I've decided to update and combine my September 3, 2010 checklist with several others, get rid of redundancies, and produce the most comprehensive list I can.
To begin--I give this no numerical # because having this information will save time and frustration as parents age--Know where legal documents are kept: power of attorney, health care proxy, living will and will. (Also know that hospitals, for example, accept faxes of powers of attorney and health care proxies so it's wise to have copies handy in case of a health emergency.) Sr. Advisor RHW, Esq. points out parents, as well as their lawyer, should have these documents, should you not be able to find them.
He further explains......
If we’re fortunate enough to have very old parents and grandparents who are still relatively healthy, chances are we become very involved planning their birthday celebrations.
Sr. Advisor R will be 100 in September. We are planning her party, again in her home town. There have been various kinds of parties for her over the years–taking into consideration health issues and energy. Indeed many variables that we might not think about become important for elders’ celebrations.
Considerations
1. Comfort level
—-Do they like large (20+) or smaller gatherings?
—-Do they have the energy for the large or the smaller or neither?
—-Do they mind or like surprise parties?
2. Practical considerations
—-Do they wear dentures?
—-Can they travel?
—-How large is the party budget?
—-Are invites telephoned, emailed, or snail-mailed?
—-Gifts or not?
—-What about family members who don’t get along?
Other Factors Please go to my other site to view the rest of this post
