People are living longer lives these days, and the numbers of the “oldest old” are growing. This is the term that is used in the geriatric community to describe individuals who are at least 85 years of age.
When you reach an advanced age it is likely that you are going to require living assistance. Some people reside in nursing homes or assisted living communities full-time, and others receive some level of in-home care.
And of course, there are those who are incapacitated to one extent or another. Many of these individuals can no longer make sound medical, personal, and financial decisions.
While this can certainly be a difficult discussion to have, it is up to family members to make sure that aging relatives are capable of taking care of themselves.
If you have parents who are getting up there in years you would do well to keep a close eye on them and try to evaluate whether or not they may be having certain difficulties.
Some seniors are forthcoming about discussing their needs with their children, but others may be more reticent. The important thing is to be proactive if you see telltale signs.
There is obviously a very personal element here, but there are serious financial ramifications as well because long-term care is very expensive. For this reason you would do well to discuss your options with regard to financing long-term care with a good local Indianapolis elder law attorney.
If you are able to discuss things frankly with an aging parent you will gain an understanding of his or her preferences and you can work together to come up with amenable solutions.
Mr. Kraft assists clients primarily in the areas of estate planning and administration, Medicaid planning, federal and state taxation, real estate and corporate law, bringing the added perspective of an accounting background to his work.
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