Let's Give Thanks to Aging Wherever We May Best Do So

Let me add my wishes to you & your family for a wonderful & happy Thanksgiving today.  Perhaps it's a bit early to start talking about living will and durable healthcare power of attorney.  And perhaps it's too early to talk about do no resuscitate orders and desires for aggressive medical intervention.

But as you gather w/friends & family, an article published 3 days ago in USA Today could be the perfect conversation starter with the older generation, eg your parents, aunts, uncles & grandparents as to their plans for the future and what they want to do.

While they still have a say, now is a good time to consider if they desire to continue living where they currently are.  Are they attached to the family home?  Or have all their friends (and family) left?  Have they considered moving closer to you?  If so, do you have room in your humble abode?  Are you ready to become another member of the sandwich generation, raising your kids and watching over your parents while working full-time?

Are their other living options in your area?  Medicare wants everyone to be aware of the options.  Independent living facilities?  Assisted living facilities?  Continuing care retirement communities?  Each has its pros & cons, even the CCRC as noted in the Wall Street Journal last year.

You might not arrive at an answer tonight but it's worth starting the conversation while you still can under non-emergent circumstances.

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