Long Term Care: Have You Discussed it with Your Adult Children?

Seniors are living longer and longer these days. Their baby boomer children also will be living much longer. Discussing long-term care may be embarrassing, but it is a reality that must be dealt with. Please don't wait until you are incapacitated to make your long-term care wishes known. It is your responsibility to speak with your adult children. Let them know exactly what your wishes are should you become unable to function.

Do you have a recent legal will for the state in which you now reside? If you die without a will ,and have a substantial estate, it will be costly to untangle. The probate process can be very lengthy in some states. Take the time now to arrange your legal affairs while you are still healthy.

It would also be wise to have a Living Will which stipulates your exact wishes for medical care. The document is in writing and should be notarized. Many banks offer Notary Public services for free these days. A Living Will directs caregivers not undertake any expensive and extensive procedures to prolong your life. It is a touchy subject that you need to tackle your adult children.

Have you made any provision for burial services? Do you wish a traditional funeral? Today, even a basic no-frills burial package is around $6,000. Do you have a life insurance policy? Perhaps you also have a policy that pays for your final expenses. Do your children know about these policies and where they are kept? Due to the high cost of funerals today more and more seniors are choosing to be cremated. Cremation services can be had ranging from $800 and into the thousands. Prices are not going down for these services. You can buy a pre-need cremation package and lock-in a fixed price.

Medical costs keep rising. Do you have medical insurance that provides for long-term care? If not, the burden of caring for you will fall on your family. Your assets will quickly be eaten up if you need care outside of the home. There are horror stories all over the country about people that go into state run nursing homes. It isn't pleasant for many. Discuss with your children what you want done. Your children will be using their assets when yours are gone. Is that what you want? Your adult children may not be aware of what it costs for long-term care. You may have to enlighten them.

It's a shame that many seniors have no assets and have to depend on the generosity of their children for their care. To be fair to them, you need to broach the subject and tell them what you wish for them to do regarding your long term care. Talking about the birds and the bees is much simpler than talking about hospitals and nursing homes and funerals. If your adult children live out of state it can be a huge problem to coordinate your care.

Discussing long-term care with your adult children is never going to be a pleasant subject. Unfortunately, it has to be dealt with. At a minimum, make sure that you have a legal will. Also, make sure you have a living will, in writing, that makes your final wishes clear to all. Discuss your burial arrangements with your children. Let your children know if you have any insurance policies, and where they are kept. As unpleasant as the topic may be, it needs to be discussed while you are physically able. Make your long-term care plans now.