It can be difficult to watch a loved one grow older and try to handle difficult and unavoidable obstacles on their own. As an adult yourself, though, you have the ability to provide valuable assistance to your aging parent.
When matters of health and the law become too overwhelming, it is important for adult children of aging parents to understand what kind of help they can provide.
How can adult children help with long-term care planning?
There comes a time when an elderly individual with one or more health conditions might not be able to live comfortably in their own home without constant assistance. It is at this time that you should start discussing assisted living or residency in a nursing home. Open and honest communication can help this difficult conversation go smoothly, and you can also involve experienced third parties such as your family physician, social workers and legal professionals to help explain your loved one’s options and address their concerns objectively.
How can adult children help with estate planning?
It is in the best interest of your aging parent and the family as a whole to understand where your parent stands in regard to their estate plan. The lack of a will can result in property not passing on as your parent wishes. In addition to communicating the importance of a will, you might also talk to your aging parent about granting power of attorney to a trusted family member in preparation for unforeseen circumstances.
Caring for an elderly loved one can be an emotional journey for the whole family, but you can prepare for any eventuality by building a care team consisting of beloved family members as well as professionals with the medical, psychological and legal knowledge to provide your aging parent with the help they need.