Dear Friend,

It’s one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever face — but it’s one most people don’t plan for until it’s too late.

When do you hand over the keys?

And I don’t just mean your car keys — though that’s a big one. I’m talking about all the keys that represent independence:

  • The keys to your house
  • Control over your finances
  • The ability to make medical decisions
  • Even the keys to small, everyday tasks like paying bills or scheduling appointments

Aging brings wisdom, yes. But it also brings physical and mental changes that can make once-simple tasks harder — and sometimes dangerous.

So the real question is: When do you plan for it?

Because here’s the thing — if you don’t plan for how and when you’ll hand over those keys, someone else will make that decision for you. And it may not go the way you’d want.

The Driving Dilemma — When Is It Time to Stop?

Let’s start with the most obvious “key” — the one to your car.

For many seniors, giving up driving feels like giving up freedom. But as we age, even the best drivers can struggle with:

  • Slower reaction times
  • Diminished vision
  • Hearing loss
  • And sometimes, lapses in memory or focus

I’ve worked with families where a senior kept driving well past when they should have — leading to accidents that could have been avoided, and also law suits that could have been avoided.

The solution? Create a Driving Transition Plan now, while you’re still in control.

  • Decide on clear signs that it’s time to stop driving — whether it’s a certain age, a medical diagnosis, or even just too many close calls.
  • Identify alternative transportation methods — public transport, rideshare apps, or family support.
  • And most importantly — communicate your plan with loved ones so there’s no confusion or resentment when the time comes.

The Other Keys You Need to Think About

Driving is just the beginning. There are plenty of other “keys” that seniors need to plan for as they age.

  1. The Keys to Your Home:
  • When do you transition from independent living to assisted living or even a nursing facility?
  • Are there modifications you can make to stay in your home longer (grab bars, ramps, etc.)?
  • Have you considered in-home care services if mobility becomes an issue?
  1. The Keys to Your Finances:
  • At some point, managing bills, investments, and taxes can become overwhelming — or even risky if cognitive decline sets in.
  • Establish powers of attorney now, so someone you trust can step in when needed.
  • Set up automatic bill payments and simplify financial accounts to reduce the risk of errors or fraud.
  1. The Keys to Your Health:
  • Do you have an advance healthcare directive in place that outlines your wishes for medical care?
  • Have you chosen a healthcare proxy — someone who can make decisions if you’re unable?
  • Are you keeping up with regular medical check-ups and screenings to stay ahead of any issues?

Why Planning Now Gives You More Control Later

Here’s the thing — none of us want to think about losing our independence. But planning for it doesn’t take away control — it actually gives you more control.

When you plan ahead, you’re the one deciding:

  • When you give up the car keys
  • Who will manage your finances
  • What type of care you want if you can’t speak for yourself

If you wait too long, those decisions will be made for you — often in the middle of a crisis, when emotions are high and options are limited.

A Real-Life Story — The Good and the Bad

I once worked with two different families dealing with aging parents — and the difference between them was night and day.

Family One had planned ahead. The father had outlined exactly when he wanted to stop driving, who would handle his finances, and what kind of care he wanted later in life. When he was diagnosed with dementia, the family followed his plan step-by-step. There were no fights, no legal issues, and most importantly — no guessing about what he would have wanted.

Family Two? They hadn’t planned at all. When the mother’s health started declining, her kids were left scrambling. There were heated arguments about whether she should keep driving. One sibling tried to gain control of her finances without the others’ knowledge. In the end, it took a court-appointed guardian to sort things out — and it tore the family apart.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Make These Decisions

It’s never too early to plan — but it can be too late.

At Bascom Law, I help families create estate plans that cover not just what happens after you pass away — but what happens as you age. From healthcare directives to financial planning and everything in between, I’ll help you put a plan in place so you stay in control, no matter what the future holds.

Call me today at 770-285-5493 to schedule a consultation.

Because the best time to hand over the keys is when you still have the power to do it on your terms.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike Bascom
Bascom Law, PC