Spending quality time with family is undoubtedly one of the best things about the holiday season. For those with aging loved ones, this time is especially precious. Beyond making cherished memories, the holidays offer a critical opportunity to observe, assess, and ensure your loved ones are safe, happy, and prepared for the future.
Start the Conversation: Planning for the Future
For many aging adults, it is wise to discuss their wishes should they eventually become unable to care for themselves. This is where having a comprehensive plan becomes essential. At its core, an estate plan allows your loved one to designate a trusted person to make financial and medical decisions on their behalf in the event of illness or incapacity. After death, it ensures assets are distributed according to their wishes, minimizing family stress and legal complexity.
Finding the Right Expert: The CELA Distinction
You can start this holiday season by guiding your loved one to find a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). How do you find one? According to the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), the CELA certification is the gold standard, demonstrating significant experience and a specialization in elder law.
In Massachusetts, only a small, elite group of attorneys has achieved this designation. Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., is proud to belong to this distinguished group, with two in-house Certified Elder Law Attorneys committed to serving families across southeastern Massachusetts. This makes our entire team uniquely qualified to establish estate plans that transition with you through each stage of life.
Taking the Next Step: Assessing the Living Situation
Once you understand their legal and financial situation, you can work together on the next steps. As advised by organizations like the AARP, use your visit to assess the safety and appropriateness of their current living arrangements.
- Safety: Are there tripping hazards? Can they manage stairs?
- Daily Support: Do they need help with meals, medication, or personal care?
If they need support but wish to remain at home, services like in-home care or adult day facilities—which offer meals, activities, companionship, and some medical oversight—might be the right fit.
If They Are in a Care Facility
If your loved one is already in a nursing facility or assisted living, your attentive observation during the holidays is just as important. Look for these key indicators:
- Emotional Well-being: Do they appear generally happy and engaged?
- Physical Care: Do they seem well-fed, hydrated, and physically clean?
- Environment: Is their room and the facility clean, safe, and well-maintained?
- Health Changes: Observe any noticeable changes in their physical or mental condition, which could signal unmet health or safety needs.
While this may be a difficult task, the well-being and peace of mind for your loved ones and your family depend on your watchful eye this holiday season.
About Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C.
At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., we are here to help your family with complex estate planning strategies, MassHealth (Medicaid) planning, and other elder law matters to ensure your loved ones are well taken care of.
Visit a Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C. office near you today. With locations in Easton, Hyannis, New Bedford, and our new office in Plymouth, we are committed to serving families across southeastern Massachusetts.
