Dealing With All The "Stuff" The Great Depression Generation Leaves Behind

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Seventy-eight million Boomers are either going through it, getting ready to go through it, or are paralyzed by it.

When loved ones pass away or an elderly family member is infirm, it is an extremely stressful time for those left in the wake. The last thing anyone wants to think about is how to deal with the accumulation of "stuff" left behind. Every day approximately forty-eight hundred baby boomers become middle-aged orphans when their elderly parents pass away, leaving behind much more than just memories. And they are unprepared for the battles ahead.

There are many challenges that will come for the Boomer children, especially the female boomer. But one that comes as fast as a flying brick, is when a parent passes away and the children are left to handle all the details. Often these details include the will (if there is one and its location), finances, legal matters, bills, medical information, dealing with the home and its contents, etc.

 

To complicate the issue, the children must also deal with the division of estate contents, potential feuding among heirs and clearing out the family home. Unfortunately these details do not come with an instruction manual ...

Have you faced loosing a parent? What was your experience of dealing with the details?

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August 25, 2008
Note: This Perspectives Blog post is written by a Guest Blogger of DrGreene.com and is provided in order to offer a variety of thoughtful points of view. The opinions expressed on this Perspectives Blog post do not reflect the opinions of Dr. Greene or DrGreene.com. As such, Dr. Greene and DrGreene.com are not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied. This post is used under Creative Commons License CC BY-ND 3.0.
 
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Cheryl Greene

Julie -- Thank you so much

Julie -- Thank you so much for bringing this important topic to DrGreene.com. I talk with people every day who are dealing with their aging parents -- I'm one of them. My siblings and I are facing healthcare issues, changing family dynamics, financial stress, and ultimately loss. I've watched so many families come apart when they need each other the most. Your information is so valuable and we believe it can help some readers here avoid mistakes they might otherwise make. Thanks again, MsGreene