GENTIAN NAVIGATOR | WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF ME?
- Gentian Financial
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 53 minutes ago
A comprehensive guide to protecting independence, dignity, and support as life changes.
MEET JANET
Janet had always been the reliable one. She organized family gatherings, managed details, showed up when others needed help. Caring for people came naturally to her - it was part of her identity. Then her sister fell.
A simple slip. A fractured hip. Suddenly, independence disappeared overnight.
Janet watched her sister struggle not just with recovery, but with the emotional weight of needing help — rides, meals, decisions, paperwork. What struck Janet most wasn’t the injury. It was the uncertainty. Who knew what to do? Who was in charge? What decisions mattered — and when?
Driving home one evening, Janet realized she had never asked herself the same questions she was now answering for someone else. She wasn’t afraid of needing help one day. She was afraid of chaos, confusion, and burdening the people she loved.
What she wanted was clarity. A plan. A way to remain independent as long as possible — and supported when necessary.
The real question became: “How do I make sure care, decisions, and dignity are protected — no matter what changes?”
"How do I make sure care, decisions, and dignity are protected — no matter what changes?"
WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS
A proactive, compassionate guide to planning for future care — defining who will help, how decisions will be made, and how independence can be preserved through life’s changes.
A CHECKLIST: To help you ask helpful questions.
Support Network
☐ Who are the first three people I would call?
☐ Are they willing and able to help?
☐ Do they live nearby or at a distance?
☐ Are backups identified?
Decision Authority
☐ Medical power of attorney in place
☐ Financial power of attorney in place
☐ Decision-makers understand my values
☐ Documents are current and accessible
Care Preferences
☐ Preferences for in-home care
☐ Preferences for assisted living or care communities
☐ Medical and end-of-life wishes clarified
☐ Hospital and provider preferences noted
Home & Safety
☐ Home can support mobility changes
☐ Safety upgrades identified
☐ Transportation alternatives planned
Financial Preparation
☐ Care costs estimated
☐ Insurance or funding strategy identified
☐ Financial accounts easy for others to manage
Communication
☐ Family informed of roles and expectations
☐ Advisor aware of care plan
☐ Written instructions exist in plain language
COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLAN
Identify your “Circle of Three” helpers
Clarify care and medical preferences
Review and update decision documents
Create an emergency and care file
Assess home safety and adaptability
Research local care resources
Estimate care costs realistically
Communicate intentions with family
Write a “Future Me” letter
Review annually
WHAT TO DO NOW
Today
Write down the names of your Circle of Three
This Month
Review powers of attorney.
Assemble an emergency care file.
Walk through your home for safety.
This Year
Revisit care plans as health and relationships evolve.
Schedule a Conversation: Meet with your Gentian team to align care planning with financial security.
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gentian@raymondjames.com | 12740 N River Road, Mequon Wi 53092 | PH 262-518-7575
Any opinions are those of Gentian Financial and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. Hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. and Gentian Financial Inc. Gentian Financial, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.