Watching parents age can make you worry. Many adult children have concerns about their parents’ finances, health, and lack of plans for their future care needs. If you have these things on your mind, so do your parents. Putting off the conversation will only add to everyone’s stress.
A carefully considered discussion will show respect and honor your parents independence. Be sure to involve family members who should be part of the conversation. Most importantly, support the fact that these are their decisions and their lives.
To start:
• Consider why you want to have the conversation. What would benefit everyone involved? What is a best-case scenario?
• Put yourself in their shoes. Can they still do the things they want to do? Let them know you want to help them retain independence and control.
• The idea that you know what is best for them is neither true nor helpful. Listen to their concerns.
• Keep in mind that seniors want to feel secure and maintain personal freedom. They want to make their own choices and have friends to interact with. Help them to address these concerns and the conversation should be much easier.
Pfalzgraf, Beinhauer & Menzies, the only local law firm that focuses solely on elder law and estate planning, can help. We help you navigate the legal, financial and medical issues that arise and devise a plan for your parents as they age to ensure the future they envision.
Don’t wait for a crisis to begin the conversation. What are your parents doing this weekend?