None of us like to consider our own mortality. For our older loved ones, it’s an even more confronting topic, and certainly a difficult one
to discuss.
Let me share with you a story that was told to me by someone I met at a recent function, about their father “Lindsay” who had
recently passed away.
When Lindsay became ill, his family’s priority was to support him through his treatment, keep him positive, and make him as comfortable
as possible.
Typical of his generation, Lindsay had always been very private, never sharing personal information – not even with his nearest and
dearest. After he passed away, it dawned on the family that nobody knew whether Lindsay would have preferred cremation or burial. At such an
emotionally charged time, the question caused quite a dispute.
As parents, we aim to have open dialogue with our children over issues like drugs and sex. But as our parents age,
difficult discussions around medical arrangements, Wills, and money, are usually put off until something occurs to trigger the talk. Often,
by then it’s too late, which is why it’s so important to communicate while you still can.
Once Lindsay’s funeral was over, the family faced more complex questions: did Lindsay have a Will? Was there any insurance? What
investments and assets did he have? Trying to locate Lindsay’s paperwork and make sense of his finances became a nightmare.
If only someone had asked him.
What should you talk to your parents about?
If you think about all those things you’d rather not discuss, then you’re off to a good start!
Before the conversation, consider:
- Finances, assets, investments, accounts, insurance policies, etc
-
Will:
-
Is it current?
- Where is it kept?
- Who is the executor?
-
Medical:
- Medications taken
- Power of Attorney
- Funeral preferences
- Aged care arrangements, family home, care facilities
- Location of important documents
- Usernames and passwords for online accounts
- Contact details for doctor, financial adviser, trustees, power of attorney, solicitor, executor, etc.
Carefully consider your approach. These are sensitive topics; introduce them gently and tactfully. It may be helpful to involve their
executor, financial adviser or accountant.
During the conversation:
Invite your loved one to express their feelings and articulate their thoughts. Present the discussion as a means to making their life more
manageable. Stress that you’re not taking over, but that you care and that they are in control.
Use examples of challenges faced by others, explaining that you hope to avoid the same situation. Tell them you’d like to help them organise
their paperwork to provide peace of mind and a plan for their future.
Point out that you’re not reducing their independence but ensuring they maintain their independence as long as possible.
As your loved one opens up, listen respectfully and without judgement. Encourage discussion around their choices so you can understand and
help implement them.
Afterwards, follow up and fulfil any promises you made.
Finally, just when you think your job is done, have the same discussion with your children, only in reverse. Be clear about what you want
and why you’re talking to them.
Children don’t want to think about your mortality any more than you do. They’ll think you’re overreacting and probably won’t thank you for
the information – not right now anyway. But that’s the nature of kids.
The main thing is that when your time comes, they’ll realise you’ve saved them a lot of heartache.
Ashfords Wealth Advisors can assist you and your family put in place a plan so that in the event of the worst happening, there is one less
thing that your loved ones need to worry about.
