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Is Dad asking if he should sell the house now that Mom is gone? Or perhaps Aunt Mary is anxious about her savings running out. Even if you are good at managing your own money, helping a relative make financial decisions can bring a lot of pressure. Consider hiring a professional advisor. Ask your friends for the names of financial services specialists (financial planners or investment advisors) they would recommend. Interview several candidates, in person. Ask about

Sometimes the best way to care for your loved one is to take an extended break and recharge your batteries. Plan well in advance for care. Options to consider:

Frequently in serious illness, treatment decisions must be made quickly. It is not uncommon for relatives to have differing ideas about the best course. Some may feel their loved one should pursue aggressive treatments. Others may feel that therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy do not offer enough benefits given their negative effect on the limited time their family member may have.

It’s a big decision to have Mom or Dad move into a smaller living situation. Often more emotionally challenging, however, are the many little decisions your relative must make about what to keep and what to let go. Possessions, from furniture to garden tools, hold many dear memories. Giving them up forces recognition that one day your loved one's life will come to a close. The first step to reduce emotional strain is to allow plenty of time. Senior move experts recommend a minimum of three months lead-time. Consider these steps: