Worcester Business Journal

42 Worcester Business Journal | November 2, 2026 | wbjournal.com Seven Hills Foundation is the go-to resource for seniors who are "aging in place" as homeowners and community members. When daily activities require assistance, Seven Hills provides person-centered programs, including: • Adult Family Care: In-home, person-centered support provided by a team of professionals for seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to live alone and are eligible for MassHealth. Contact afc@sevenhills.org or call 508-713-8540. • Home Care: Professional in-home caregivers offer fully individualized, needs-based services with flexible scheduling. Contact mdow@sevenhills.org or call 508-756-4696. Holden Hearing Aid Center, Inc. 724 Main Street, Holden MA 01520 Phone: (508) 829-5566 www.HoldenHearingAid.com Let our Center help you better! Matthew Moreno, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology Swim Plugs We offer comprehensive hearing care services including complete hearing evaluations, hearing loss rehabilitation, education and counseling. Phones Hearing Aids Batteries & Accessories Assistive Listening Devices Hearing Evaluations Wax Removal Hearing Protection Musician's Ear Plugs GUEST COLUMN BY BRENDAN KING A s our parents age, family roles oen begin to shi. Adult children who once relied on their parents for guidance and support may suddenly find themselves helping with medical appointments, managing finances, or making difficult decisions about long-term care. While these tran- sitions are a natural part of life, they can also create significant legal and financial challenges, particularly when families have not planned ahead. Who has the authority to make deci- sions? Imagine discovering that your moth- er can no longer manage her finances or that your father needs someone to make medical decisions following an unexpected hospitalization. Who has the authority to step in? A durable power of attorney lets a designated individual handle financial and legal matters, while a health care proxy designates someone to make medical decisions if the individual can no longer make them independently. HIPAA authorizations can also help family members obtain important med- ical information. Without these documents, even well-intentioned family members may encounter significant obstacles, poten- tially requiring court intervention to obtain the necessary authority. Choosing the right decision makers Choosing the right decision makers involves more than simply naming the oldest child or closest relative. Financial decision makers should be trustworthy, organized and capable of managing complex responsibilities. Health care agents must be prepared to commu- nicate with medical professionals and make difficult decisions while respect- ing the individual's wishes. ese responsibilities should be discussed openly before they become necessary. While naming someone in a legal document is important, ensuring that person understands and accepts the role is equally critical. Planning for long-term care As parents age, questions about assisted living, nursing home care and protecting family assets oen become more pressing. Proactive elder law plan- ning can help families evaluate long- term care options, understand potential MassHealth eligibility, and explore strategies for preserving assets. Because certain planning techniques are subject to strict rules and timing requirements, waiting until care is urgently needed may limit available options. Don't overlook your own planning For adults helping aging parents, the experience oen serves as a reminder to revisit their own estate plans. Are your designated decision makers still appro- priate? Have your family circumstances or financial situation changed? Do your documents reflect your current wishes? Estate planning is not simply about what happens aer death. It is about protecting your independence, ensuring your wishes are respected, and guid- ing the people who may one day need to act on your behalf. Planning today can make tomorrow's difficult deci- sions considerably easier for everyone involved. Brendan King is a partner and attorney at Estate Preservation Law Offices in Worcester, Leominster, Braintree and Hyannis. When the roles reverse: Planning for the challenges of aging parents W

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