Did you know that September 8th is National Grandparents Day?

This year’s theme is “Bringing Generations to the Table” and we are joining millions of Americans in bringing awareness to the importance of helping ensure grandparents are protected, through estate planning and long-term care planning, for the next stage of their lives. When it comes to planning for the future, we know that it can be challenging to know where to start. To help you through this, let us share with you a few tips to help protect your grandparents this Grandparents Day.

First, we encourage you to determine whether your grandparents have any pre-existing legal planning documents. Begin by asking them whether they have an estate plan or any long-term care plans already in place. From there, you can take notes of any challenges your grandparents are facing that may not have been considered during the initial creation of their plan. Be sure, for example, that you check whether your grandparents have health care coverage, review their insurance policies, and determine whether they have a durable power of attorney in place.

Second, do not hesitate to start an open conversation with your grandparents. Maintaining a dialogue about their needs, challenges, and goals can be helpful when assisting with their planning. This can be an overwhelming time for all parties involved, and it is important for your grandparents to feel comfortable sharing updates with you. This information will likely become useful as you help your grandparents prepare for the future.

Finally, one of the most effective ways to help ensure your loved one is safe and protected is to discuss your loved one’s specific needs with an experienced, local estate planning and elder law attorney.

He or she can advise and guide you as to the steps you should be taking to plan for your grandparents this Grandparents Day as they continue to age and experience new challenges.

We know this article may have raised more questions than it answers. If you have specific questions or if  you are ready to begin planning, do not wait to schedule a meeting with our office to discuss your questions and plan forward to get the support you need both now and in the future.