Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A GENERATIONAL COACH?

WHY WOULD SOMEONE NEED A GENERATIONAL COACH?

WHAT KINDS OF ISSUES DO YOU HELP WITH?

WHAT DOES GENERATIONAL COACHING ENTAIL?

MY PARENTS NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOW. IS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION REALLY NECESSARY?

I'VE BEEN TRYING UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR A LONG TIME TO GET MY PARENTS TO MAKE SOME CHANGES. WHY WOULD YOU BE SUCCESSFUL?

I WANT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES, BUT I HAVE A BUSY LIFE SO I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME. HOW LONG DOES THIS USUALLY TAKE?

HOW CAN I BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SHORTEST AMOUNT OF TIME?

WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?

MY SIBLINGS ARE MY BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO HELPING MY PARENTS. CAN YOU HELP WITH THEM?

HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?

OK, I'M READY! WHAT DO I DO?

CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GENERATIONAL ISSUES?

WHAT IS A GENERATIONAL COACH?
As a Generational Coach, I work with family members, usually the adult children, who are struggling to help their parents or other aging loved one(s).

In addition to helping them find practical answers to what to do, such as determining the best long-term solution and the steps and actions to achieve it, I also coach them on the emotional "how to do it" - how to communicate effectively with their loved one so they will actually do what's in their best interest.

Please call me toll-free at (877) AGE-WISE (877-243-9473) for a complimentary get-acquainted conversation to see how Generational Coaching can help you resolve your eldercare issues by choice, not crisis.
Back to the top ↑

WHY WOULD SOMEONE NEED A GENERATIONAL COACH?
When an adult child has to get involved in things like their parent's finances, health care, and/or general day-to-day living decisions, most find themselves crashing into a wall of resistance created by opposing generational attitudes, values, and expectations. Suddenly even the best intentions can deteriorate into arguments, anger, frustration . . . or worse.

As a Generational Coach, my expertise is in helping the adult child understand their aging loved one's generational perspective so they can get above the emotion and work together rationally to resolve their issues.

WHAT KINDS OF ISSUES DO YOU HELP WITH?
Over the years, I've helped my clients successfully resolve issues such as an aging loved one who:
Lives alone and can no longer take care of self or home
Is in failing health but won't seek or accept proper care
Needs to get their legal and financial documents in order but refuses to discuss them
Should no longer be driving
Is being taken advantage of
Is exhibiting angry and/or hostile behavior
Is abusing drugs or alcohol
And the best kind - families who want to address the issues before there's a crisis

What makes Generational Coaching successful, however, is that our focus isn't just on the issue or even the surrounding situation but on the unique motivation of everyone involved.

WHAT DOES GENERATIONAL COACHING ENTAIL?
Generational Coaching is a process, conducted through a series of one-on-one phone sessions and independent assignments, through which
The problem(s) is clarified
The best long-term solution is identified
The steps to achieve the solution are determined, prioritized, and divided into manageable, bite-sized pieces
The approach is developed for when and how to present the information to your aging loved one - including crafting "scripts" if necessary

MY PARENTS NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOW. IS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION REALLY NECESSARY?
By looking at the big picture and anticipating future needs, you can take steps to ensure the broadest range of options are available when they're needed and avoid costly temporary solutions. In addition, by thinking long-term, you can make financial arrangements that make the most of your current assets while ensuring you will have the financial resources you need for the future. Even if you don't implement all aspects of the long-term solution now, resolving the immediate crisis within the framework of the best long-term solution will ultimately save you vast amounts of time, money, and anxiety.

I'VE BEEN TRYING UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR A LONG TIME TO GET MY PARENTS TO MAKE SOME CHANGES. WHY WOULD YOU BE SUCCESSFUL?
Generational Coaching is successful because I know that the immediate issue is only the tip of the iceberg - that the 99% below the surface is an emotionally charged environment of generational attitudes and expectations. The good news is that I have the map!

I WANT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES, BUT I HAVE A BUSY LIFE SO I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME. HOW LONG DOES THIS USUALLY TAKE?
The length of time we work together depends on how much needs to be done, what kind of relationship you have with your loved one and how committed you are to the process. That said, however, while it doesn't happen overnight (most clients work with me for 2-3 months), virtually all my clients feel a difference within the first 2 or 3 sessions.

HOW CAN I BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SHORTEST AMOUNT OF TIME?
I know what you're going through and I want you to be successful in the shortest amount of time, too. That's why I will provide you with tools, information, and resources - even helping to "script" what to say! But the reality is that, to be successful in the shortest amount of time depends on you and your willingness to
make our work together a priority
do the work it takes to see the process through
be present and prepared for all of your coaching calls

WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?
I work with anyone concerned enough to want to help an aging loved one do what is in their best interest. While most of my clients are the adult children, I also work with grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors, as well as professionals with senior clients.

MY SIBLINGS ARE MY BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO HELPING MY PARENTS. CAN YOU HELP WITH THEM?
Yes! When families are facing difficult and emotional issues, especially those involving "mom and dad", this is often the case! If siblings, extended family, friends, or other caregivers are hindering the process or not providing needed assistance, we will determine what assistance is needed and craft how to present and obtain their cooperation.

HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?
To save you time, money, and frustration, I work in packages. With each package outlined below, you will receive the tools you need (worksheets, practical information, resource information, and timesaving recommendations) and both are month-to-month - so the only difference is how quickly you need or want to proceed.

The IMMEDIATE ACTION & SOLUTION Package™
Four 45-minute one-on-one Generational Coaching calls per month

The IMMEDIATE ACTION & SOLUTION PACKAGE™ (aka The Oh S*%t Package!) is for you if you're in a crisis and need immediate results; if you've already experienced a crisis and can't afford the added time, cost, and stress that going from crisis to crisis brings; or if you see a crisis looming and want it resolved with the least amount of time, money, and frustration.

With this option, we schedule four 45-minute calls per month, one per week. We move quickly to get your immediate issues under control within the framework of the best long-term solution.

The CRISIS PREVENTION Package™
Three 45-minute one-on-one Generational Coaching calls per month

The CRISIS PREVENTION PACKAGE™ is for you if you are concerned about your loved one but have the luxury of time to plan and prepare so you can anticipate and eliminate obstacles before there's a crisis.

With this option, we schedule three 45-minute calls per month, one per week, so that you can get your eldercare issues resolved by choice, not crisis.

OK, I'M READY! WHAT DO I DO?
It's very simple. Here's all it takes:

Give me a call (toll free) at 1-877-AGE-WISE (877-243-9473) or email me so we can set up a complimentary "get acquainted" conversation. During this conversation, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes, we will discuss your current situation and set up our coaching appointments.
Back to the top ↑

Following that conversation, you'll receive a Welcome Packet via email with additional information about Generational Coaching, a client information form, a credit card processing form, 5 questions regarding your loved one and your goals for our work together. You'll fill out the information and email back to me at least two days prior to our first call so that so we can spend all of our time on the calls on resolving your issues.
Back to the top ↑

CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GENERATIONAL ISSUES?
You can get lots of information about generational and eldercare issues, time- and money-saving tips, resources, and lots more by subscribing to the AgeWiseLiving Newsletter. By the way, if you haven't already done so, you can catch up on past newsletters by going to AgeWiseLiving Newsletters. Lots of interesting and important information!

In addition, you can attend one or all AgeWiseLiving Seminars. If there isn't a seminar scheduled that fits your calendar, please contact me about scheduling me to speak to your group.

Back to the top ↑

Copyright © 2000-2008 AgeWiseLiving LLC. All rights reserved
To discuss elder care issues, email or call us at (646) 521-0737.