As parents or grandparents age, family dynamics can quickly change.
Knowing when it's time for adult children to make decisions can be difficult, but even more so if everyone isn't on the same page.
One way to make sure that everyone agrees with what's happening is to have a family meeting.
However, if you're not sure how to start this discussion, here are a couple tips from elder law attorneys.
Do You Need Help From An Elder Law Attorney? Most of the time, families don't need any special assistance when starting a conversation about what's going to happen when their parents or grandparents get older.
However, if your family members are losing their mental faculties or they're not able to rationally have a discussion, you may need an attorney's help to keep them safe.
If you don't think that your family member is able to make their own decisions regarding their well-being, it's a good idea to contact an attorney who specializes in elder law.
He or she will be able to guide you toward the right choice, whether it's applying for a guardianship or finding the right place for your parent or grandparent to live.
When To Start A Conversation About The Future? It's best to discuss the future when everyone is rational and able to make decisions easily.
This way, your parents can play an active role in decision-making, whether it's about estate planning or healthcare decisions.
If you notice that your parents or grandparents are having a more difficult time or are becoming easily confused, it's a good idea to pull everyone together and discuss your options for the future, including who's going to care for your aging family members.
Realize that these discussions could be stressful and difficult if your family members don't agree on what should take place.
How To Make Decisions About Driving? Some seniors have been driving for decades and consider their vehicles their path to freedom, which can make it difficult if they should no longer be behind the wheel.
Many families struggle with taking away the keys and it can be hard to know when this should be done.
If you're worrying about approaching this subject with your family member, look up local laws to see if you can get help from the authorities.
In Illinois, for instance, drivers over 75 need to take a road test each time they renew their driver's license.
Additionally, the license must be renewed every two years between 81-86 and every year after someone turns 87.
If your family member is younger than these ages, consider contacting an elder law attorney for guidance on how you can keep them -- and others -- safe on the roads.
If your loved ones are getting older, it's important to plan for the future.
The best thing you can do is to have open conversations about aging often and early.
Knowing whether you need help from an elder law attorney, having an open conversation to make sure everyone is on the same page and knowing when it's time to take away the keys can all help keep your older parent or grandparent well taken care of as he or she ages.