Fiduciary Services
Decades provides services that help individuals and families with medical and financial decision making. Individuals often select Decades to step into the decision making role, immediately or at some point in the future, either for themselves or for the benefit of a loved one. If you currently act in the role of decision maker for a family member, Decades may step into that role on a temporary, as-needed basis. These services are specific to the need of an elder and their families
A fiduciary is a person who has a legal and ethical duty to act in the best interests of another person. Decades may act as a corporate fiduciary or agent to a family member who is the appointed fiduciary for health care, finances, or both. Specific services can include:
- Power of Attorney (Springing)
- Substitute Decision Maker
- Respite Care Monitoring
The following services are offered at either an hourly rate or at a pre-determined rate with an hourly fee for additional services. Please contact the Decades office to discuss rates.
Power of Attorney (Springing)
When completing estate planning documents, many adults consider naming a corporate fiduciary, such as Decades, as their Durable Power of Attorney (finances) or Medical Power of Attorney. Decades maintains an original copy of the documents in their files in the event that the individual may need to call upon Decades to "spring" into the role of decision maker. Generally, Decades will not provide service until either an incapacity requires it or the individual requests it.
In order to be named in this capacity, Decades requires a formal "set-up" process be completed. In the event that an acute event requires immediate action on Decades' part, our staff must be equipped with the information necessary to make medical and/or financial decisions. This set up includes a review of your medical history and current status, the completion of a Values History, and/or a review of your financial statement. This set-up is billed out at an initial pre-determined fee, and an hourly rate is added when Decades becomes required to step in and begin service.
Substitute Decision Maker
Family members who are currently active in the role of Power of Attorney for an elder may engage Decades on a temporary basis to step in as the medical and/or financial decision maker. This service allows you the opportunity to leave town and feel assured your loved one will be attended to should the need arise.
This services requires the initial set-up referred to above which allows the Decades staff to step into the role of decision maker if needed. In addition, a minimum fee, and possible hourly fees are charged while you are out of town.
Respite Care Monitoring
While serving in the capacity of Substitute Decision Maker, a Decades staff member will visit your loved on while you are out of town and will interface with care providers, both at a predetermined rate. If Decades is required to provide additional services during your time away, the hourly rate for care management services will apply.
Please note that in the State of New Mexico, a tax on services is imposed at the rate of 6.875%. This tax will be assessed on all predetermined and hourly rates, then added to the monthly billing statements.