Practical Elder Planning: Documents, Conversations, and Family Coordination

Practical elder planning involves preparing essential documents, holding family conversations, and coordinating across family members and professionals. The families who plan well share habits of timely action and patient communication. This course walks through that practical work. You will work through written exercises that mirror how a thoughtful family would approach elder planning. The emphasis is on practical steps that support good decisions when they matter. What you'll learn: - Prepare essential documents including healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and wills - Hold family conversations about care preferences, finances, and future decisions - Coordinate with healthcare providers including specialists, primary care, and care planners - Engage with financial advisors including retirement income planning and benefits eligibility - Plan for transitions including home modifications, assisted living, and skilled care if needed - Manage common challenges including reluctant family members, cognitive changes, and conflicting opinions The course progresses from essential documents through family conversations, healthcare coordination, financial planning, transition planning, and common challenges. A capstone written exercise asks you to plan a complete elder planning approach for your family. This course is designed for older adults, adult children, and family members supporting elder planning. It is approachable for committed beginners. The course is informational and complements, but does not replace, advice from qualified elder law attorneys, financial advisors, and healthcare professionals.