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Planning for Aging Parents
Practical articles for adult children and families making thoughtful decisions about an aging parent. Start with the checklist, follow the step-by-step series, or jump to the topic you need today.
Download the Aging Parent Checklist
One printable checklist that covers every planning area, so your family can see what is done, what is missing, and where to start.
- Legal, financial, and health records
- Housing, home safety, and driving
- Support network, caregiving, and emergency plans
Start here
The 10-Step Planning Series
New to planning? Work through these guides in order. Each one ends with one clear next step you can take this week.
- Who Can Step In When Your Aging Parent Cannot Make Decisions
- The Family Information File Every Aging Parent Should Have
- How to Talk With Aging Parents About Where They Want to Live
- What Families Should Understand About an Aging Parent’s Finances
- Build a Health and Medication Record Before You Need It
- A Room by Room Home Safety Review for Aging Parents
- How to Discuss Driving With an Aging Parent Without Taking Away Their Independence
- Create a Support Network Before Your Aging Parent Needs One
- Build a Family Caregiver Plan That One Person Does Not Have to Carry
- The Emergency Plan Every Family With an Aging Parent Needs
Legal & Financial
Documents, decision-makers, and money matters to sort out early.
Who Can Step In When Your Aging Parent Cannot Make Decisions
Learn which legal documents can help a trusted person support an aging parent with health and financial decisions before a crisis.
Read the article →The Family Information File Every Aging Parent Should Have
Create a practical family information file so essential legal, financial, medical, and household details are available when they are needed.
Read the article →What Families Should Understand About an Aging Parent’s Finances
Understand income, expenses, insurance, benefits, and future care costs before financial decisions become urgent.
Read the article →
Health & Medical Care
Records, appointments, and getting the right care.
- New
7 Ways to Get a Stubborn Parent to See the Doctor Without Starting a Family War
When a parent insists “I’m fine,” these approaches help you encourage a medical visit while protecting the relationship.
Read the article → Build a Health and Medication Record Before You Need It
Create a portable health and medication record that helps your parent, caregivers, and medical team share accurate information.
Read the article →
Home, Safety & Driving
Staying safe at home, on the road, and in an emergency.
A Room by Room Home Safety Review for Aging Parents
Identify fall risks, lighting problems, bathroom hazards, and changes that support independence.
Read the article →How to Discuss Driving With an Aging Parent Without Taking Away Their Independence
Use specific observations, professional input, and a transportation plan to talk about driving changes.
Read the article →The Emergency Plan Every Family With an Aging Parent Needs
Put contacts, medications, communication steps, evacuation needs, and family responsibilities in one plan.
Read the article →
Housing & Next Moves
Aging in place, downsizing, and choosing where to live next.
Family & Caregiving
Sharing the load and building a team around your parent.
Create a Support Network Before Your Aging Parent Needs One
Match specific needs with family, friends, neighbors, professionals, and local services.
Read the article →Build a Family Caregiver Plan That One Person Does Not Have to Carry
Clarify roles, share responsibilities, protect the primary caregiver, and adapt as needs change.
Read the article →
Not sure where to start?
You do not have to figure out every decision at once. Wise Moves Advisors helps families understand their options, organize next steps, and connect with trusted resources so they can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
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