Aging Parents

Talking to your parents about financial and health issues can be difficult. However the best time to discuss these important topics is while your parents are still well and thinking clearly.  Professionals agree that the best method to establishing an open dialogue is to set a date and invite your siblings to help in the task at hand.  Planning is vital, many families are unprepared to handle challenging situations that arise with aging parents.

Here are some of the items that need to be reviewed with your parents to insure that their wishes are followed in the case they become incapacitated and are unable to make sound decisions. 

• Do you have an updated will?
• Do you have a durable power of attorney for health care?
• Do you have adequate health insurance?
• Where are you important documents?
• Last will and testament.
• Power of attorney
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Military records
• Financial records (savings, investments, checking accounts, etc.)

Once the abovementioned items have been identified, then your parents will need to determine who will handle their finances in the event of a debilitating event that renders them helpless. Letting parents decide on the level of care and intervention they receive in a medical emergency will give them piece of mind.  It is recommended to hire legal professionals to assist preparing all pertinent documents.

After the legal documents have been prepared and health care issues have been decided then seek their input on funeral arrangements. Although it is not always a pleasant subject to talk about, reality is we all will die at sometime.  Get your parents to answer specific questions and have them write down their requests regarding their funeral ceremony or service, burial or cremation.  This will help to ensure that their final wishes will be carried out and it will reduce any possible disagreements among siblings.

The Legacy Kit provides in depth preparation for funeral planning and can be purchased now and shipped free for only $29.95.

Aging Parents