06/01/2026
Many adult children want to talk to their parents about long-term care. But they also keep finding reasons to put it off.
The topic carries emotional weight, including the parents' fears of losing independence and the awkwardness of asking them to think about their own vulnerability. But families who have this conversation before a health crisis forces it tend to handle whatever comes next with far less conflict.
The key? Start with curiosity, not a plan. Ask your parents what they want before arriving with a list of concerns. People are often more open to hard conversations when they feel like the driver, not the passenger.
Helping aging parents with their finances is an act of love. But it can go sideways. Here are five mistakes adult children commonly make, with tips for avoiding them.