Adults with aging parents find it uncomfortable to discuss difficult topics with their parents. Some avoid talking about retirement, end-of-life care, and funeral arrangements for fear of offending or alienating parents who still feel they’re in the prime of their lives.
However, for the sake of your boomer parents’ well-being and your peace of mind, it is important that you take the time to discuss these important issues so that your parents can make their wishes known. Find a time to initiate these essential conversations to have with your boomer parents.
Retirement Planning
The earlier you can help your parents plan for retirement, the better they will be able to enjoy it. Ask them about their long-term financial goals and how they’re doing with achieving them. Talk to them about Social Security and whether they’ve calculated how much money they will need in order to maintain their lifestyle after retirement. Be sure to also discuss long-term care insurance and costs.
Health Care Powers of Attorney
Most Boomers know they must take care of this, but they may avoid telling their adult children who they’ve chosen to make medical decisions for them toward the end of their life. Discuss powers of attorney for health care and property with your Boomer parents.
A health care power of attorney is a document that appoints someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the person who signs it. It goes into effect in the event an individual is unable to communicate their decisions or decide for themselves.
A power of attorney for property allows you to manage your parent’s finances if they become unable to do so, such as in the case of dementia, Alzheimer’s, or brain injury caused by a stroke or accident. Discussing these documents while your parents are still able to talk about them can give you peace of mind knowing that your parents have taken the necessary steps to make their wishes known so that you can carry them out.
End-of-Life Decisions
No one likes to think about death, but it is important to talk to your Boomer parents about end-of-life decisions so that they can make their wishes known and don’t leave you in a difficult situation. Discuss funeral arrangements, such as burial vs. cremation; whether they have a will or living trust; if they would prefer to donate their organs or be an organ donor; and any other details related to end-of-life decisions that you should know about.
These conversations can be difficult, but discussing such topics with your Boomer parents is important. Talking with your parents about these things helps you respect your parents’ wishes and prepare you for whatever the future may bring.
