[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]
In many families, matters related to long-term care & estate planning are often among those that are dreaded and avoided. There comes a certain point, however, when such conversations are necessary such as when adult children notice the physical and/or mental health decline of a parent.
As family members come together to celebrate the holidays, many are traveling from far away and even those who are local may be busy with their own families. In cases where children have concerns about a parent’s wellbeing and plans for long-term care, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to broach the subject with a parent. As with most difficult conversations, it’s always best to come from a place of concern and love and to impress upon a parent the shared concerns about their safety.
How the conversation proceeds will depend largely on a parent’s own self-awareness, his or her mental state and the urgency with which children feel action needs to be taken. For example, if a parent has started showing worrisome signs of serious dementia, it may no longer be safe for him or her to driver or live alone. In cases where concerns aren’t as immediate, such a conversation may simply be used to raise concerns and start the conversation about what comes next.
In cases where a parent hasn’t taken steps to establish a long-term care plan or where children want to investigate how to gain guardianship of a parent, it’s important to consult with an estate planning attorney. Even in cases where a parent may have an existing long-term care plan, revisions or updates may be necessary and an attorney can assist in helping ensure that a plan is complete and takes all related matters into account.
Source: The Street, “Estate Planning Over Thanksgiving? Time to Talk Turkey,” Jason Notte, Nov. 9, 2015
Additional resources provided by the author
For more information, please contact probate and estate planning attorney Regina Kiperman:
Phone: 917-261-4514
Email: rkiperman@rklawny.com
Or visit her at her new location:
80 Maiden Lane
Suite 304
New York, NY 10038
This post is made available by the lawyer for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the lawyer. The post should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]