Have you discussed a long-term care plan with your parents?

Some parents insist on going into assisted living as soon as possible. They may have taken care of a parent or other ailing family member and refuse to pass that responsibility on to you. Other parents may feel an aversion to the thought of going into nursing homes and may even make you promise to never place them in one.

At some point, however, you need to decide what the future may hold. The sooner you have the conversation, the less awkward it may feel, so try not to procrastinate.

What should you include?

The long-term care plan for your parents should include more than just whether they enter nursing homes. Tackling other aspects of that plan may make them more open to the discussion when it circles back to that point. Forbes recommends adding these to your to-discuss list:

  • Life insurance policies
  • Health insurance
  • Savings accounts
  • Living arrangements
  • Transportation

How can you help them see the positives?

People often look forward to aging with dread, and your parents might too. However, all the free time ahead during retirement can feel like pure bliss. It presents opportunities to relax, reflect and pursue hobbies. Parents may also get to re-form a bond with their children, grandchildren or old friends. It may prove helpful to focus on some of the positives of getting older instead of only the problems that need fixing.

It may take several attempts to get your parents to open up about planning for the future. Exercise patience and perseverance. In time, they may come to see the wisdom in your efforts.

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Kevin Tharpe

With 25 years of experience, Kevin understands how estate planning, special needs planning, and government benefits programs work together. This is a crucial element of a thorough plan. He explains your eligibility for benefits programs and ensures that you do not make costly mistakes that may disqualify you or deplete your assets.

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