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!