Many clients in an Elder Law practice are adult children concerned about or in the throws of helping their parents with their life transitions. They know full well how complicated this stage of their lives and their parents’ lives can get. Financial concerns and incapacity issues may be fraying their relationship with their parents, and their growing concern is creating tension, worry, and sometimes conflict – How they will assist their aging parents successfully in a respectful way and with as little family drama as possible?
When parents are still living at home but needing some assistance, it can be difficult for the adult children to know when and how to step in to keep their parents safe, comfortable, and healthy. Parents aren’t always communicative with their concerns (pride, fear, confusion, and denial can all play a part). And, quite simply, parents aren’t always happy about when or how their children or other caretakers start to insert themselves. Don’t forget, from your parents’ perspective, it’s often quite a shock to have the roles reversed. Give them plenty of room to make the necessary adjustments, but don’t be surprised if you meet with resistance and anger, even defiance. Social workers and elder law mediation are just two very helpful tools in trying to manage these transitions with your parents’ well-being and best interests in mind.
A recent article caught my eye – I thought it might interest some of my readers because of its good advice on family dynamics, things to look for, and hints for assisting with the transition to caretaker. I also thought it may inspire an opportunity for adult children and parents alike to evaluate their legal planning checklists. Planning in advance with health care directives, powers of attorney, and other legal documents can offer so much more flexibility and efficiency in caring for your parents, not to mention peace of mind for your parents. Contact an attorney who can assist you in evaluating your family’s situation and drafting important legal documentation of your parents’ needs, plans, and wishes.
Here’s a link to the article: “When Should You Step In to Help Your Parents?” by Eileen Beal (July 14, 2014).
As I mentioned above, this article inspires me to add my thoughts on the three most important legal documents an individual may need, and/or an opportunity to revisit the ones you already have in place to ensure they address your current needs and issues:
- Power of Attorney
- Health Care Directive
- Will and/or Trust
Obviously, “one size” does not “fit all,” so I will remind everyone that each person’s family circumstances, economic situation, and long-term care plans will not be the same. Therefore, each individual has unique legal needs. If you want to know more about the above mentioned basic legal documents, why they’re important, what can happen if you don’t create them when you are able, or, if you want to know more about elder law mediation, check out archives from Decoro Law Office’s legal blog: www.legallymade.com There are a number of entries that can give you more information.