Senior Advocate Joan Lunden and A Place for Mom Make the Tough Holiday Conversation Easier Than You Think

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A Place for Mom (APFM), the largest senior living referral service in the U.S. and Canada, announced today that television host and APFM spokesperson Joan Lunden will provide families with helpful ways to start the tough conversation about senior care with their aging loved ones this holiday season. Having this discussion is easier than people think and Lunden's tips, as well as expert advice on how to approach the conversation, can be found at www.aplaceformom.com/conversations.

"The holidays present a great opportunity for families to find out how their moms, dads, uncles, aunts and older siblings are doing physically, emotionally and mentally," said Lunden, a family caregiving advocate, award-winning journalist, and longest running host in early morning television with Good Morning America. "While these conversations can be tough, they are important because early planning resolves many obstacles later on. I know from personal experience how necessary these conversations are and how easy they can be."

According to recent surveys, only 40 percent of adults have set aside funds to cover expenses such as a signed living will or a healthcare power of attorney for their aging loved ones. Given the lack in preparations for such inevitable life events, families are often forced to react during stressful situations.

This year APFM has collected information from leading experts who focus on law, safety, psychology, neuroscience, and assisted living, to address the most common concerns of families. From financial planning to medical and emotional concerns, APFM is there to help at no cost to the family.

Family caregiving is potentially the next major social crisis the U.S. will face. Within the next few years, for the first time in human history, the number of adults over 65 will outnumber children under 15.

"Most people don't know what to do or where to go when they realize their aging loved ones need help," said Charlie Severn, vice president brand marketing with A Place for Mom. "Helping families understand and prepare for this difficult transition is an important mission for A Place for Mom. We have an abundance of expert advice, as well as Joan Lunden's helpful tips on our website, to help families discuss health and care issues early and start the planning process for senior care before it's too late."

Since 2000, APFM has helped more than a million families find homes for their aging loved ones. Given that more than 90 million Americans travel home for the holidays, it's important for families to address this sensitive situation at the right time during the holidays when families are together.

For more information on how to start the tough conversation this holiday season, including a Caregiver Toolkit, financial guides, checklists and more, please visit www.aplaceformom.com/conversations.

About A Place for Mom
A Place for Mom, Inc. (APFM) is the United States' largest senior living referral service with 350-plus advisors providing resources and personalized assistance in finding senior living services. Using its nationwide network of over 17,000 providers, APFM helps families find options based on a loved one's stated needs, preferences, and budget. This may include independent senior housing, home care, residential care homes, assisted living communities and specialized Alzheimer's memory care. The service is offered at no charge to families as providers pay a fee to APFM. For more information, visit www.aplaceformom.com, call 1-877-311-6099 or visit one of APFM's social networks at Twitter, Facebook, Google +, Senior Living Blog and Pinterest.