At some point in their lives, parents and adult children will face the challenge of talking about the financial issues associated with potential chronic illness, disability, mental incapacity, or death. Rationally, we may know that the best way to minimize feelings of helplessness and stress is to plan ahead. Emotionally, however, we may find it difficult to talk about these issues. The situation can be more complicated if there have been years of underlying tensions or misunderstandings among parents and their adult children.
The eXtension fact sheet found at www.extension.org/pages/Talking_With_Aging_Parents_About_Finances provides strategies to help overcome barriers that often hinder conversations with aging family members about money. It also explores alternatives to consider if a parent is healthy but needs assistance with finances and examines legal options if one or both parents should become incapacitated.
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