Cleaning out parent's stuff

[MossRoad]

Given the option of an open casket vs a celebration of life event, I'd go celebration of life event.

Absolutely. But, despite my wishes, you never know what the survivors might do. They could prop me up in the corner and play pin the tail on the donkey. They could have a church funeral if they want to risk the lighting strikes. They could even dress me in a suit and tie. But I'll be dead, so I won't know.

 

[Oaktree]

This may sound morbid, and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone, but dying in your older age while you still are "functioning" as a independent adult while not having a long hospital stay really isn't that bad of a way of checking out of this world IMO.

Not morbid at all. Both of my parents went out that way (well, my father's last month or so was in a hospice center, but was at home until then), mother at home when she died. Can't believe anyone would want to spend their last days/months/years in a hospital bed with tubes up every orifice.

Per this whole topic of dealing with loved ones stuff, THIS is the primary reason why my wife wants to downsize and have no clutter.

My wife and I have been having the same discussion. Actual execution of it easier said than done though...
She says she wants to go first so she doesn't have to deal with my stuff.

My sisters and I went thru the "cleaning out the house" exercise last spring. Mother was quite the pack rat...stuff there dating back to the 50s (parents bought the house in 1951). We did get rid of a surprising amount of stuff with a yard/estate sale, we weren't necessarily trying to make much money on it, so everything was priced to move. Just wanted to get rid of it, preferably not to the dump.
We weren't sure how easily the house would sell...interior VERY dated and outside needed a lot of TLC, but we had a signed contract at our asking price within a week.

 

[ArlyA]

A parental dementia update. My spouse spoke with her brother about getting the car back and out of their fathers hands. Note, he is the one who gave him back the car and now say her can't help with that. The state of MN did revoked their dads driver license who then asked my spouse about the the cars insurance. She said "you can't be driving anymore" so he sent the insurance co a check himself. The insurance company got back with my spouse and said "we we can't insure his car, if he don't have a license". What a mess. She's trying to speak with his doctor to have him committed mentally incompetent.

 

[kenmbz]

A parental dementia update. My spouse spoke with her brother about getting the car back and out of their fathers hands. Note, he is the one who gave him back the car and now say her can't help with that. The state of MN did revoked their dads driver license who then asked my spouse about the the cars insurance. She said "you can't be driving anymore" so he sent the insurance co a check himself. The insurance company got back with my spouse and said "we we can't insure his car, if he don't have a license". What a mess. She's trying to speak with his doctor to have him committed mentally incompetent.

Sorry to hear this is still a mess.
Time to make the car disappear.

My father can't physically drive and my Uncle gave up driving, so while not optimal, it stops us from getting that call in the night.

 

[WinterDeere]

She's trying to speak with his doctor to have him committed mentally incompetent.

Not to joke about a serious situation, but she should see if she could get her brother added to that committal, while she's at it!

It's tough getting old, as much for the patient as their family. I'm sure I'll be about the most cantankerous mother-effer you'll ever come across, when my family has to come take my car keys and such...

 

[ArlyA]

Sorry to hear this is still a mess.
Time to make the car disappear.

My father can't physically drive and my Uncle gave up driving, so while not optimal, it stops us from getting that call in the night.

Yes, we are talking about going back up and putting the car back in the garage but my spouse does not want to go back. Another problem is he's talking about buying a new car. Ya, its dementia. So if we took away his current death trap, would he just buy another?

 

[ArlyA]

Dearest got a message back from her dad's doc hoping we get that car out of his confused/dementia hands. I hope we can make a quick trip up there is weekend. Its 6+ hours one way.

 

[Sigarms]

Dearest got a message back from her dad's doc hoping we get that car out of his confused/dementia hands. I hope we can make a quick trip up there is weekend. Its 6+ hours one way.

My dad lived 8 hours away.

Anytime I went up there working on his house or stuff, I always tried to include a Friday or a Monday (workday) just in case I had to be there in person for something.

It's a pain, but that one extra day on a Friday or Monday saved me a couple of major headaches.

 

[California]

Yes, we are talking about going back up and putting the car back in the garage but my spouse does not want to go back. Another problem is he's talking about buying a new car. Ya, its dementia. So if we took away his current death trap, would he just buy another?

You might want to warn the dealers of his favorite brand that he's unlicensed.

 

[Runner]

You might want to warn the dealers of his favorite brand that he's unlicensed.

If I understand correctly, he still has a valid license.

So, does he have a valid license now?

Yes, the state doesn't have a system to take it away after his failure.. Still has a car anyway.