Published:
Friday, July 27, 2012
Help elders settle their finances in advance
By Erin Eddins
The Standard
Like many difficult situations with people we love, planning to take over an older relative’s finances is best done in happier times, when both sides are healthy and various options can be considered. Unfortunately, events can sometimes intervene. Death, illness or a natural disaster can make an elder’s need for assistance a critical matter.
Older relatives may become unable to understand questions or express their wishes in proper detail. If there is no plan, family members grasp at responsibilities — or shirk them — without any idea of what the older relative would really want.
What’s critical to understand is that such talks should go far beyond money. There need to be discussions about independence and basic preferences for the way an individual wants to live or die. Demographers believe that with the rising number of single Americans (those divorced or never married), these conversations will become increasingly complicated as they fall to nieces and nephews, younger friends or designated representatives.
Want to avoid a worst-case scenario? Start the conversation now. Here are some ideas:
Decide what’s important to talk about first. Maybe this conversation isn’t just about where the will or health care power of attorney is located. Maybe this conversation is about you noticing that a parent or loved one is moving slower, is more forgetful, is clearly looking like their health has taken a turn for the worse, and maybe that’s why you want to know where the will is. Jumping into money issues first is usually a mistake. Deal with immediate health and lifestyle issues first.
Explain why you want to talk about finances. In some families, having a successful financial discussion means several attempts and some frustration. Rather than becoming angry or frustrated, focus on starting the conversation until it catches on. It might make sense to say something like, “You’ve always been so independent, Mom. I just want you to give us the right instructions so we do exactly what you want.”
Prepare your questions in advance. When a parent or relative is unconscious or unresponsive, the younger relative is immediately in the drivers’ seat. That’s why it’s critical to make a list of questions for the elderly relative to answer in detail. The basics should include:
• Where are important papers located?
• How are household expenses paid?
• Who are the doctors and specialists providing care?
• What medicines are being taken?
• Is there a will, an advanced directive and a funeral plan (and money or insurance proceeds to pay for it)?
There may be dozens more questions beyond these based on your family’s personal circumstances. But in creating this list, ask yourself: “What do I need to know if this person suddenly becomes sick or dies?”
Offer to get some qualified advice. If you don’t fully understand your relative’s financial affairs, it might make sense for you both to talk to an attorney or a tax or financial adviser. A qualified adviser can offer specific suggestions on critical legal documents that should be in place and how to ensure money to pay medical and household bills is accessible to the older person and the designated friend or relative who will hold power of attorney.
Plan a caregiving strategy together. You should discuss the relative’s preferences and trigger points for various stages of health care. If an individual wants to stay in his or her home, you should have an honest discussion about when in-home services (home health aide, geriatric care manager, assisted living) should be introduced at various stages. Discussing various health stages — and putting that information in writing — will save plenty of doubt and bitterness later.
Discuss what should happen with the home. If an elderly relative becomes sick and irreversibly incapacitated, the equity in his or her home may come under consideration as a resource to pay uncovered medical or household maintenance. Since the home is both a major asset and an emotional focal point, it’s best to get good advice and spell out specifically what the elderly relative wants done with his property and under what conditions.
Make sure everyone knows the plan. Once you settle on a strategy, make sure all family and friends understand the plan and their assignments.
Erin Eddins is a Chartered Financial Consultant, a member of the Financial Planning Association and is a Certified Financial Planner professional. She can be reached at erin.eddins@standard.com or 425-212-5986.
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