If you live long enough you will reach a state in your life when they are no longer able to adequately or safely care solely for yourself. Some people will face physical problems for which they will require help while others will face mental problems that make things difficult. Some people will, unfortunately, face both physical and mental problems. Regardless of which ones present themselves, we all know this time will come for all of us.
But there is one big issue that happens with many of the elderly and seniors…they don’t talk to their younger children or grandchildren about their wishes and their situation. This is a huge mistake and I can hopefully convince you to not let this happen to you or your loved ones.
It is vitally critical to have these “difficult” conversations. It is admitting mortality and no one wants to openly admit we are mortal even though we all know it will happen. We just want to avoid it and not bring it up.
But for those of you who will have these difficult conversations, the rewards are immense. Your family and loved ones will know exactly what it is you desire to happen at the time leading up to your passing, your passing, and after you have passed. You can be as detailed as you want and the more detailed the smoother the execution of your wishes to your loved ones.
For younger loved ones to know your wishes and desires, they need to have conversations with their elderly relatives long before any help is needed. Americans are not having those types of conversations, according to a new survey as WLNS reports in "Conversations About Elder Needs Aren't Happening, According to Wells Fargo Survey."
Conversations about what will happen when we get older and are no longer able to care for ourselves are not always comfortable, but these conversations are important. They can actually be quite liberating for both you and your loved ones when everyone knows your specific wishes and desires. There is a lot of stress reduction when there are more “knowns” than “unknowns.” Invest the time, it will be well worth it for everyone.
And if you aren’t sure how to organize or handle this type of conversation, I would recommend you contact your estate planning attorney for some guidance. They should be well trained in this discussion and can offer you some assistance in making this happen in a positive and constructive way for you and your loved ones.