For those of us without family - Who will take care of you ?

@azdesertgirl I’m sorry to hear of your ill health from PTSD and your worry for your 3 cats.

So many helpful and varied things in your post including decluttering, collating your medical information and making it easily accessible, having an automated phone check in etc.

I am alone with my 2 dogs and while I do have family and friends there are limits to what you can ask/expect - especially with those also getting older themselves and also with their own health and fitness challenges.

So important to do as you’re doing and planning ahead as much as you can.

I am lucky that I have financial resources behind me which does make it easier to engage help. I do need to think more about what I need to get organised for when my cancer comes back

@olman Your last doctor visit left you “needing” more answers, but as you say, part of them weren’t even listening to you. Holistic or Western medicine, don’t have all the answers, especially in the area of mental health expertise. I say this from my own experience.
I am trying to have a more spiritual approach to life focusing on the simple things I can be grateful for. It’s hard to make that transition, boy do I know.
Gratitude is my goal although I’m busying completing other tasks that get in the way.
I have bought the latest best seller novel to escape in. The weather where I live is perfect to go for a walk. Going out to dinner with a friend or by myself awaits. Do any of these things bring you joy? Diet and exercise are important, but not what you really needed to hear.
Find something today that makes you feel alive and grateful. I will try to do the same. Prayer and positive affirmations can go a long way for having emotional safety in a difficult situation. Peace be with you. Hugs

@olman Contact the Patent Office in DC.

I am an elder orphan. I am wondering who to list as my emergency contact.

@jamessaxo

This is not a long term solution.

@jip499 social service organizations may be able to connect you with a lawyer to solve this…you will really want to trust whoever it is…beware of people who can do you financial harm.

I am in a similar situation. I don't have an abundance of resources and I am aging, for the most part, alone. I often am afraid of what will happen to me. Will someone find me just roaming the streets one day. Any positive feedback would be appreciated.

Is there an Estate Lawyer you could talk to. Check with friends or neighbors to see if they have one.

In my modest town there are a few fiduciary firms who take over dealing with the interests and care of elders who have no family. I'm not going to name firms, because I'm not going to recommend any firm over any others; I don't know enough about the individual firms to do that. They are required by law to look after their clients' best interest. A friend of mine was a partner in one such firm until she retired a few years ago. She found elder housing for clients, paid their bills, checked in on them, took care of myriad odds and ends. It does cost, but when no one else is available, there are firms who do this work. You might check with an elder law attorney for info in your location on what options are available. Good luck.

We have the same problem. Make and keep as many friends as you can, some of them may outlive you! Re: an executor for your will, your lawyer will likely do it for you. At least you’ll know there will be no arguments between relatives when the will is “read”.