Resources

Family Visit Checklist

Not sure what to pay attention to when you visit an aging parent?

This practical checklist helps you notice changes in health, memory, the home, medications, finances, and everyday functioning—so you can begin conversations and take action before concerns become urgent.

Download the Family Visit Checklist

Starting the Conversation With Aging Parents

Talking about aging can feel awkward—especially when everyone is healthy and nothing feels urgent.

But those are often the best times to begin.

You do not need to sit down for one big, serious conversation. A simple question asked at the right moment can open the door to understanding what matters most to your parents and what they would want if circumstances changed.

Use these prompts as conversation starters:

• What matters most to you as you get older?

• Are there things you definitely want to stay the same?

• What would you want us to know if your health changed?

• Who would you want involved in important decisions?

• Where are important financial, legal, and medical documents kept?

• Is there anything about your home or living situation you would want us to understand?

• What kind of help would feel comfortable to you—and what would not?

• Are there things you have been meaning to tell us but have not known how to bring up?

• If something unexpected happened, what would make you feel most secure?

• What would make these conversations easier for you?

You do not need to cover everything at once. One question can be enough to begin.

Try this: Look for natural openings—a story in the news, a friend’s experience, an upcoming appointment, or a family gathering can make the conversation feel less forced.