INDUSTRY INSIGHT
ELDER CARE
HOLIDAY CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER :
TALKING TO AGING LOVED ONES ABOUT ESTATE AND LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING
SPONSORED CONTENT
As the holiday season approaches , many of us will be making plans to gather with our family and loved ones . Oftentimes , these visits can be a wake-up call for families who may not have seen their loved ones in quite a while . They may discover that their parent or loved one is showing the accelerated effects of normal aging , dealing with some cognitive decline or experiencing a full-on crisis .
Talking about estate and long-term care planning can be extremely difficult and emotional , but it is an essential conversation that every family should have . The holiday season offers a unique opportunity to connect with our family and loved ones . It can also present an ideal time to discuss important topics such as wills , healthcare directives , asset protection and long-term care options in a way that fosters understanding and cooperation . By planning , you can help your loved ones to feel secure and prepared for the future .
To get things moving , Zacharia Brown offers the following tips to help initiate a thorough and respectful discussion to prepare you for the road ahead . 1 . Plan What You Can
Discussing one ’ s estate plan and all that it entails is not something that should happen without advance planning . Make a list of topics and questions and then share specific areas that you would like to discuss . Be respectful and supportive , and if needed , take a breather if the discussion becomes overwhelming . 2 . Identify Key People
There are several key people who will have important information to consider for estate planning conversations . It will be helpful to ask your parents or loved one for the names and contact details of their attorney ( if they have one ), financial advisor , CPA and any insurance brokers . 3 . Address the Topic of a Will / Trust
You should determine whether your loved one has an existing Will or Trust in place , and if so , whether that document is up to date . Also ask where important documents are kept and confirm who your parent ( s ) or loved one has appointed as their personal representative under their Will or trustee under their Trust . 4 . Talk About Powers of Attorney
Determine if your loved one has appointed someone to manage their financial and health care affairs should they become incapacitated . This is one of the most IMPORTANT documents that a person can have . If they haven ’ t given someone power of attorney yet , strongly suggest that they do this as soon as possible . POA documents protect them if something unexpected should occur . 5 . Discuss End-of-Life Wishes
Even though the subject may be uncomfortable , an estate plan without end-of-life wishes will be incomplete . Preferences regarding the withdrawal or termination of life support along with specific funeral and burial wishes should also be discussed 6 . Ask About Insurance Policies
Talk about the type of insurance policies in place ( i . e . health , life , disability and long-term care insurance ) and ask about any older life insurance policies that may have been in place since their childhood . 7 . Discuss Other Financial Matters
Finally , ask your loved ones to make a list of all of their accounts – bank , financial , retirement , mutual fund , and credit accounts and keep them somewhere safe . Even if they aren ’ t willing to disclose account balances , having financial institution names and types of accounts will be extremely valuable .
Starting a conversation with your parents or loved ones about estate planning and long-term care may feel daunting , but it is an essential step toward ensuring their future security and peace of mind . Remember , these discussions are not just about legal documents or financial plans — they are about protecting and honoring your parents ’ legacy and easing the burden on loved ones . Taking the time to have these conversations now can provide clarity and comfort for your entire family , setting the stage for a more secure and prepared future .
Please reach out to Zacharia Brown so that we can help your family create and implement a plan .
Colleen Bratkovich is a partner of the Estate Planning and Elder Law firm , Zacharia Brown PC . The firm focuses its practice on estate planning including wills , trusts , powers of attorney , and living wills ; Medicaid eligibility ; Veterans Benefits planning ; and Estate Administration . Office locations in PA include Murrysville , McMurray , Wexford and McKeesport . Florida Offices in Bonita Springs , Lakewood Ranch and Hillsboro Beach . Contact information – Phone : 412.751.5670 . Website : www . ZacBrownLaw . com . E-mail : Colleen @ zacbrownlaw . com .
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