What information you need to know about your elderly parents. http://ping.fm/CXisc

Do you know what you need to know about your elderly parents?

Most of us will have to help our aging parents at some point. Can it be done without starting World War III? Sometimes it depends on your family dynamics. What was the relationship as a child and teenager and how did it change in adulthood? For example, my family dynamics are: we were allowed to express our opinions, thoughts and feelings as youngsters. We were taught to be respectful when doing so and that it didn’t have to result into an argument. As we grew and graduated from college, the relationship changed into a more adult-friend-parent relationship. We could each speak our mind and go on about our business. I was not raised in a dictatorial household. Some of you were and it ain’t going to change now. Strong personalities clashing- what a fight. Okay, now the fight is over, how do you react to each other afterwards? Fighting and disagreements are going to happen. That does not mean the relationship is bad or over. We could go on about all of the different dynamics and be here all day. You will have to figure out how best to handle your parent(s) in the best way that you can. Maybe a mediator could help if you are at an impasse.

On to the meat of this blog.

I know that a lot of our seniors are extremely private about their money situation, their health, and they are afraid of losing their independence.

What you should know-
Names and Phone numbers of their physicians, dentist, pharmacies
Date of Birth
Insurance Information
Allergies
Allergies to Medications
Past Surgeries – dates and where
Major Medical Procedures – ex. pacemaker
Medications
Supplements
Advance Directives
Powers of Attorney – both Financial and Healthcare
Lifestyle Informations – use of alcohol, tobacco, religious beliefs
Last Will and Testament – where is it?
Financial – Banking locations, Investment locations, other Monetary locations
Funeral and Burial information
Safe or Gun Safe – combination to open
Any specific wishes?
Location of important papers

Nobody really wants to discuss these things. It is always better to know and have it written down. In an emergency, it is hard to recall a lot of needed information on the spot.