Hard Questions For Adult Children and Their Aging Parents

by Susan Piver

New York Times bestselling author Susan Piver brings her wisdom and insight to the millions of readers who must confront the process of caring for elderly parents.

Witnessing the declining health of a parent, and the inevitable thoughts of mortality that accompany the process, can take a heavy emotional and physical toll—particularly if parents and children find it awkward to communicate their fears and needs to one another. To remove the boundaries and enhance these necessary dialogues, Susan Piver applies her thought-provoking question-and-answer format to The Hard Questions for Adult Children and Their Aging Parents.

With 100 questions on topics ranging from the practical to the emotional, Susan makes it possible to have candid, comforting conversations that will have lasting benefits. The book is divided into categories, including questions for siblings only and for parents only, followed by specific questions regarding finances, health care, legalities and paperwork, housing, relationships, personal history, and spirituality—all designed to facilitate this delicate process and give all members of the family time for contemplation.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2004

About the author

Susan Piver is the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including the award-winning "How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life", "The Wisdom of a Broken Heart", "Start Here Now: An Open-Hearted Guide to the Path and Practice of Meditation", and "The Four Noble Truths of Love: Buddhist Wisdom for Modern Relationships".

Piver has been a practicing Buddhist since 1993 and graduated from a Buddhist seminary in 2004. She is an internationally acclaimed meditation teacher, known for her ability to translate ancient practices into modern life. Her work has been featured on the Oprah show, TODAY, CNN, and in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and others.

In 2013, she launched the Open Heart Project, the largest virtual mindfulness community in the world with 20,000 members.

Reviews

[Karen Shilvock-Cinefro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful resource covering many important topics. The author is not a professional in the field of aging but brings up good points. There are many resources out there to help with checklists of how to get your affairs in order and it is important to communicate with family or friends about future wishes and care. This book addresses many family issues and can be a good resource.

[Lise Andreana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having trouble stariting a converstaion with your aging parents? Susan makes it easy with over 100 questions to open the conversation you can help yourself and your parents achieve what is important to them while you gain an appreciation fo their lives