So you know that thing…you know that thing…you know..c’mon you know what I’m talking about!!! That conversation that we all need to have …the “talk”. Yes that talk with your parents!
The one that starts with hey Mom, umm do you know what you’re going to do when you retire? Are you ready? It’s that conversation that our parents have been thinking about for years..but guess what they haven’t had it with you!! Yeah that’s right..they’ve spent late nights up..maybe worrying about if they are going to have enough for retirement. Or maybe they’re ok..but you’ve noticed that they may have a “touch of sugar” as the old folks used to say. Maybe they’re taking blood pressure meds and you didn’t even know it. Wait ..wait what..they maybe sneaking in some medication and I don’t know about it!! Yes..uh huh..yeah I said it..they did and didn’t tell you because they didn’t want you to worry. 
AAAnd..to tell the truth you really didn’t want to know. Because on some unconscious level you don’t want to think about what would or could happen to your parents. This would upset the balance of life as you know it. It’s not something I need to worry about yet. They’re still working..they haven’t retired yet…we have much more time for that. Truth be told…now I’m going to give it to you straight….you don’t really have much time for it. Honest truth..ok do you really want to know the honest truth..The TIME IS NOW! I don’t mean to alarm you but… if you are knocking on 30 or are well over 30, the time really is RIGHT NOW! When they aren’t having any issues.. If they are having minor issues…if they are having major issues!!
So what does that look like? Ok.no issues…how about my parents are avid travelers they go on vacations..they text me and face time on occasion..they are working and we go over for holidays..everything is gravy! MINOR ISSUES…they take 1 or 2 Rx meds..get themselves to their doctor’s appointments and for the most part following doctors orders.. MAJOR ISSUES ..they’ve had an event-hospital stay, challenging diagnosis, and having trouble navigating things at home. Things can easily move from one stage to another quickly.. From No ISSUES to MAJOR issues in a blink of an eye. Would you be ready for that? Do you know what documents you should have or where and if they have them? Do you know who their doctors are? Ok I’m going to stop here..I don’t want to overwhelm you..I can feel the stare of death upon me coming through the screen..as thoughts if how dare you make me have all of these feelings..right now!! I’m sorry – not really..but
I know this can be all too much. You’re thinking whoa..this has all gone way left..I’m not ready to deal with all this. In fact I don’t even know where to start. I’m sorry to have been so real..but what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t give you the Truth! So here’s what I’ve done..I’ve captured what your next steps are and put together a guide to get you started. Introduce you to the main things like what documents should I have in place..what should I be asking myself and asking my parents right now. Check out it the Caregiver’s Prep Guide. I know it can be a tough subject but think about, but just think how good you would feel if you already started to get some things together. Your parents would feel confident in knowing you have their back and you wouldn’t have extra things to worry about later on. Remember this is a journey and you don’t have to do it all now but you do have to do something. Check out the guide. Come back and let me know how it’s going.
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