Every year the optimistic and energetic among us makes New Years resolutions. My experience with older adults is that most have goals and objectives for the coming year. I have a few suggestions. One of the obstacles that caregivers and other professional helpers run into is the task of trying to do what they think is the right thing, for someone who can’t make their wishes known. I had more than one conversation this week about what steps can be taken to direct someone’s estate after he passes, and about what decisions a person wants made for his ongoing care. It can all be written down. It should all be written down! If you don’t know what exactly needs to be done, and don’t have a lawyer, they periodically make themselves available at Jack Crippen Senior Center in El Monte. They’re the lawyers at Bet Tzedek. They are first rate, knowledgeable and have no vested interest in what you do with your stuff. They just want you to get a plan on paper. Bet Tzedek just published a guide for caregivers with all sorts of information on conservatorship, advance directives, benefits and so forth. Anyone who needs care, or knows someone who might, should have this book. They have other guides too. I have made use of Caring for a Relative’s Child and given out a few copies of the Nursing Home and Assisted Living Companions. They can be downloaded at www.bettzedek.org at the “publications” link. For anyone out there that doesn’t speak Hebrew, Bet Tzedek means “House of Justice.” They won’t do services like divorce and personal injury cases. They want to help low income LA County residents who need legal help. If your resolution is to get your affairs in order, this is a good place to start. Shalom and Happy New Year!