Those with elderly parents are rightfully concerned about the possible need for long term care and for obtaining government assistance to keep those parents at home, or at a minimum in the least restrictive environment. So before a crisis develops, here are some ideas on how to approach these sensitive matters. To begin, it’s important if at all possible to have the whole family, parents and children on the same page. Having a discussion with the whole family could be very helpful. Subjects to discuss are where parents would like to live if one of them needs significant care. Home is ideal if the layout is safe, so that use of stairs is minimal or not needed, as falling is the single biggest reason many are forced to move from their home. The second issue is to decide who will be the main person in charge of finances and medical decision making if the parent becomes incapable of making those decisions. For that, it is vital to get a health care directive, often called a living will, and a full power of attorney in place with at least one reliable family member in charge, and at least one or more backups if that reliable family member is no longer able to act due to health issues or death.
