When and Why to Have the Housing Talk

Choose a time when there aren't a lot of distractions and everyone is in a good mood -- during a meal, for example -- and start with a few simple questions:

• How are you doing keeping up with the house?
• Do you ever think you'll need to make a change at some point?

The idea is to give seniors an easy way to talk about their wants and worries -- without feeling threatened.

Giving them time to express their concerns and talk about how committed they really are to living independently and what they're willing to do to make that happen -- rather than launching into your worries for them or what you think they ought to do -- may give all of you the crucial information you need to make the right decision for the whole family. Keep in mind, though, that it's ultimately their decision.