Episode 139

full
Published on:

22nd Mar 2025

Aging Parents: How to Start That Senior Living Conversation

Daphne Davis from Pinnacle Senior Placements in Seattle, Washington joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about family, starting those tough conversations about aging parents and senior living, and being guided by your highest family value.

Daphne says, "We need to just stop and decide: What are our highest values for me individually, or for our family, or for my relationship with my mom and dad? And for you to have a benchmark – or a litmus or an understanding – of what your highest value is and then work toward that highest value... One [example] would be that I want my parents to be as happy and as healthy and safe as possible while honoring their own wishes. That could be a very standard highest value. You, as an advocate for whoever those people are, parents or otherwise, tweak that in terms of, how can I help them gracefully get into this next chapter of life and still honor their wishes? Because sometimes we have to be very proactive and sometimes we have to say the words that are not easy to say.

"And so I'd like to give you just some ideas of how to do that. As an adult child, that could be, 'Mom and dad, this is a tough place for me to be at, and I respect you completely, but I'm seeing the following.' And I would love to have a conversation about this without anybody getting defensive, if we can. And throw some humor in it, if that's your personality. Or if you're a friend and you see something from a distance – maybe it's a couple or somebody that you see at church that's a caregiver for everybody in the church – be able to say to them, 'My heart is is kind of hurting for you right now. And I am your friend. And I feel almost a responsibility to kind of have a conversation. We can have it once and be done, but it's on my heart and I really want to point out some observations that I have.' These are words off the top of my head. And I don't know your personality. These are my personality words, but have the courage to talk about what's going on. Even though someone is saying, 'I'm going to die in my house and go out for feet first,' even though somebody says, 'Nope, I'm not leaving my home,' even though somebody says, 'We're fine,' you still have the courage to push through that, because people aren't fine."

Reach Pinnacle at 1-855-734-1500 or visit PinnacleSeniorPlacements.com.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Pinnacle Placements & Seniors

About the Podcast

Pinnacle Placements & Seniors
Pinnacle Senior Placements helps find superior housing options for the elderly in your family by doing the right thing for the right reason every time. Pinnacle was established out of a pure desire to serve the elderly and their families.

We meet with families face to face. During the meeting, your advisor will listen carefully to gain a clear understanding of your loved one’s personality and needs.

Our team believes that your loved one is much more than a list of diagnosis, symptoms, and behaviors. Your loved one is vital and deserves to maintain his/her life quality and purpose. This is why you can be sure we will provide options to help maintain his/her dignity and quality of life. Your family member will be treated with genuine compassion and care.

About your host

Profile picture for Daphne Davis

Daphne Davis

Daphne leverages her strong business and entrepreneurial background in running Pinnacle Senior Placements. Since 1985, she has experienced handling management positions and establishing her own business. Being in these positions of responsibility allowed her to enjoy the freedom of implementing the credo of “doing the right thing for the right reason every time.”

In 2001, Daphne was introduced to senior care. She continues to enjoy serving elders and their families to this day.

Daphne has been devoting her time for the last 25 years as a loving wife and as a hands-on mother to two boys. She attends family, school, and sporting events while still having a full-time career. Her interests include playing the organ/piano for choir and church services. Aside from that, she also loves traveling both domestically and internationally with her husband and friends.