It’s never too early to make a plan for aging loved ones. People often avoid making plans for their parents as they get older because typically it involves some difficult conversations and decisions.
- Do Your Homework: Before you meet with your loved one, do some prep work. Create a checklist of what you want to discuss. Determine who from your family should be involved in the planning. Outline any concerns you have about your parents physical or emotional health or living situation.
- Talk To Your Loved One: Once you find a good time to talk to your parents, make sure you listen to what they want rather than bringing them a plan. It’s okay if you don’t make it through all of your questions in one sitting. Just be sure to continue the conversation.
- Create A Plan: Taking the needs of your loved one into account, create a plan for care. Make sure your plan addresses health, finances, transportation and living needs.
- Get Started: Begin to check off items in your plan. Consider researching caregivers, home maintenance companies or grocery delivery services so that you have them ready when needed.