Starting the ‘Conversation’ With Aged Parents: A Financial Geriatric Tip

There comes a time when we, or our clients, need to have "the conversation" with our parents. The most frequent topics that come up are about changes in health that will affect their lifestyle, driving, personal appearance, "senior moments," managing finances and home safety, to name just a few.

For all of us, these are difficult topics to approach with our parents. Statistically, 31% of baby boomers have communication difficulties with their parents due to the parent-child roles that emerged in childhood. It is sometimes difficult for us to have a peer-to-peer conversation with our parents, especially if you are the youngest child. My Mom used to tell me, "As long as I'm around, I'm the mother and you're the child." That was a difficult statement to hear when I needed to have "the conversations."

There is a wonderful guide known as "The 40-70 Rule…A Guide to Conversation Starters for Boomers and Their Senior Loved Ones." This guide was prepared by Jake Harwood, Ph.D., at the University of Arizona from his research on communication and aging.

If you feel that "the conversation" time is drawing near, I would definitely recommend reading the guide. The guide and additional information is available at CareGiverStress.com; another helpful site is the Home Instead Senior Care website, which is loaded with resources for finding home care, becoming a caregiver and other elder care resources. 

The first step to the solution is defining the problem.

About the Author
Rosanne Rogé, R.W. Roge & Co.

Rosanne Rogé, R.W. Roge & Co.

Rosanne joined R.W. Rogé & Company, Inc. in January 1995. A CFP, CSA and RFGSM, she is a graduate of C.W. Post - Long Island University's Certificate Program in Financial Planning and the College for Financial Planning Para-Planner Program.

Ms. Rogé is certified by The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to use the professional certifications CFP and Certified Financial Planner. She is also a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA); the Society of Certified Senior Advisors is dedicated to providing continuing education that addresses new developments and research concerning seniors. The Society is also committed to promoting the recognition of Certified Senior Advisors as knowledgeable professionals serving seniors.

Ms. Rogé also holds the title of Registered Financial Gerontologist (RFGSM), which she earned "With Distinction" Honors after successfully completing the Comprehensive Examination for the Registered Financial Gerontologist, given by The American Institute of Financial Gerontology (AIFG), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ms. Rogé is a Financial Services affiliate of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the national organization of fee-only planners. Ms. Rogé was elected as an Associate Trustee and a member of the Stewardship Committee of the Jefferson's Ferry Foundation. Jefferson's Ferry is an outstanding life care retirement community on Long Island. Also, Ms. Rogé is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). She previously worked at Cigna Individual Financial Services where for four years she prepared financial plans and analytical projections for Clients. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude) in Human Relations/Psychology and Associate in Applied Science degrees from Pace University.

In May 2010, Wealth Manager Magazine again named Rosanne Rogé as one of the 50 most influential women in wealth management. Ms. Rogé has held several securities licenses (NASD Series 6, 7 and 63) and is a New York State Life, Accident and Health Insurance licensee. She chairs the Client Services Committee of R. W. Roge & Co. and serves on the Investment Management Committee.

In May 2008, Investment Advisor magazine named Rosanne Rogé as one of the "25 Most Influential People in and around the Financial Services Profession." Her advice is frequently sought after by the press and media. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Personal Finance Magazine, Investment Advisor Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Newsday and USA Today.

Rosanne is also co-author to the newly released book, The Banker and the Fisherman: Lessons in Life, Happiness and Wealth for the 21st Century.

Rosanne is a native New Yorker and has a passion for dogs, flowers, nature and sailing.

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