Seventy percent of seniors 65 or older will need long-term care service. The problems arise when the elders don’t talk to their children early and plan for a health crisis.
Many equate this conversation about long-term care with the conversation parents must have with young children about where babies come from. The similarity is that they are both conversations that are widely dreaded.
The concept of talking about aging is very difficult for the majority of people because it’s uncomfortable, it’s hard to acknowledge the facts of life and it’s hard to face losing control. It is an essential conversation though, which will encourage you to discuss the many issues and decisions that may confront you and your family in upcoming years.
It is encouraged to have this conversation with your adult children while you are still physically and mentally capable. It is important to discuss how you will pay for the help you may need, which oftentimes is extremely expensive. On average, it will cost $19 an hour for a licensed home health-care aide. Additionally, discuss where you will live if you need to move out of your home for declining health reasons. This is also a time when you should designate an individual or family member to advocate for your medical needs. While this last topic may be the hardest, it is essential you discuss any end-of-life instructions you want followed if ever faced with a sudden or serious illness.
While parents care for their children until they feel as if they are prepared to protect themselves, one day your child will mature they will become your caretakers and advocates. Prepare for this time and read more about what to discuss with your children at http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/having-the-other-talk-with-your-kids--not-storks-but-aging/2014/03/27/8cc15a44-b3b1-11e3-8cb6-284052554d74_story.html