As your parents age, you may have to start to make decisions about a parent’s health care or living situation. This can be challenging, partly because you may not know what to expect or what your parents want.
Preparing early for these evolving circumstances can help to reduce the confusion of the situation. It can also give you a chance to learn about your parent’s wishes while they can still communicate them to you.
Start with a calm conversation
One of the first things you should do is to have a calm conversation with your parents. Discuss their finances, healthcare plans and living arrangement wishes. While these might be sensitive topics, they’re likely going to be easier to discuss when there’s not an emergency looming. You may need to take notes so you can ensure you remember what was discussed and what your parent wants.
Get the plan in writing
There are certain documents that you should ensure are in place while your parent still has the mental capacity to get them done. These include things like a will, power of attorney designations and advance directives. All of these documents will allow your parent to outline their wishes and who they want to assume responsibility in re: ensuring that they’re upheld.
Determine ideal living conditions
It can be difficult to think about your parent having to go into a long-term care facility, but it’s best to discuss that possibility before the decision has to be made. Discussing where your parent wants to live if they can’t remain at home may be beneficial as a result.
These conversations aren’t easy, but they can help you to plan for the future while giving your parents a meaningful say in what happens next.
