Taking Care of Aging Parents: An Elder Law Attorney’s Guide to Estate Planning - Ep. 36

Losing sleep over your parents' future? Join Todd and Bettijo as they sit down with elder law attorney Kim Boyer to tackle the tough talks about taking care of aging parents, from powers of attorney and wills to protecting against scams and planning for end-of-life care.

SUMMARY

In this deeply personal and poignant episode, Todd and Bettijo Bridges welcome nationally recognized elder law attorney Kim Boyer to discuss the crucial topic of caring for aging parents. Marking a year since Todd’s own mother entered hospice and passed away, he opens up about the emotional challenges of knowing when to step in, navigating difficult conversations, and supporting a loved one who resists help.

The conversation spans essential topics, from proactive planning and legal preparedness to common pitfalls families should avoid. With August being National Make a Will Month, Kim helps demystify the often-confusing world of legal documents—breaking down the differences between wills, trusts, and powers of attorney for healthcare and finances. She also created My Last Gift, an end-of-life planner that makes tackling those “let’s not talk about it” conversations a little less awkward, with checklists and an easy-to-follow workbook so nothing gets left to chance.

Kim also offers practical advice on protecting aging parents from scams, maintaining regular contact to establish a baseline for their well-being, and preparing for end-of-life care with clarity and compassion.

For this week’s ToddFlix segment, Todd shares his mom Betty’s favorite shows—Perry Mason, Murder, She Wrote, and Matlock—reminding listeners how timeless television can be a beautiful way to bond with older loved ones.

The episode closes with a heartfelt message: while these conversations can be difficult, they’re rooted in love—and every moment spent together truly matters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Todd and Bettijo welcome elder law attorney Kim Boyer, who specializes in helping families navigate aging and long-term planning. (0:37)
• Strategies for when an aging parent needs to stop driving but is reluctant to give up their independence. (2:12)
• Why powers of attorney for health and finances are essential. (4:19)
• Kim warns against the mistake of losing touch with your parents and offers advice for when a parent won’t go to the doctor. (6:44)
• Wills vs. trusts vs. living wills—what’s the difference? (8:36)
• Todd shares a story about his mom being scammed and how to protect aging parents from fraud. (16:24)
• Hospice, end-of-life planning, and choosing a funeral home ahead of time. (29:34)
• Kim introduces her book My Last Gift, a workbook to make end-of-life planning less daunting and more doable. (33:40)
• ToddFlix: Todd shares his late mom’s favorite classic shows—Perry Mason, Matlock, and more. (35:38)

Thinking about your parents’ future can be overwhelming—but this episode serves up expert advice, real talk, and just enough humor to keep it from getting too heavy. Hit play and get ahead of it!

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© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

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