Your role as parent has meant a lifetime of caring for your children. As you age, though, those roles are sometimes reversed, and your children may find themselves in the role of caregiver. Before you reach that critical turning point, it’s a good idea to make your children aware of your end-of-life choices. While it may be a somewhat difficult conversation to have, it will equip you and your children for the future.
Having this discussion with your children now emphasizes three important points. It establishes your financial position now and in the future. It helps you work together to make the living arrangements you prefer. You’ll establish the parameters of the medical care and end-of-life choices you choose. As you plan your conversation with your children, make sure you touch on these important points:
- Bring your children up to date on any health challenges you might be experiencing. Let them know who you plan to appoint as your healthcare advocate and clearly define what that role entails and what your choices and preferences are.
- Talk to your family about the state of your finances. Discuss what you are equipped to pay for, what you may need help paying for, and the current and future costs of long-term senior care.
- Do you prefer to remain in your current home, live with one of your children, or retire to a senior living community? Let your children know your preferences as part of this conversation.
- Make your children aware of your important legal papers, where they are stored, and the name of your attorney.
- Point out what insurance policies you currently carry and the location of your insurance papers.
- Finally, discuss your burial plans and your preferences for the disposition of your assets and location of your will.
Having “the other talk” with your adult children does two important things. It makes them fully aware and informed, which can prevent stress at a difficult time. It also gives you the opportunity to ensure your paperwork and documentation are in order.
Take charge of the end of your life now. Contact us today for a consultation. The experienced attorneys at Grissom Law, LLC have the resources and skills you need to create a living will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Our consultation coupled with an open, heartfelt conversation with your children can equip you with more than legal security. It can provide you with peace of mind.
Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and Grissom Law, LLC.