Stefans Law Group,P.C.
“As we go through the difficult stages of life, our family dynamics are continuously changing. One of the most challenging evolutions is assisting parents with their financial and care needs as they age. Where most of our life we are accustomed to being taken care of by our mom and dad, the roles may start to reverse. This unknown territory can be quite difficult for a family to adjust to. However, when the family members can communicate and support each other, the rewards of love, support and family unity can be priceless. Here are some tools and ideas to think about if you are faced with this experience in life”.” Donna M. Stefans, Esq.
Author:National Care Planning Council
Remember when your parents were lecturing you on the rules for taking the car for a spin? Dad would put his face in front of yours and say, “Are you listening?” Of course you would say “sure” even though your mind was miles away on the adventure to come.
Today, as adults, the children who received the counsel and wisdom of their parents are facing a reverse situation in their lives. They are finding themselves concerned about their aging parents and what their needs will be as their health and mental abilities fail them. In some cases the children must take the role as parent in securing the safety and well being of an elderly family member.
Julie lives 600 miles from her mother. Knowing her mothers health is frail and she lives alone, Julie calls her every evening after work. The conversation always goes like this;
“How are you doing today Mom, Julie asks?
“Everything’s fine”, Mother replies.
“Are you taking your pills?”
“Yes, everything’s fine.”
“Do you need anything?”
“Everything’s fine.”
Julie does not get much more conversation from her mother. Perhaps everything is fine, or perhaps Julie’s mother just wants Julie to think she can take care of herself. Even worse, mother could think all is fine and be forgetting her medication and not eating properly.
Is Julie really listening? ARE YOU LISTENING?