How to Celebrate the Holidays Without the Elephant in the Room
Submitted by Mike Tarrant, CFP® on November 21st, 2019
Let’s face it; talking about long term health care with your loved ones is awkward.
No one wants to do it, and it often gets ignored in favor of second helpings and more comfortable conversations.
That said, the Holidays are upon us, and it can be a great time to talk about your long-term health care with your loved ones!
Ah, the proverbial elephant in the room...
Precisely no one wants to have this conversation. However, it’s something that weighs heavily on everyone’s minds, and I’ve found it’s better to be proactive than get caught without a plan in place. My mom initiated this conversation with my sister and me a few years back, and it gave us tremendous peace of mind knowing what she wanted and how she wants each of us involved.
So how do you stay ahead of the Surprise! You Have Health Issues curve? By bringing the conversation out into the open! If you’ve made your plans, does anyone know what they are? Do they know how you want them involved, or not? In my experience, being proactive with your long term health care is always the best course of action.
Typically, Mom and Dad don't want to burden their children in the future. If health issues arise, they want to handle it on their own terms and timeline. Implicitly, children know that one day their parents will need help. But without firsthand knowledge, they often worry about how Mom and Dad will access the services they need, and also who will pay for it.
There’s a good chance most everyone will be together at the holidays, and after a great meal probably in a good mood. These family get-togethers can be a great time to have a brief conversation about your concerns, the plans you've made, and the expectations you and your family have. We highly encourage you to have this conversation earlier rather than later.
If you would like advice on how to navigate this conversation, or if you have concerns about the feasibility and security of your long-term care plan, contact our office today and let's schedule a time to talk.
You don’t need to celebrate this holiday season with the elephant in the room, too!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Mike
1-919119
