Your parents have always been there for you, to help you in your darkest times. They’ve always been the most self-sufficient people you can imagine. Lately, however, they seem to be slipping. They’ve missed some bills, forgotten medication, and their mood seems to change at a moment’s notice. You’re concerned, and you can’t give them what they need.

Talking about long-term care is a hard thing, but sometimes it’s necessary for their own well-being. It can, however, be hard to know when it’s time to have that discussion. Explore four signs you need to discuss long-term care with your parents, the answer to what does an estate planning attorney do, and how they can help.

Their Organization Is Slipping

If your parents are suddenly missing bills, they can’t remember appointments, and they forget to do basic things, it could be a sign that their cognitive abilities are slipping. It’s vital to  note these changes, because what starts with losing keys can turn into forgetting to take important medications ore even forgetting to eat.

Their Hygiene Isn’t What It Once Was

Have you noticed that their hair seems a bit more oily than usual, that they seem to be skipping deodorant, that they’re not doing laundry or that they’re visibly dirty? Do they have bad breath? If their hygiene doesn’t seem to be at the levels it should be, it’s a sign that they might be slipping, and it’s also a sign that their health could be at risk.

Physical Decline

If your parents’ health is on the decline, and you simply can’t give them the care they need, it may be time to talk about long-term care. You’re not a doctor, and you may well not be able to provide for their medical needs, which could be more frequent with each passing day. At some point you’ll need to acknowledge the need for in-home or residential long-term care.

You Can’t Be a Full-Time Caregiver

You’re a busy adult, and you’re more than happy to put in some time helping your parents to make ends meet, but you can’t physically be there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There’s nothing wrong with that—you’ve got bills to pay as well, after all. When it gets to the point where you simply don’t have the time to provide care, it’s time to talk about the professionals, and to talk to an estate planning attorney.

What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?

Long term care can be very expensive, and if you don’t plan for it properly, you can lose your family assets in the process. Setting up a trust can be a great way to protect those assets. So what does an estate planning attorney do? They’re the ones who can help you set up, fund and maintain a trust and protect your assets while properly managing your estate and ensuring your and your parents’ needs are met.

If you’re in Cuyahoga County, OH, you can get the answers to what does an estate planning attorney do by calling Stano Law Firm. Get in touch for a consult today.