Must-Have Talks with Parents This Holiday

Discussing health, housing or finances with an aging parent can be intimidating to everyone involved. These experts can guide you through these important topics with your aging loved ones to make the conversations as comfortable and productive as possible.

Must-Have Talks with Parents This Holiday

5 Must-Have Talks with Parents This Holiday posted by Dana Larsen
Source: http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/12-10-15-must-have-talks-with-parents-this-holiday/

Going home for the holidays is a family tradition where you get to reconnect with your loved ones whom you haven’t seen in months, or even years. But sometimes these festive occasions are eye-opening to cognitive or health issues in our older loved ones.

Dad and Mom may have aged more than expected, or suddenly seem to need more assistance with daily tasks. Or maybe your senior loved ones are doing fine, but you recognize that they are getting older, and the reality is that you need to discuss important topics and decisions for their retirement, their advanced years and end-of-life wishes.

Whatever the reason, A Place for Mom works with experts in many different fields who can help provide insight into preparing for the future — from your retirement years to beyond. Each expert can help your family learn how recognize problems in addition to providing advice on having the tough conversation with them this holiday season.

Professional Insight from Our Senior Living Experts

1. Discussing Health — Leslie Kernisan, Geriatrician

Geriatrician, Dr. Leslie Kernisan, gives us a checklist of medical red flags that may indicate that your parent needs additional care.

From basic life tasks to mood and behavioral changes, find out what to look for and learn what you can do if your parent is resisting help.

Read Dr. Kernisan’s expert Interview.

2. Discussing Wellbeing — Melissa Henston, Geriatric Psychologist

Geriatric Psychologist, Dr. Melissa Henston, describes our parents’ biggest fears about aging and assisted living.

Putting ourselves in their shoes helps us communicate in a more respectful and open way, and avoid the pitfall of them shutting down on challenging topics.

Read Dr. Henston’s expert interview.

3. Financial Planning — Andy Smith, Financial Advisor

Andy Smith, Senior VP of Financial Planning at Financial Engines, and host of call-in radio program, Investing Sense, delivers a fundamental investment strategy for your family and your aging parents.

Get advice on how your family can afford senior care for your parents while safeguarding their assets.

Read Andy’s expert interview.

4. Legal Planning — Stuart Furman, Elder Law Attorney

Elder Law attorney, Stuart Furman, Esq. details the important aspects of estate planning, and why procrastinating jeopardizes medical and financial options later.

Find out how to approach your parents about their end-of-life wishes that will provide clarity to you, your parents, and to other family members that may find the topic difficult to discuss.

Read Stuart’s expert interview.

5. Assessing Cognitive Ability — Wes Ashford, Psychiatrist and Neuroscientist

Leading memory expert, Dr. Wes Ashford shows us how to assess our parent’s cognitive ability in a fun and engaging way.

Learn the warning signs of cognitive impairment and how to discuss your parent’s condition, while treating them with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Read Dr. Ashford’s expert interview.

Getting Started with Tough Conversations

Getting started with these conversations is easier than you may think, and taking the time to have the conversation will help lead to better outcomes. For more information, including a Caregiver Toolkit, financial guides, checklists, and more on how to have the tough conversation with aging loved ones, visit: www.aplaceformom.com/conversations.