The 40-70 Rule: Communicating Touchy Topics

Talking About What’s Next: Starting the Conversation with Aging Loved Ones

Growing older brings changes—some expected, some not. But one thing remains the same: the desire to stay in control of your life and your choices.

That’s why it’s important to talk about care, support, and future needs before there’s an emergency. Open, respectful conversations give families time to understand each other's wishes and explore solutions that preserve independence and dignity.

The New “What’s Next” Approach

At Home Instead, we believe that preparing for what’s next should feel empowering—not overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the “What’s Next” Toolkit, a simple, step-by-step guide to help you and your loved ones have these conversations with more confidence and less stress.

When to Start the Conversation

There’s no perfect age, but experts recommend starting these discussions when your parents or aging loved ones are around age 70—or earlier if signs of change are already present.

Remember: it's never too early to plan—but it can become too late if you wait for a health event or crisis to spark the conversation.