Having aging parents is difficult on different levels. You have to switch roles, watch your parents change, and there are certain talks to have with your aging parents. These talks will be stressful to have, but ultimately save you stress in the long run. It will also show that you respect what your parent wants.
5 Tough Talks to Have With Your Aging Parents
By having these talks, it lessens the burden on you and your parents. You will no longer have to make all the decisions. Have these 5 talks as soon as you can.
1. The Financial Talk
As uncomfortable as it is, you need to know your parents’ financial situation. You need to ask them and yourself questions like: Do they have enough money to live on? Do they have enough for the future? Is there a reliable power of attorney that will handle their financial decisions when they can’t? Do they have a will?
2. The Health Care Talk
Check in on their health. Are there any conditions they have that you don’t know about? What medications do they take? Do they have a health care power of attorney?
3. The Aging Talk
You need to accept that your parents are going to get older. What happens if they need significant care? Do they want to age in their home? What other living options have they considered?
4. The End of Life Talk
What are their wishes? Do they have advance medical directives or a living will? Do they know what they want to happen to them after they pass?
5. The Family Legacy Talk
What do they want you to remember about them? What are the family stories, treasured recipes, and heirlooms to pass to future generations?
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