There are no easy answers when dealing with aging loved ones. There are also limitless topics we could discuss. Here, I only address one: the need for communication. There are so many issues that are difficult to discuss as families and loved ones age. Old patterns of communication, old rivalries, assumptions can all get in the way.
But, even though these discussions will be hard, it is so vital to try your best to have them. If you are young (or young-ish) and there is an aging person close to you, do you know things like:
- who are all of their professionals (their doctors, lawyer, broker, home health aid, etc.)
- where do they keep important things (such as wills, lists of medications, contact numbers, keys, combinations, etc)
- who has signing authority (on checks and invoices and other financial stuff, who can sign?)
- what are their preferences (regarding health care, end of life care, etc.)
You can't get to all of this, and other, information all at once. It takes time. Maybe years. But the sooner you and other family members can have open discussions about these types of things, the easier your lives will all be down the road.
Good luck and peace!
But, even though these discussions will be hard, it is so vital to try your best to have them. If you are young (or young-ish) and there is an aging person close to you, do you know things like:
- who are all of their professionals (their doctors, lawyer, broker, home health aid, etc.)
- where do they keep important things (such as wills, lists of medications, contact numbers, keys, combinations, etc)
- who has signing authority (on checks and invoices and other financial stuff, who can sign?)
- what are their preferences (regarding health care, end of life care, etc.)
You can't get to all of this, and other, information all at once. It takes time. Maybe years. But the sooner you and other family members can have open discussions about these types of things, the easier your lives will all be down the road.
Good luck and peace!
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