The holiday season brings families together, making it an ideal time to check in on how your aging parents are doing – both in terms of health and planning for the future. As an estate planning attorney, I often see families who wait too long to address important health and financial matters. A little attention now can prevent major problems later.
Here are some practical steps to take when visiting your parents:
- Look for safety hazards at home. Check for loose rugs, poor lighting, or other items that could cause falls. Unopened mail or unpaid bills may indicate they’re struggling with daily tasks.
- Check their food supply. Make sure the pantry and fridge are stocked with healthy food. Unintentional weight loss or spoiled food may signal that extra help around the house is needed.
- Review medications and doctors. Make a list of all prescriptions and get contact information for their primary care physicians. This ensures you can help manage their health if needed.
- Keep important information handy. Note vehicle license numbers and other essential details in case of emergencies.
- Talk about planning for the future. Discuss advance healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents. If your parents don’t have these, I can help guide your family in creating them to ensure their wishes are protected and their future is secure.
The holidays are more than a time for celebration – they’re a chance to ensure your parents are safe, cared for, and prepared for whatever the future may bring.
At Cheever Law, APC, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. The Life & Legacy Planning Session will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a 15-minute introductory call today.