What would you say is a major factor in obtaining a happy life? You might say good health is number one, and we agree! That said, as we age, the odds are against us as our chances to have diseases such as heart disease or diabetes increases. Waiting for a disease to set in could cost you! In order to prevent that, start having those hard conversations as early as possible.
What do you need to address? Financial and future plans such as power of attorney or estate planning. Approaching the finances of your aging loved ones may be unwarranted; however, not being aware can be detrimental.
Consider these questions when you can talk to loved ones:
What do you need to address? Financial and future plans such as power of attorney or estate planning. Approaching the finances of your aging loved ones may be unwarranted; however, not being aware can be detrimental.
Consider these questions when you can talk to loved ones:
- What health problems do you have?
- Is your home still appropriate for your needs?
- Can you afford to stay in your home on your retirement budget?
- Can you manage the stairs, or would you do better on one level?
- Does your home have any safety hazards?
- Can you afford your retirement?
- Do your living expenses fall within your savings and/or earnings from investments?
- Are there funds to pay for having a person help you remain independent and at home?
- Does your health insurance pay all of your medical bills?
- Will your finances be such that Medicare or Medicaid will help?
Our last suggestion, while you’re walking through this, keep a record of the answers for yourself!
If you’re already knee-deep caring for your loved one, you probably feel the added stress of their dependence on you. Read 5 Tips for Managing Stress of Aging Parents from How Stuff Works.
If you’re already knee-deep caring for your loved one, you probably feel the added stress of their dependence on you. Read 5 Tips for Managing Stress of Aging Parents from How Stuff Works.