INTERVIEWS: Having Tough Talks With Aging Parents (Photo) - 11/10/25
PORTLAND, Ore. (November 10, 2025) – Many people are dealing with senior parents who have serious health struggles, which means they are facing topics that are often difficult to talk about. As families gather for the holidays, it can also be a time when subtle changes in aging loved ones become more noticeable. As seniors face challenges such as difficulty driving, managing daily tasks, or making decisions about downsizing or moving to assisted living, it may be the right time to start important and sometimes difficult conversations about their health, safety and future care.
“Noticing these changes early and addressing them with empathy can make a big difference,” said Dr. Marion Howard, geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Families often struggle with how to bring up topics like retiring from driving, transitioning to assisted living, or discussing end-of-life wishes. Planning these conversations before a crisis arises allows seniors to feel respected and supported while ensuring their well-being."
Dr. Howard encourages families to approach these discussions with compassion and preparation. “It’s okay for these conversations to be hard,” she said. “Listening carefully, validating feelings, and involving your health care team can help make decisions smoother and maintain your loved one’s dignity and independence.”
Dr. Howard adds that it’s normal for these talks not to go smoothly at first because emotions often run high, so showing patience and understanding are key when those moments arise.
Interviews available:
Dr. Marion Howard, MD, geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from noon-1:30 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.
Dr. Howard is prepared to discuss:
- How to approach conversations about driving retirement with seniors
- Planning for assisted living or changes in living arrangements
- Advance directives, living wills, and end-of-life planning
- Managing difficult conversations when cognitive or physical limitations are present
- Strategies for supporting seniors’ independence while ensuring their safety
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org.
