Americans are a transient people for the most part. So many of us do not live anywhere near the towns where we grew up. We might live a few hours’ drive away or we might live on the other side of the country. This can make things more complicated when we need to deal with an emergency involving our parents.
As our parents age, many of us are called into action to deal with emergencies. We rush out to our hometowns and try to take care of what is needed. Almost without exception, the first time that a child has to do this for an elderly parent, the child is confused and has no idea what to do. The child does not know if the parents have General Durable Powers of Attorney and Health Care Powers of Attorney. The children do not know what the parents want them to do and how to go about doing things in the first place.
This initial confusion is usually overcome. The second time is smoother, and the third time is even better. However, there is no need to have the confusion the first time. Talk to your parents now about what you need to do in an emergency. Ask the questions now so that you are not rushing around to find answers when you have more important things to be doing.
Stephen A. Mendel, Estate Planning Attorney
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