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10 Things to Remember as Your Parents Age

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Although we do not like to think about it, the reality it that as we age, so do our parents. It can be difficult to watch our parents experience the physical and mental deterioration that accompanies the natural aging process. Naturally, we all want to do something to help – but how do we do that without appearing to interfere? The Essex Junction elder law attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC urge you to remember the following 10 things as your parents age.

  1. Be patient.  Above all else, remember to have patients with your parents as they age. Keep in mind that they probably needed a considerable amount of patience to handle you as you made your way through adolescence!
  2. Avoid discussing death.  Some people prefer to confront the end-of-life head one and have no problem discussing; however, others are frightened and no ready for the end of their life. If you must discuss the topic, try using a term other than “death.”
  3. Your parents are probably worried about money.  No matter how financially secure your parents appear to be, they are probably worried about money anyway. Most people entering their retirement years worry because their ability to earn money is dramatically diminished and the future is full of unknown variables.
  4. Denial is common among aging parents.  Your aging parents may not be ready to face the fact that they are aging. Denial is common among the aging. Gently remind your parents that now is the time to accomplish things that are important to them.
  5. Victims of elder abuse often remain silent.  Experts estimate that as many as 14 instances of elder abuse go unreported for every one that is reported. Talk to your parents about elder abuse to try and prevent them from becoming a victim.
  6. Memory may not be what it once was.  Even if your parents never develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the natural aging process causes problems with memory. Keep that in mind.
  7. Technology may be intimidating for them. Technology is everywhere in the 21st century. For older individuals though, it can be very intimidating. It can also be a tool used by predators and scammers. Give your parents some basic tech tools to use and explain internet security to them.
  8. They probably won’t ask for help.  Your parents are likely proud people who have managed to get through life without much help up to this point. The idea of asking for help, especially from their own children, probably doesn’t sit well with them. Find ways to offer that help that allows them to keep their dignity and independence when possible.
  9. Your parents may be eligible for state/federal benefits.  Many seniors know very little about the various state and federal benefits to which they may be entitled because they never needed those benefits. Now, however, they may qualify for assistance from programs such as SNAP (Food Stamps) and Medicaid. They may also be eligible for additional help from programs such as the Veterans Aid & Attendance if one of them served in the military.
  10. Educate yourself about long-term care options.  When your parents enter their retirement years, they will each already stand a 50 percent chance of eventually needing long-term care (LTC). Educate yourself about the cost of that care, options for paying for LTC (such as by qualifying for Medicaid), and what facilities in the area have a good reputation. Doing so will make talking about the options much easier if the time comes when LTC is needed.

Contact the Essex Junction Elder Law Attorneys

For more information, please attend one of our upcoming FREE webinars. If you have questions or concerns about how to navigating elder law issues as your parents age, contact the experienced Essex Junction elder law attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC by calling 802-879-7133 to schedule your appointment today.

Stephen Unsworth
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