Prof. Mewhinney (Wake Forest) quoted on ethical issues
Prof. Kate Mewhinney of Wake Forest, who directs the Elder Law Clinic , was quoted today in an article in the Winston-Salem Journal about the need for adult children and their aging parents to communicate about financial and health issues.
Some adult children dominate their parents’ affairs, creating an ethical issue.
Kate Mewhinney ofWake Forest University’s Elder Law Clinic said that adult children haveapproached the clinic, without their parents, seeking a power ofattorney.
“We have a policyof saying ‘We need to meet with your parents first,” Mewhinney said.”Part of the dynamic is that professionals integrate the family, butnot let the family take over.”
Recognizing, andreckoning with, such roadblocks can be tough, but families can takesome steps to jump-start a financial dialogue.