“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

“THE 40-70 RULE”:Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors andTheir Families

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

Conducted in the U.S. and Canada by Home Instead Senior Care, this study revealed that nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. have a major communication obstacle with their parents that stems from continuation of the “parent-child role.”

Original Research

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

Baby Boomers have the most difficulty talking with their parents about independence-related issues, such as continuing to live in their own homes. These seniors’ desire to remain independent also makes it challenging to address with them such sensitive issues as health and finances.

Conversational Obstacles

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

Start Talking Now

Unfortunately, a lack of family communication can lead to problems for seniors such as misuse of medications, self-neglect—even accidents. So, the goal of the 40-70 campaign is to provide practical ways for adult children to start talking with their parents now .

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

The 40-70 Guide

At the center of the 40-70 campaign is a guide of conversation starters for sensitive senior-care subjects. Here’s an example:

Your 70-ye ar-old widowe d mothe r has jus tbe e n diagnose d with macular de ge ne ration, a dise ase that cause s de te rioration of e ye s ight.  How do you be g in a conve rsation with he r about the poss ible ramifications of this dis e ase ?

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

The 40-70 Guide

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

Conversation Tips

• Make sure to broach these conversations with care. And it’s crucial to begin such discussions assuming “if” rather than “when.”

• Do keep talking, though, because the parent-child conversation can be so important in helping seniors adapt to changing life circumstances.

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

Good communication also is vital to helping families know when it’s time to seek additional resources. Often, both adult children and their loved ones can benefit from outside help, such as that provided by professionals like our Home Instead CAREGiversSM. But the only way that will happen is if these families can talk about it.

Talk About Getting Help

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

If you’d like to learn more about our services, or if you’re interested in employment as a Home Instead CAREGiver, please contact my office—a local, independently owned and operated Home Instead Senior Care® franchise.

“The 40-70 Rule”: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Seniors and Their Families

Questions & Answers