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Planning ahead2 min read

The paperwork checklist: what to have, where it comes from

The documents that come up again and again, what each one is for, and who helps you get it. Information only; an attorney or doctor handles the parts that need one.

Written and reviewed by Cardinal Care Advisors, Buffalo, New York. Published September 26, 2026.

For me as a caregiverChoosing senior living

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Decision documents

These decide who can speak and sign if the person cannot. The details are legal and medical questions for professionals; this is only what each one is.

  • Health care proxy: names someone to make health decisions. New York has a state form (DOH-1430) with instructions; it needs two adult witnesses.
  • Power of attorney: names someone to handle money and legal matters. New York has a statutory form with specific signing rules. An elder law attorney is the right person to prepare it.
  • MOLST: a medical order about treatments like CPR, for people with serious illness. A physician or nurse practitioner completes and signs it with the person.
  • Living will: written wishes about treatment. Useful alongside a proxy, not instead of one.
  • Will: for the estate. An attorney.

Everyday papers

  • Photo ID, Medicare card, any supplement or Medicare Advantage card, Medicaid card, drug plan card.
  • A current medication list with doses and the pharmacy.
  • Doctors' names and numbers.
  • Long-term care insurance policy, if any, and the claim phone number.
  • Veteran discharge papers (DD-214), if a veteran.
  • A list of bank accounts, pensions, and monthly bills, kept somewhere safe.
  • A HIPAA release form from each doctor's office, so the office can talk to you.
Originals in one safe place that the proxy and the power of attorney both know about.

Where to keep them

Originals in one safe place that the proxy and the power of attorney both know about. Copies where they are needed: the proxy with the doctor and hospital, the medication list in a wallet. In CarePair, upload them once to the vault; they are encrypted and shared only when you send an application.

Who helps

Elder law attorneys for the power of attorney, will, and Medicaid planning. The doctor for MOLST. The county Office for the Aging can point to free or low-cost legal help for older adults. Cardinal does not give legal advice, but your advisor can suggest names.

Official sources

These open another website. We link only to government agencies and established nonprofits.

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We will send "The paperwork checklist: what to have, where it comes from" with a link to the page. They do not need an account.

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General information for families in Western New York, written by Cardinal Care Advisors. Not medical or legal advice; a physician, an elder law attorney, or a licensed assessor decides the things that need deciding. Tell us if something here is wrong or out of date: hello@thecardinalgroup.org.

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