Let’s Talk About Aging Parents: A Real-Life Guide to Solving Problems with 27 Essential Conversations

Many adults will find themselves taking care of their aging parents. CanAge CEO Watts (law and aging, Univ. of Toronto) gives practical advice on how to handle many situations, such as a parent with dementia, searching for good in-home care, and decisions that may be difficult to make. The book includes a step-by-step diagram and checklist that help caregivers examine each room in their parent’s home to determine possible obstacles or spaces where they may need to help their parent more. There are also sample scripts for challenging conversations with aging parents and advice on how to have these talks without being overbearing. Watts’s book shows that sometimes care involves coordinating with other family members, which often requires navigating all types of personalities, family dynamics, and other factors. To help with this, she offers tips for knowing when to remove oneself from discussions or situations. Her book also covers hearing aids, incontinence, gray divorces, safe sex for older parents, and death.