ADULT children and their elderly parents in Warrington are being encouraged to “get talking” in a campaign to help them discuss sensitive issues such as finances, independence – and even romance.
Charity group Warrington Carers Centre is backing the new initiative “The 40:70 Rule” launched by Philip Adlem, 
owner of Warrington Home Instead Senior Care.
The idea is to get people who are 40+ and have parents who are 70+ to start talking before an emergency or crisis occurs.
Warrington Carers Centre supports family carers who are often elderly or children and comes across the problem regularly.
Chairman Wyn Higham said: “This campaign has been launched with our full support. We feel this is an area which, by its very nature, people do not wish to discuss until in some cases it is just too late.
“This is a great way of getting more open communication.”
Local research has revealed that nearly one-third of adults find it difficult to start conversations about certain life issues because the child is still in a child rather than adult role with their parents.
Mr Adlem said: “With the UK’s rapidly ageing population, more and more adult children will find themselves tongue-tied when dealing with certain issues relating to their elderly parents.
“What does an adult son say to his mother when she’s reversed the car into a lamp post…again?
“How does a grown daughter enquire about her widowed father’s new relationship without causing offence? How does an adult son ask his mother if she’s taking her medications like she should?”
At the centre of the 40:70 Rule campaign is a free guide to conversation starters for elderly life subjects, available on line at www.homeinstead.co.uk
An online assessment tool for adult children to gauge the quality of their conversations with their parents is also available.
Pictured, left to right, are Philip Adlem, Glen Rimmer, Wyn Higham, Sandra Ball, Jenny Readman and Roz Coleman
Families urged to get talking
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
