Clearwater Elder Law Attorney: How To Talk With Older Family Members About Advance Planning Over The Holidays

The holidays are a festive time of year for family gatherings. Hosting dinners and other events allows everyone to get together and relax from their usual routines. It also provides a way to check in with older loved ones and to ensure their needs are met.

Advance planning protects older adults and family members, but it can be sensitive to discuss. Our Clearwater elder law attorney has provided trusted legal guidance to clients in our community for over 40 years and explains why the holidays are a good time for these conversations and how to bring the topic up.

Advance Planning In Clearwater For Older Adults

Getting together with family is a highlight of the holiday season for many people. This year, once elaborate feasts and gift-giving are over, consider initiating one-on-one conversations with older loved ones. Most are happy to talk, and what they share can serve as an introduction to discussions about their future.

Advance planning helps protect people of all ages, but particularly older adults. They provide a means to convey final wishes, protect hard-earned assets, and ensure future needs are provided for.

Advance planning documents our Clearwater elder law attorney can help you put in place include:

• A last will and testament, detailing all property and assets, beneficiaries, and how distributions are made. Despite being one of the most basic yet important estate planning documents, the American Association of Retired People (AARP) reports nearly half of all older adults do not have one in place.
• Advance directives, if an injury, illness, or chronic medical condition leaves them incapacitated. A health care power of attorney designates someone they trust to make major medical decisions in emergencies, while a living will details their wishes regarding end-of-life care.

How To Bring Up Advance Planning With Older Family Members Over The Holidays

The Conversion Project, an initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), advocates for more open discussions about end-of-life issues. The holidays bring people together, making it a perfect time to discuss advance planning. Ways to bring the topic up with older loved ones:

• Ask about their health: Talking about present challenges opens the door to discussing future plans.
• Ask their friends: Problems their friends have may help illustrate the importance of advance planning.
• Share your experience: Talk about what other older adults you know are doing or your experience creating advance directives and other documents.
• Offer practical help and support: Let them know you care and can help them find an elder law attorney in Clearwater or drive them to consultations.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Board-Certified Clearwater Elder Law Attorney

Advance planning is vital for everyone, particularly older adults. Board-certified by the Florida Bar and the National Elder Law Foundation, Clearwater elder law attorney William Rambaum is uniquely suited to guide them in putting the appropriate documents in place. To schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Sources:

aarp.org/money/investing/info-2017/half-of-adults-do-not-have-wills.html

theconversationproject.org/about/