COVID-19 is no excuse to put off conversations with older parents about their long-term care

As a Dallas elder law and estate planning attorney, I hear concern edging into my clients’ voices every first of January, post-holiday-visit. After the plum pies are eaten and the grandkids tucked into bed, adult children are often left with worries about their parents’ safety and ability to live on their own, and unsure of what they can do to help.

This year, with far fewer in-person get-togethers due to the coronavirus pandemic, it might be harder to find out if parents are safe on their own, much less take steps to address any issues that have developed. After all, if we are unable to make an in-person visit, how can we possibly recognize when someone is no longer able to live independently?