Glenview event aims to help families start hard aging conversations before the holidays

Always Best Care Senior Services of Glenview and Dignified Aging Support will host a free Oct. 28 event at Cafe Lucci to help adult children talk with aging parents about care, driving and family planning before a crisis forces the issue. The session is designed as a low-pressure resource for families heading into the holiday season.

Why it matters: - Many families first notice changes in an older parent during the holidays, when small warning signs become harder to ignore. - The event is designed to help adult children start practical conversations about aging before a health or safety crisis makes the decisions for them. - Families will get a simple conversation guide they can use at the holiday table.

What happened: - Always Best Care Senior Services of Glenview will host “Love, Aging & the Hard Talks: The Conversations We Keep Putting Off” on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 5:00 p.m. - The event will take place at Cafe Lucci, 609 Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview. - Owner Charmaine Conaghan and Sara Vasilev, LCSW, founder of Dignified Aging Support, will lead the evening. - The session is free and open to the public. - Seating is limited to 50 guests, and RSVPs are required. - Families can reserve a seat by calling (847) 730-5930 or emailing cconaghan@abc-seniors.com. - Attendees can also register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer.

The details: - The conversation will focus on what to do when a parent insists “I’m fine” but signs of decline are clear. - The session will address how to bring up driving when no one wants to give up the keys. - Organizers will discuss how siblings can get on the same page when one person is carrying most of the caregiving. - The event will also cover lesser-known resources, including VA benefits and care planning support. - Guests will not be asked to share personal details. - Anonymous question cards will be available for questions people do not want to ask out loud. - Siblings and spouses are encouraged to attend together. - Light bites and refreshments will be provided. - Dignified Aging Support provides counseling, care planning and resource guidance across Chicago’s northwest suburbs.

Between the lines: - The event reflects a growing need for practical guidance around aging parents, caregiving and family decision-making. - Conaghan said many people avoid these conversations not because they do not care, but because they care deeply and do not know where to begin. - Vasilev said conversations about aging can touch on independence, dignity and family history at the same time. - Vasilev also said the right words and resources can help these talks bring families closer together.

What's next: - Organizers are steering families toward early planning ahead of the holiday season. - The event is meant to give attendees tools they can use immediately in conversations at home. - Always Best Care of Glenview says it provides personalized in-home care for older adults across the North Shore, including companionship, personal care and support services. - Dignified Aging Support serves older adults and families in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, including help accessing VA benefits.

The bottom line: - Glenview families looking for a gentler way to discuss aging, caregiving and safety will have a free, structured place to start before the holidays.