Caregiving

Parents & In-Laws

Definition

Whether your parents and/or in-laws live nearby or thousands of miles away, it’s a relationship that can require a fair amount of TLC and CPE. Someone’s got to call them regularly, help them figure out how to turn on their TV with one of their 100-year-old remotes, and invite them to holiday or birthday celebrations. (Or maybe not.)

Conception

You have parents/ in-laws

Planning

• Plan for parent/in-law engagement
• Calling/arranging for visits and visiting parents and in-laws an adequate amount (consult with “Travel” cardholder)
• Becoming familiar with parents’/in-laws’ health, including medical history, current medical issues, financial or other concerns

Execution

• Purchasing and have family members sign or decorate cards for important occasions (birthday, holiday, Mother’s/Father’s Day)
• Handling parents/in-laws needs during their visits, including airport transportation, activity/meal planning, taking vacation days to spend time with them
• Managing parents’/in-laws’ wishes for burial while alive
• Educating on electronics/IT/other current issues

Minimum Standard of Care

Do you agree on the role parents/in-laws have in your life? If not, can you agree on a reasonable role going forward?