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Prepare, Don’t Wait for an Emergency

Sowards Law Firm

Your mother would probably say that, wouldn’t she? How often have you wished that you had listened to your mother? Nobody really wants to think in advance about accidents or illness. But if no advance planning has been done, and if an elderly parent has broken a hip, say, and is about to be discharged from the hospital, the family must make crucial decisions in a highly stressful situation. There may be little if any, time to figure out which living option is the best.

So, listen to mother. Plan ahead with your parents, if possible, so you will have your strategy ready when it’s needed.

Would your parents want to stay home? Move to a retirement community? Relocate to be closer to children?

Research the options. You might be surprised at how attractive many retirement communities are. There are increasing opportunities for independent or assisted living. Some facilities also offer transition into memory care, if that becomes needed.

Look into Caring.com, or call 800.973.1540. This is a comprehensive resource that offers information and guidance nationally, for living options and caregivers. Then, when you have researched what’s out there, talk with your parents about the pros and cons of the various choices.

Most people want to stay home for as long as possible. In-home care might be an option.

To connect with caregiving services for older adults and families, consult Eldercare Locator, a service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, online at eldercare.acl.gov or at 1.800.677.1116. The Eldercare Locator also provides information on local Area Agencies on Aging. These can be very helpful.

A care manager might be an option. These people have the experience and expertise to coordinate the many elements involved in elder care: medical providers, financial planners, elder-law attorneys, and rehabilitation specialists. Or, such people can work on an hourly basis, to pick up prescriptions, accompany your parent to doctors’ appointments, and coordinate communication with long-distance family. Find care managers through the Aging Life Care Association, aginglifecare.org, or at 520.881.8008.

If possible, urge your parents to get their legal documents in order while they are still in good health.

That is the best time to make sure that your parents have done the necessary legal documents. They may want to visit our office by themselves but suggest to them that they provide you with copies of the documents. That way you will have the papers ready when you need them, and you won’t have to search for them under time pressure.

You can hope for the best, or you can plan for your parents’ well-being.

Do both. Please contact us today at (408) 371-6000 to schedule a free consultation.

Client Reviews

I recently had the pleasure of working with Sowards Law Firm to create my estate plan, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. My company has a legal help portal where I discovered Sowards Law Firm, and I’m so glad I chose them. From the start, the entire process was incredibly smooth...

Prashant Joshi

They made it pretty easy for us to set up the legal entity we needed. Everyone we talked to was knowledgeable, professional, and considerate. We had to work around a difficult schedule, and the folks at Sowards made it work.

John Brawn

Everyone at Sowards Law Firm was extremely kind, helpful, and professional in helping me manage all of the legal work required after my husband passed away. They explained everything clearly, and focused on what would be the best options for me in the future. I’m grateful for their assistance and...

Lyn Savage

I have been working with Sowards Law Firm for all my estate needs and their service is impeccable, with the upmost professionalism. They walk you through scenarios in detail so that you can make informed decisions. I highly recommend this team.

Debra A

They made it SO EASY! Everything was explained and explored in regards to figuring out how to organize and structure. Very thoughtful and thorough. I will definitely recommend them, and have sent all of my clients their info to get their affairs in order.

Cindy Selleos

I used Sowards for my Estate planning needs. The firm provided excellent advice, and made the process very easy to complete in an expeditious manner. Each person that I interacted with was professional, friendly and competent. I have confidence that this multi-generational law practice is a solid...

Karen Bryant

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