10 questions for aging parents: Are you wondering if your parents have their estate and inheritance plans in order? Or how their affairs would be managed if they had to move from their home? Or even that they might be vulnerable to the latest tele-huckster scam? It can be a difficult topic to broach. Here’s help posing the right questions in a sensitive way.
1. Could you tell me where you keep your important papers at home, in case I need to find them?
2. Have you made an inventory of your property, including furniture, jewelry, art and other collectibles?
3. Is there anything I can do to help get your important documents in order?
4. Have you named someone to make financial decisions for you if you are no longer able to make those decisions yourself?
5. Do you have a living will or a health care power of attorney?
6. How do you feel about long-term care, if you need help later on?
7. Who are your key advisors: attorneys, financial consultants, accountants and insurance specialists?
8. What charitable causes are important to you? Are there any charitable pledges you have made or would like to make?
9. Would you like to talk with me about your final wishes or funeral arrangements so I can make sure I know what to do?
10. Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
One or two of these 10 questions may be the spark that ignites a meaningful conversation. For more information on how to address one of these 10 specific planning topics, contact us.
