There are few things more important in life than being prepared, especially in a life-threatening situation.

It would be foolish to assume that in emergency situations such as a fire in the home that everyone will know what to do, so people prepare by running fire drills and marking exit doors. People plan for literally everything — catastrophes, retirement, mishaps, and milestones.

So why do people have such a hard time planning for the eventual passing of a parent? Probably it is because it involves discussing uncomfortable topics with our parents. Add in the usual stubbornness of people who don’t want to admit they’re getting older and that the years are slowly winding down and it’s no wonder, adult age children and seniors avoid the issue altogether.

Knowing the location of important documents and valuables in the event of an unexpected health crisis is vital. It will give both you and your parents’ peace of mind in the case of hospitalization, incapacitation, or sudden death.

Here are the most important discussions to have with your parents or loved ones.

Medical Records

If your parent suddenly finds themselves an emergency medical situation, the hospital will ask about pre-existing conditions, previous surgeries, and current medications. If your mother or father is unable to answer or recall all of the information, you’ll need to be the point person for the information.

Ask your parents to make a list of all pre-existing conditions, current medications (along with dosage and pharmacy info) and any other information that might be necessary for an emergency situation, including known allergies, etc.

On the same note, it’s important to know as much about a parents’ health and life insurance information as possible. You’ll need access to medical cards, life insurance policies and to be sure their premiums are up-to-date and if there any extras involved in the instance of hospitalization. Work with your parents to put this information in a particular place and/or make copies for yourself so that you have easy access to it if the need arises. You might want to consider Healthcare Power of Attorney services so that your parents’ health care wishes are followed. You can talk with your FLC care coordinator about finding an attorney who can set up these services for your family.

Banking and Investment information

The discussion of money is uncomfortable but vital should something unfortunate happy to a loved one. Even if a parent gets sick, bills still need to be paid.

To make the situation as easy as possible for all involved, be sure to have prior knowledge of where your parent’s bank is and collect their account numbers, online access codes and PINs. Request to be added to their bank accounts to access the account to make payments and manage it in the event of a life-changing health issue. You may want to consider Financial Power of Attorney services. You can talk with the FLC care coordinator who can refer you to the proper supports.

Inquire out about your parents’ investments, the contact information of their financial advisor, and, any fees, required distributions, or withdrawal penalties. Treat your parent’s financial situation the way you would your own.

Hidden Valuables

Many older adults still don’t completely trust the way the world works and feel as though their valuables are safer hidden somewhere in the house instead of securely kept in a bank. Wills, birth certificates, marriage licenses and even substantial sums of money might be stashed away in desk drawers or boxes in the attic. Now is the time to collect those papers, or at least find out where they are, in the case of emergency.

If your parents keep a safety deposit box, find out where they keep it and the keys and ask the steps necessary to access the box. Your mother or father may need to have your name put on file with the bank to gain access, requiring a trip to the bank. While there, ask your parent(s) to go over the contents of the box with you.

Healthcare directives

A health care directive also referred to as a living will or advance directive, is documentation explaining a parent’s wishes in the event of a life-threatening emergency where they’re no longer able to speak for themselves. They may have a Do Not Resuscitate order or a health care power of attorney in place, and it’s important to know these wishes in advance. Talk to your parents about what happens if they find themselves in a situation. Again, consider enlisting the support of a Healthcare Power of Attorney or become that for your parent, if you are able.

If your parent doesn’t have a living will assist them with securing one for your and their peace of mind. The requirements for a living will are different in every state. A lawyer will prepare a living will or there are several less expensive online options available such as Rocket Lawyer or Legal Nature.

End-of-life decisions

Death is the most uncomfortable discussion one can have with the person who gave them life, but it’s crucial to know the direct wishes of an aging parent in the event of an unfortunate situation. Many older adults will joke about their “wishes” after passing away, (buried in the backyard or placed in a museum), but it’s important to find out their real requests for services, cremation or burial. Find out what their end-of-life preferences and assure them you intend to honor their wishes.

Before the unfortunate happens, talk to aging adults about all the information you might need to know someday. Uncomfortable discussions now will help to avoid awkward situations in the future. One of the gentlest ways to talk about this issue is by reviewing the Five Wishes with them. Keep a copy of this document with their important papers; when the time comes to make these important decisions, let the Five Wishes be your guide.