfall, or a gutter that came loose, or clearing of branches after a storm. The issue is always the same- it is no longer possible, or safe, to do it yourself. Several clients have asked us to lend a hand managing their homes because they want to stay there. Afterall, we helped set up an estate plan for their assets and a lifecare plan for their healthcare and well-being, it makes sense to them that we might lend a hand with their property management. Someone has to take on the role of the local child in order to keep the home functional. In more dramatic situations some individuals no longer have the capacity to even notice there is work to be done. It is not that caregiver’s job to call for maintenance. Out of this necessity may arise the need for professional help.

It may seem unusual, but it is possible to hire an attorney, or other professional, to assist with bill pay, and to help coordinate property management. Typically a trust is used so that the chosen professional has the ability to use your money to pay your bills. In rare occasions a limited power of attorney might be given to this professional so they can sign contracts on your behalf, for example for the snow removal team they have found to hire for you. This is different from a conservatorship, which requires that the conserved person’s legal authority to act for themselves be removed. Instead, this is a legal framework that allows someone to manage as much or as little as you request. Perhaps the child in California can help monitor this local professional, and sign off on hiring maintenance workers that the professional arranged and accompanies when they come to the house. But not everyone has a helpful child, local or out of state.

In all cases, the focus must be on safety. When developing a long term care plan the

starting place is home safety. Analysis to eliminate trip traps like throw rugs and extension cords and recommend safety measures such as grab bars and shower seats. When developing a property management plan, make a list of regular maintenance needs such as lawn care, snow removal, chimney cleaning, and appliance service. Unexpected interruptions like major appliance failure may still happen. Someone will have to coordinate purchase, delivery and installation of the new item. But with someone hired to check in on these things, they will not go unnoticed even as the homeowner becomes forgetful. These coordinated activities deliver both safety and peace of mind.

The goal, usually, is to help yourself find a way to safely stay in your home with the best quality care as long as possible, that means we help them find quality home care, build an estate plan that supports their wishes, and sometimes coordinate property management. Whether you have a trusted family member, a dear friend, established relationships with your home maintenance team, or some other trusted partner, part of your plan should include who will shovel the snow.

Attorney Halley C. Allaire is principal in the law firm of Allaire Elder Law, a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., with an office at 271 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, (860) 259-1500, or on the web at www.allaireelderlaw.com. If you have a question, send a note to Attorney Halley C. Allaire and your question may be discussed in a future column.