40:70 Rule Book launched gets families talking

26/11/2008 18:30:00

LETS GET SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES TALKING

Home Instead Senior Care has launched a campaign called the ‘The 40-70 Rule’ which is designed to help adult children as well as their senior parents begin to address difficult issues with each other such as driving, finances, independence, end-of-life issues, and even romance.

“The idea is that if you're 40+, or your parents are 70+, it's time to start talking - at least about certain senior topics”, said Ed Murphy, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care in Ireland “Likewise, there are many topics that seniors themselves should begin discussing with their children once they are 70+ so we’ve also introduced a ’70-40 Rule’ element to the campaign”.

Some issues can be challenging to discuss in families even where communication is free and open. Our research revealed nearly one-third of adults have a major communications obstacle with their parents that stems from continuation of the parent-child role. In other words, it can be difficult to get the conversation going because the child is still in a child rather than an adult role with their parents. But talking sooner is better than waiting until a crisis has occurred.

Consider the following scenarios:

40-70 RULE:
An adult daughter rushes to the emergency room where here senior mother has suffered a stroke and lapsed into a coma. But she has no idea what her mother’s wishes are regarding the level of medical intervention, nor does she know other practical details regarding possible power of attorney arrangements or even who her mother’s solicitor is. She wishes she’d asked. Rate your communication skills by taking this assessment.

70-40 RULE:
At age 85, you're happy to be healthy and living longer than you expected. But money is running out. Not only will you be unable to leave your children the inheritance they're expecting, but funds are getting tight for you as well. What do you say to your children? Rate your communication skills by taking this assessment.

A free copy of the '40/70 & 70/40 Rule' is available from any of the 15 Home Instead Senior Care offices in Ireland or by calling 1890 930 013.

Alternatively you can download a copy here: 40-70 & 70-40 Booklet.pdf