Many Delaware residents are facing the possibility of caring for an aging parent. Even though it would be wise to prepare for this eventuality, many people fail to take advantage of what elder law can do for them and their loved ones. Fortunately, it is never too late to start making the appropriate preparations.
First, adult children need to have a frank conversation with their aging parents about what will happen if they require long-term care. It is important to consider a parent’s wishes. Most adults — regardless of age — want to maintain independence and remain healthy and alert for as long as possible. Therefore, failing to include them in any preparations that are made would more than likely be a mistake.
One of the primary reasons that elderly parents require long-term care is because of chronic medical issues. One day, he or she might not be able to make health care decisions. Before that time comes, it is crucial for that parent to have a living will and appoint someone to make medical decisions as needed. At the same time, both children and parents will need to have some financial resources available to provide for the expenses that will be incurred.
The area of elder law can help adult children and their parents prepare for long-term care. Several issues need to be taken into consideration when preparing an estate plan and making other arrangements of which neither future caregiver nor elderly parent might think. Therefore, it would be in the best interests of a Delaware family to sit down with an attorney to determine the best course of action to meet their long-term care goals.
Source: FindLaw, “Caring for Aging Parents Overview“, Accessed on Sept. 2, 2016