<p>worrywart–we brought up the subject that it had been almost 20 years since her will had been updated. She realized that it might be a good idea to make an appt with her lawyer. We did and of course, attended the meeting with her. It was during the course of conversation with the atty that we decided that it would be a good idea to come up with the notebook idea. So, I guess it wasn’t so much that I suggested it, but the combination of atty making suggestions and our reinforcing the importance of it all. Also, we have several family members that were terminally ill at the time in addition to my mother’s best friend having passed away. The friend was terminally ill and she witnessed the whole “getting affairs in order” routine. I think that helped her realize the importance of at least trying to get better organized. The suggestion of a notebook really helped her–I know now that she knew she needed to do this, but just didn’t really know where to start. Now, if the real estate market will just pick up and we can get her settled into an apt closer to us and out from under maintaining a larger home. This has taken a little longer for her to come to grips with, but after months of talking about alternatives and seeing relatives move into assisted living and some whose living situations are still unstable, she has finally made the decision. She is not ready for assisted living nor does she want to move in with my sibling or myself. So, my feeling is to try to keep her as independant as possible, which she wants to do. We are hoping for the best! Good Luck to you and your situation!</p>