Post by Mary Smith on Nov 10, 2008 9:21:04 GMT -5
Of course they are. We are the generation that so many articles are written about, sometimes referred to as the sandwich generation. Here's the question: Do you know enough to be helpful to your parents, and your siblings, if something happens?
For example, what are your parents wishes regarding medical care? Do you know where they get their prescriptions filled? Do you know if they get them all filled at the same pharmacy? Do you have a list of their meds?
Do you know anything about their financial picture, not so much how much, but where their money is, where their safety deposit box is, is there anyone else's name on the safety deposit box, what about a bank account?
These are hard questions, but believe me, if someone in the family does not know about these things, trying to figure things out after the fact, is MUCH harder that discussing them now.
This year as we see family members over the holidays, make it a point to find out something, make a suggestion that meds be listed and put in a certain place at their house for example. Then as time goes on, raise other questions, that allow you to learn how they want things done, and where things are. These are the things that will help you help them when needed.
For example, what are your parents wishes regarding medical care? Do you know where they get their prescriptions filled? Do you know if they get them all filled at the same pharmacy? Do you have a list of their meds?
Do you know anything about their financial picture, not so much how much, but where their money is, where their safety deposit box is, is there anyone else's name on the safety deposit box, what about a bank account?
These are hard questions, but believe me, if someone in the family does not know about these things, trying to figure things out after the fact, is MUCH harder that discussing them now.
This year as we see family members over the holidays, make it a point to find out something, make a suggestion that meds be listed and put in a certain place at their house for example. Then as time goes on, raise other questions, that allow you to learn how they want things done, and where things are. These are the things that will help you help them when needed.