Do you know your loved ones' financial status and what their benefits are? What about their preferences for long-term health care or their wishes for end of life? Do you know if they have a will, health care proxy, any trust, or specific plans for financing their care?

The best way to begin the long-term care planning process is to open up and have a frank discussion about these key areas of concern with your loved one. This can be a very difficult thing to do and often times, we put off discussing this sensitive topic until it is obvious to everyone that it is absolutely necessary. This, however, is not a good idea.

You may avoid potential problems and be in a good position to deal with later needs by understanding your loved ones' situation now. Discussing the “what-ifs” ahead of time and working to establish good family relations will make it easier to deal with issues during the difficult and stressful times of a crisis. Those that delay are forced to make rushed decisions, without the benefit of thoroughly researching the options, and often times, without the input of the most important person - your loved one.

Trust that you are doing your loved one a favor by broaching the topic. An upcoming PBS special, “Caring For Your Parents,” on WCNY-Syracuse will air at 10 p.m. April 2 or 2 p.m. April 6. It is a heartwarming story of the experiences of five caregivers and the events encountered while dealing with caring for their parents. It tells of the challenges, successes and failures in their quests to keep them living in their own home. One of the most profound messages of this program is that anything is possible through love. Immediately after the 90-minute broadcast, a half-hour panel discussion moderated by Dr. Art Ulene will focus on how to start the conversation on long-term care planning with family members.

You will need to do some research so you're comfortable talking about the topics and have accurate information to assist in the long-term care planning. Being informed about the issues will make it much easier to discuss them with your parents and other family members. There are many resources online and at your local library or bookstore to start you off with the process. But before major decisions are made and put in writing, you may need to consult an elder care lawyer to thoroughly investigate the person's unique situation.

There are several upcoming workshops locally in Cayuga County that will provide an opportunity to learn more about these issues facing seniors and their loved ones.

An elder law seminar, “Asset Preservation and Estate Planning,” will be presented by the law firm of Karpinski, Stapleton, Galbato and Tehan, PC and the Cayuga County Office for the Aging. Topics to be covered include: estate planning, the benefits of a will, avoiding probate, tax implications, the importance of a health care proxy, power of attorney and DNR, the benefits of trusts, protecting your family from loss of assets, different ways of financing long-term care, types and benefits of long-term care insurance. This free seminar will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the Cayuga Onondaga BOCES. Register by Monday, April 7, by calling BOCES at 253-4899 or the Office for the Aging at 253-1017.

A long-term care insurance information seminar, presented by the Cayuga County Office for the Aging, will be held at noon Wednesday, April 23, in Seymour Library in Auburn. This free program will discuss long-term care issues, financing options and long-term care insurance choices. These seminars are scheduled at various locations monthly throughout the county. To reserve a seat, contact Brenda Wiemann at 253-1017.

The Elder Law Section of the New York State Bar Association is offering a free senior law clinic for Cayuga County seniors from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26, at the First United Methodist Church in Auburn. Attorneys with expertise in a variety of legal areas will be available for individual consultation to answer questions on legal issues facing older adults. Advance registration is required by calling the Cayuga County Office for the Aging at 253-1226.

Many family members may not understand how crucial their loved ones' estate planning is and how it may impact their own financial status in the future. It is important to have the “tough” conversations about financial, legal, health care and long-term care issues sooner rather than later. In the midst of a crisis, you will be glad you did.

Janet Taylor is an aging services specialist for the Cayuga County Office for the Aging. She can be reached at 253-1103.