 TITLE: Prepare Your Finances to Care for an Elderly Family Member CONTENT: Start the Conversation\n----------------------\nAging is a natural process of life, but there are a lot of things to think about when it comes to caring for older family members. While it may be tempting to plan everything yourself, it's helpful to open up a discussion with the family member whose care you're considering. You might be surprised by what you find. For example, you might assume they want to live with you in their older years, but you discover that they'd in fact prefer to live independently or in another setting where they can receive care from someone else.\nConsider asking questions that show you care about their hopes for their future. What standard of living do they envision for themselves? What do they imagine they'll be doing in their later years? Do they plan on retiring or continuing to work? If they're no longer able to take care of themselves or their home, have they thought about where they'd prefer living? Let them know you're asking in order to ensure they get the care they need to thrive.\nOne of the biggest considerations around eldercare is money—specifically, who will care for your loved one and how much it will cost. Talking about money can be hard, but it's a critical part of the discussion. END