11 Comments
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Janice Walton's avatar

Being prepared to take care of ourselves and assist our parents if necessary, as we and they age, would make aging well easier.

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Donna McArthur's avatar

This is very important info, thanks Janice.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Great info. My parents don’t divulge any info whatsoever. We have asked if they have a living will, etc and they don’t want to discuss it. I’ve learned what not to do with my own kids.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi, my parents never talked about their finances either. I was going through my Mom's things after she died when I had my first clue. However, I have made sure that my children know my finances and my wishes.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

The positive in our parents’ mistakes. We don’t have to repeat them.

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Ms. Writer's avatar

Essential information and reminders. Aging has evolved with the times, so we must adapt our approach and planning accordingly.

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Janice Walton's avatar

So very true. We must adapt our approach and plan accordingly.

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Jan Hempstead, RN's avatar

Being a nurse in a hospital and watching families go through such agony as their elderly parents declined set me on this path much earlier than most. I started discussing this with my adult children in my 50’s. I also saw catastrophic injuries occur to younger people, rendering them incapable of caring for themselves. Having those legal documents is so very important.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Jan, Your point is well taken. It could be children, young and old, who are unable to care for themselves, and parents have to take care of them.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Such great advice, as always, Janice. You sound like you have got it covered. I am currently solidifying my long-term care plans. At my advanced age I expect if I have two years to live I will consider myself lucky (!) but still, I do not want my boy to have to pay for my care, and I don't want to lose my little house to pay for care either. I am exploring options.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Sharron, I know exactly what you mean about wanting to be independent for as long and as much as possible.

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