Webinar: The Five Conversations: Tough Talks with Aging Family Members by Koelsch Communities

About this Series

We might know it's to time to do something to help an aging relative. But, how do we even begin the conversation? Get practical help on each of the Five Conversations from experienced aging professionals - many of whom have experienced these conversations with their own family members.

Each episode in the series focuses on one of the five conversations.

#1 - Something's wrong.
I think it's time to start helping mom out. How do I let her know - and not start acting like her parent?

#2 - I'll take your keys and checkbook please.
Dad is unsafe driving and the finances are a mess. How do I do this without an argument?

#3 - Um, you're moving.
Home is no longer the right place for her. How do I tell her that?

#4 - You can't take both sets of china!
We're downsizing and getting ready to move. How do I help her?

#5 - Do you like it here?
I'm visiting him at his new assisted living. What's the best way to keep things positive?

Bring your real life situations for feedback from guest specialists. After sharing a brief review of practical tips and several case studies, they'll give thoughtful perspective and suggestions for your own unique situation.

Register for all 5 episodes at once on this page. Or, scroll down to register for just the episodes most relevant to you.

Meet The Specialists

Benjamin Surmi, MsG

Social Gerontologist
Scott Fischer, BSN, CDP, CPRS

President and Founder, Options for Senior Living

Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University in 1986. Since 2000, his sole focus has been on the care and service of seniors, particularly in the area of senior mental health with an emphasis on seniors living with dementia. He has served over 2000 families in the past 13 years.
Jill Beagles, BA, CNA

Home Care Liason, Home Care Assistance

Jill has worked in the senior living industry for 10+ years specializing in client care, communications, and partnership development. As a seasoned Home Care Liaison, she is passionate about infusing excitement in the senior living industry utilizing innovative and trending techniques.
Bonnie Blachly, MN, RN, BSN

Affiliate Instructor, University of Washington

Bonnie Blachly’s nursing experience began in OB/GYN nursing. Her interests expanded to the other end of the life spectrum into gerontology with an emphasis in long term care. She also focuses on end-of-life care and support for patients, families and friends. She has an interest in developing the role of the End-of-Life Doula. Bonnie has also functioned as a nurse consultant working with attorneys as well as long term care agencies to analyze nursing systems and ensure regulatory compliance.
Shelly Drews, MBA ALFM CDP CADDCT PAC~C

CEO and Founder, Help My Senior

Shelly Drews is CEO and Founder of Help My Senior and has served in the senior industry for more than 25 years. Along with an MBA in Healthcare Management Shelly received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Microbiology from the University of Arizona. Shelly holds a multitude of industry certifications, including a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) Certification, Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer® (CADDCT), a Training Certification through International Dementia Expert Teepa Snow.
Nicole Amico Kane, MSW, LICSW, CMC

Director of Care Management, Aging Wisdom

Nicole Kane, MSW, LICSW, CMC, was born in Buffalo, grew up primarily in Houston, Texas, and moved to Seattle in 2007. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Texas State University and a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Texas. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified care manager.
Allyson Schrier, PAC Certified Trainer

ECHO Dementia Project Manager, UW Medicine Harborview

Allyson Schrier coordinate an innovative collaborative of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals through the University of Washington. With deeply personal experiences caring for others living with dementia, Allyson designed a dementia-friendly TV Channel - Zinnia TV. She trains families and professionals through Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care program.
Mai Thompson, SMM~C

President and Founder, Smooth Transitions - East Valley/Phoenix

Mai Thompson launched Smooth Transitions® Phoenix East Valley in order to fill a gap for seniors who have decided to downsize and need assistance. Smooth Transitions has the experience and expertise to make these tasks feasible, timely and affordable.

Mai puts her Engineering degree and systems experience to good use in helping seniors and their adult children navigate the challenges of a move or estate dispersal. It isn’t just about the ‘stuff’ but understanding how hard it can be to manage a lifetime of memories and belongings when downsizing.
Stephanie Fialkin, MSW

Executive Director, Rock Creek Memory Care

Stephanie Fialkin is the Executive Director of Rock Creek at The Park, a Koelsch Senior Living Community. She is a clinical social worker specializing in cognitive disorders. Her experience in healthcare spans over 23 years in a variety of capacities including: program development, healthcare management, social services, regional marketing and operations.
Evan Fairborn, BA

Customer Service Director, Madison House Assisted Living

Evan Fairbourn just celebrated his third anniversary with Koelsch Communities. Starting as a part-time receptionist, he has quickly risen through the ranks to fill various rolls including Business Office Manager, Customer Services Director, and currently assists the executive director as an Executive Director in Training.

As part of the Madison House team in Kirkland, WA, Evan has played a vital role in creating innovative programming to keep residents engaged in the heart of the COVID-19 epicenter. Focusing on clear communication with residents and families, Evan has fostered a close-knit clientele that maintains a sense of hope and opportunity in finding creative ways to stay connected.

With a bachelor’s in cultural anthropology, Evan has always exhibited a keen knack for finding common ground with a diverse range of residents and staff members. Driven by a passion for quality, Evan looks forward to a bright future with Koelsch and is grateful to work for a company with an established reputation of care and innovation.

This Series has 5 Episodes

I think something is not quite right.

Conversation #1: Something's wrong!

Thursday, May 28, 2020 · 11:00 AM PDT

This is the conversation where it all starts. You see signs that something is not quite right. But, how do you enter their life to help when they may not believe they need any help? And, sometimes we realize that we are starting to act more like a parent than like a spouse, son, daughter or friend.

- How do I tell for sure it’s time to start getting involved?
- What do I do when they don't think they need any help?
- I don’t want my relationship to change.
- Can I keep being her daughter and not become her mom?

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I don't think driving and handling finances is safe anymore.

Conversation #2: I'll take your keys and checkbook please.

Thursday, June 4, 2020 · 11:00 AM PDT

In our last event, we discussed the conversation in which we open the door for helping an aging relative. At this event, we'll think through how to have tough conversations about starting to help with driving and finances.

- How do I take aware the car keys?
- What about the credit cards, checkbooks, and bills?

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I don't know how to tell them things are changing.

Conversation #3: Um, you're moving.

Thursday, June 11, 2020 · 11:00 AM PDT

In our last event, we discussed the conversation in which we start managing finances and find alternative ways for our aging relative to get around without driving themselves. At this event, we'll think through how to tell someone they love that they really need to accept a stranger in their home to help provide support or move into a senior living community.

- When do I need to get help for dad?
- What are the signs it's time to hire a care partner or start looking for assisted living?
- How do I tell him? I know he'll say, "No!"

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I have never moved an aging relative!

Conversation #4: You can't take both sets of china!

Thursday, June 18, 2020 · 11:00 AM PDT

In our last event, we discussed the conversation in which we break the news that an aging relative needs to move to a senior living community. At this event, we'll talk through the conversations that happen as we get ready to move on and on moving day.

- How am I going to help her sort through all her stuff and then move?
- What do I tell her when I drop her off?
- How do we stay friends through all of this? What will make this successful?

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I want to stay connected and enjoy our visits.

Conversation #5: Do you like it here?

Thursday, June 25, 2020 · 11:00 AM PDT

In our last event, we discussed the conversations just before moving and on the day of a move to a senior living community. At this event, we'll talk about the conversations that take place when we're visiting our aging relatives.

- How often should I visit?
- What makes a good visit?
- What do I do when I come?
- What if I need to speak up about concerns?
- How do I help them have a wonderful time and stay close?

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