013 – Interview: Solving Hard Problems in Helping Aging Parents

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Carolyn Rosenblatt, RN JD, an elder law attorney who specializes in helping families concerned about older parents and who is the author of “The Family Guide to Aging Parents.” They discuss:

• Why concerns about managing money and safety are so common
• What you can do if an older person refuses to come in for evaluation or help
• Why it’s important for older adults to talk to their families about their finances and assets, and how adult children can bring up this conversation if their parents aren’t addressing it
• Why a durable power of attorney for finances is so important and how to do it inexpensively
• Why you shouldn’t rely on estate planning done a long time ago
• The pros and cons of springing durable powers of attorney
• Tips on preventing abuse of a financial power of attorney and on choosing the right person
• Tips on advance planning for healthcare

Related episode: 

003 Interview: Helping Reluctant Parents Address Memory Concerns

Related Resources:

• The Family Guide to Aging Parents, by Carolyn Rosenblatt RN JD
• AgingParents.com
• Eldercare.gov Locator (use to find your local Area Agency on Aging and low-cost legal resources)
• ABA/APA Assessment of Capacity in Older Adults
• PrepareForYourCare.org
• Alzheimer’s Association: Legal Planning
• American Bar Association Toolkit for Healthcare Advance Planning
• 5@55: The 5 Essential Legal Documents You Need by Age 55
• Addressing Medical, Legal, & Financial Advance Care Planning: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 6
• How to Avoid Problems Due to Senior Incapacity: The (Better) Durable General Power of Attorney