The topic families avoid over holiday dinners or while opening presents; how Mom and Dad should be cared for when they can no longer care for themselves.

Having this future healthcare conversation is the first step. Once families are clear on the care and decisions a family member has made, the next step is to get those wishes in writing. More families are affected by this lack of planning than you may think.

Advance directives are an important piece of the planning puzzle, but many focus only on end-of-life issues and crisis decision making. Advance directives do not include "living-until-end-of-life" information. Many people will live out the remainder of their days being cared for by someone else, either in their own home or in a care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living.

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