When it’s time to talk about caring for aging parents, whether it’s in an intimate chat with mom or a full family gathering, these are the things you’ll need to get from your parents.

1. Personal Information – When caring for elderly parents, make sure you can find critical personal information. Does Mom keep her birth certificate in a fireproof safe? Has Dad hidden his military records in a safe deposit box? Make sure you understand where you can find these articles.

2. Insurance information: From Medicare account numbers to long-term care coverage, an important part of caring for elderly parents is having access to insurance information. Ask your loved one where you can find these documents in case of an emergency.

3. Financial information – Part of your elder care solution should be to find out where your loved one can store financial information. In the event of an emergency, you or another family member may need to access information from bank account, credit card accounts, and utility accounts.

4. Lifestyle wishes: Perhaps your father is seriously opposed to living in a nursing facility. Perhaps your mother-in-law would rather be in an elderly community than live alone. Ask your parents what kind of life situation they would like to consider in case they become ill or too weak to live independently. Caring for elderly parents includes working closely with them to ensure that they live a lifestyle that they will enjoy.

5. Details of funeral arrangements – Did Mom prepay for the cemetery plot? Dad wants to be buried in his favorite sports shirt? Caring for elderly parents includes discussing their wishes regarding funeral arrangements and services.

6. Contact Information: If you are caring for elderly parents, keep a list of who to contact in case of an emergency. The list should include your doctors and specialists, as well as, if necessary, prayer chains and close friends. You may also need phone numbers for services related to your senior care solutions, such as home health services or a meal delivery service.

7. Pet Care Information: If Grammy dies, who will take care of her rooster that chews on socks and barks at midnight? When caring for elderly parents with pets, make sure he or she makes arrangements for caring for pets while they are sick or unable to care for them.

8. Important Documents: Effective elder care solutions include knowing where seniors keep documents such as a medical power of attorney, a living will, and a will. If they don’t have these important documents, encourage them to consider writing them. A legal professional can help you and your loved one understand these documents, as well as help your parents present them.

It’s easy to talk about the last play of that great soccer game or how Aunt Meg looked like a pumpkin in that horrible orange dress; it is more difficult to talk to a loved one about what should happen in the event of a sudden illness or death. Although it is a conversation that no adult child wants to have, it is a must if you are caring for elderly parents.