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The responsibility of caring for an elderly person often falls upon an adult child.  Although it is a difficult discussion to have, one of the best ways to avoid conflict and drama is to have a conversation about the parent's needs and wishes before a crisis occurs.  

The primary question to ask is,"If something should happen to you and you are no longer able to care for yourself, who do you want to care for you, and how do you want them to pay for it?" 

Asking these questions can open the door to many conversations about assets and end-of-life decisions.  There are numerous professionals who can help protect wealth, including long-term care insurance sales agents, elder law and estate planning attorneys.

There is also a fabulous organization in Oregon that helps people who have limited resources. SHIBA - the Senior Health and Insurance Benefit Agency has a combination of state employees and a large cadre of volunteers who can help people wade through the Medicare and Medicaid maze. They guide people who have very few assets find long-term care.  

Even though the topics about a person's incapacity and death can be difficult and depressing, it is one of the most important discussions we can have with the people we love, and doing it ahead of time can save a lot of drama and emotional upset when something happens.  

posted 4 years ago
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