One of the most difficult situations you will have to face in your life is that of your parent’s death. Even more difficult is planning, preparing, and discussing it with your parents.

Different people react differently to different situations. You may have parents who like to plan for every little detail and have done most of the work for you. On the other hand, you may have parents that have difficulty dealing with the idea of their death and can’t handle talking about it at all. Whichever situation you find yourself in; there are certain issues that have to be planned for.

Funeral Planning

This is probably the most obvious but also the most difficult to discuss. Find what kind of funeral they would like to have - the preacher, music, flowers or donations, pall bearers, obituary.

Discuss where they would like to be buried and if they have already purchased burial plots. Most funeral homes will make arrangements before death for payments and funeral detail planning. Ask if your parents have done this or are interested in do so.

Personal Belongings

Have your parents make out a will with specific directions as to who gets what. This has caused more problems and breakups of families than any other issue. Set aside a time for family members to speak with your parents about what is special to them and what they would like to have.

Healthcare

Do your parents have long-term health care? Will their insurance cover in-home care? If your parents can no longer make their own decisions, who is to have Power of Attorney? Who do they want to make their decisions for them?

Property

Be sure and have all of your parent’s records of personal property organized. Know what they own. If you don’t, you can be sure the state does.

Pets

What is to become of beloved Fluffy? Who would your parents like to give their pet to and can this person take the pet or even want to take it? Your parents may have become very attached to their pet and this is an important issue for them. Make sure you treat it as such.

A Plan for the Plans

Once all the plans are made, everyone needs to know where the plans are kept. When a parent dies, things can become upsetting very quickly. Have your plans made out ahead of time and knowing where the plan is can save a lot of headache.

As difficult as these issues are to discuss with your elderly parents, they are a necessity. As tactfully and lovingly as possible, discuss each of these issues and make plans before you need them.