Having Difficult Conversations With Your Parents Made Easy…Well, Easier 

Having difficult conversations with your aging parents can be hard. Whether that discussion is about something simple, such as starting to think about downsizing, or more complex discussions about health plans, moving to a senior living community, or estate planning, it can be uncomfortable. 

We can help.

Having “The Talk” With Your Parents

So, the time has come. Time to have “the talk”. No, not that talk. It’s time to talk to your parents about senior living. First, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. If you haven’t already considered whether it is time for your parents to move, check out our guide for what to look for in a home, signals your parents may be showing in their physical or mental well-being, and signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

Here are the highlights of having this conversation.

• Prepare for the conversation in advance
• Keep the conversation positive
• Keep the conversation positive
• Take notes
• LISTEN to each other.

We have a complete guide to having this conversation. You can check it out here.

How to Talk to Aging Parents About Estate Planning

Now that you’ve had that first tough conversation with your parents, it may be time to broach a more complicated and touchy subject: estate planning. Discussing money with your folks may seem like an insurmountable task, but it is important to have the discussions as everyone prepares for the future. We asked our friends at Collins and Kruse Law Office for guidance. They agree that while this conversation may be uncomfortable, “avoiding the conversation doesn’t protect them, it leaves them vulnerable.”

So why are these financial discussions so important to have? Mostly, because not having a plan in place could cause a variety of problems for your family, including:

• Court delays
• Lost assets to long-term care
• Family conflict
• No access in a medical emergency

Collins and Kruse recommend structuring your conversation as such: 

• Start with why, not what
• Share a real story
• Ask, don’t tell
• Be ready to listen
• Offer to help-but don’t be pushy. 

Visit the Colling and Kruse website for more about having this important conversation.

Wrap Up

As your parents age, having difficult and more complex conversations with them can seem daunting. While we’re not offering legal advice here, consider this guide as a place to start. Being open, honest, and caring will go a long way to having successful conversations with your parents about complex topics. 

*For legal advice, please seek the advice of an attorney.