When Marjorie and Jim (not their real names) started showing signs of failing health, their daughter Susan sat down with them to discuss what kind of care they wanted if the time came when they weren’t able to take care of themselves fully. They didn’t want to leave their home and had enough insurance and assets to cover the cost of private, in-home caregivers. Susan found it uncomfortable bringing up the subject, but if she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have known her parents’ wishes or that they could financially afford what they wanted. Marjorie and Jim were relieved that Susan had asked them; it allowed them to feel comfortable that they could direct their future care.

This scenario illustrates how essential communication is between adult children and their parents. Having this conversation when your loved one is still able to tell you what they want allows that loved one to maintain some control of their lives if they later become impaired but still cognizant. That feeling of control and respect is critical for their continued mental and physical well-being.

But there’s another part to this story: Susan’s two siblings were opposed to what Susan told them their parents wanted. Next article, we’ll talk about that.

S. Gerber & Associates, 3730 Kirby Drive, Suite 1200, Houston, Texas 77098; 713-857-3227; sid@personalcaregiving.com

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Sid Gerber

Founding Partner at S. Gerber and Associates & Personal Caregiving Services

Sid Gerber is a founding partner of S. Gerber & Associates, a firm representing over 28 years of experience specializing in a broad range of long term care products and services including but not limited to care assessment, planning and management, care coordination, in-home caregiving services, quality assurance monitoring, and the securing of financial independence and asset protection utilizing insurance products from major carriers to pay for long-term care. Mr. Gerber helps family members make difficult long-term care decisions and provides them with the necessary education and resources to plan and manage their long-term health care and financial needs.

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