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<h2>Contact us</h2>
<p style="color: #fff;">Questions? Contact us at Burroughs Elijah Attorneys</p>
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706.364.3764
14 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK AGING PARENTS THIS HOLIDAY
About 45 percent of adults say they plan to travel for the holidays, per The
Vacationer.
With multiple generations getting together for holiday meals, gift exchanges and
quality time, these annual gatherings present an opportunity to broach sensitive
but important topics with your aging loved ones. By communicating with them and
knowing their wishes, you can help them plan for their future.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN AGING
Understanding how the older adults in your life feel about certain issues – such
as where they want to live and what kind of care they would like to receive as
they continue to age – can help you provide appropriate support. Having these
discussions can also help your loved ones reflect on their goals and consider
making plans before there is a crisis.
If your family member still needs to meet with an estate planner, you can also
suggest taking this step. Connect them with a qualified elder law or estate
planning attorney in their area.
According to a 2023 Wills and Estate Planning Survey, two out of three Americans
have yet to make an estate plan and do not have any estate planning documents.
Such documents can include a will, power of attorney, portable medical order, or
advance directive. Barriers to estate planning include procrastination and not
believing one has enough assets.
Yet, while we often think of estate planning as making wills and determining who
receives assets, it is an integral part of preparing for old age. It encompasses
housing and long-term care, financial planning, medical care, and insurance.
Creating an estate plan involves making decisions about how people would like to
live and receive care as they age.
Most people could benefit from this type of planning (no matter what their age).
Talking with your loved ones can be an initial step to help them develop a plan
that preserves their autonomy in old age.
WHAT TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR OLDER LOVED ONES
As the holidays get underway, prompt your family members to start thinking about
their future. You may encourage them to consider the following topics and
questions.
HOUSING OPTIONS
AARP reports that 77 percent of adults 50 and older want to age in place instead
of moving into senior living. Yet remaining at home poses safety concerns for
many families, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Older adults may eventually need help with activities of daily living (ADLs),
household tasks, mobility, meals, health care, and transportation. Families may
be able to provide caregiving or explore in-home services. Others may choose
assisted living.
The following questions may help to spark meaningful discussions between you and
your aging loved ones.
1. Where do they want to live? Do they want to live at home as they get older,
or would they prefer to reside in a senior living community?
2. If they would like to stay at home, is the residence adaptable to any
potential mobility difficulties they may face down the road?
3. What kind of additional support might they need?
4. Who will help with their activities of daily living and household chores
such as preparing meals or cutting the grass?
HEALTH CARE PREFERENCES
Health challenges often accompany aging. According to the National Council on
Aging, 95 percent of adults 60 and older have at least one chronic condition.
As the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, dementia affects many older
adults, per the World Health Organization. The National Institute of Health
reports that one in seven Americans age 71 and older have dementia.
Older adults should think about and communicate their health care wishes with
their families before an adverse health event occurs. The following questions
can help families begin these difficult discussions.
1. Do they have a power of attorney or living will, or are they planning to
create one?
2. What would make life continue to be worthwhile for them if they were to
become frail, ill, or develop dementia?
3. Would they want medical care to prolong their life if they have a terminal,
incurable illness?
4. If they fell ill, would they prefer to pass away at home in hospice or in a
medical setting?
PERSONAL VALUES
Having a clear picture of what someone would value most at the end of their life
can help families provide support. Erik Erickson’s stage theory of psychosocial
development suggests that older adults living in line with their personal values
may feel peace, wisdom, and acceptance.
Physical and cognitive decline associated with aging can jeopardize autonomy.
This is why knowing your loved ones’ values and wishes can help you more
effectively support their independence. They should have a plan in place for
end-of-life decisions so that, if necessary, you or another surrogate
decision-maker can make choices that reflect their wishes.
These questions present a good starting point.
1. What does your loved one believe they will come to value most as they grow
older?
2. Is religious or community involvement important?
3. What do they define as a good life?
4. What do they feel would be most essential to them in their final years?
5. What kind of funeral or memorial service would they envision for themselves?
6. Have they thought about passing certain sentimental items, such as photo
albums and jewelry, to certain family members?
CONSULT WITH YOUR ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
As you and your loved ones work together to begin addressing these topics, have
them consult with your estate planning attorney. They can help create a
framework for autonomy in older age, working with the adult to develop a plan.
CONTACT US
Questions? Contact us at Burroughs Elijah Attorneys
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Burroughs Elijah Attorneys
Phone: 706.364.3764
https://burroughselijah.com