New Program Helps Adult Children Engage Conversations with Aging Parents

CHICAGO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The holiday season provides occasions for families to get together. However, after the dinners and reminiscing, families too often realize that their aging parents are having difficulties living independently. In fact, inquiries to retirement communities show an increase during and after the holidays, when the children of aging parents begin looking for resources or advice.

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That's one of the reasons a new online resource that assists families in discussions and decisions regarding aging relatives is receiving rave reviews and media attention.

HavingTheConversation.com is presented with appreciation for the great difficulty families have with these types of conversations. The unique program offers practical resources and tips that will help families convey respect for the decisions of aging family members, while addressing the fears and guilt that younger family members often experience.

"We are committed to a respectful, dignified lifestyle for older adults, and we saw a definite need to provide information for families that wasn't being filled," said Having the Conversation spokesperson, Moraine Byrne. "Families want to talk about these issues, but often don't know where to begin. 'Having the Conversation' provides resources and guidance, and hopefully some peace of mind." Having the Conversation is provided by Covenant Retirement Communities (CRC), a not-for-profit ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church, based in Chicago.

With an estimated 76 million Baby Boomers in the United States, this is the generation that is facing conversations with aging parents. CRC identified a void and applied its more than a century of experience of working with families in creating the new program.

"Having the Conversation" includes articles and national resources on topics such as:

• How to Best Get Started
• Potential Topics of Conversation
• Is Staying in the House a Good Idea?
• When is the Right Time to Give Up the Car?
• What if Your Parents Say No?

A central feature of the Web site is a video entitled, "How To Best Get Started," counseling families on ways to approach difficult topics while keeping respect and dignity at the forefront of the conversation.

CRC is devoting significant resources to "Having the Conversation" as a service in line with its mission to serve senior adults and their families.

SOURCE Having the Conversation, Covenant Retirement Communities

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http://www.HavingTheConversation.com