My friend Donna visited us in the Adirondacks for a long weekend this past August. It had been years since we’d seen each other, so each morning we set out with the dogs to catch up on everything old and new.

Death Readiness Dispatch

October 31, 2025

Hi there,

 

My friend Donna visited us in the Adirondacks for a long weekend this past August. It had been years since we’d seen each other, so each morning we set out with the dogs to catch up on everything old and new. 

 

Donna told me about her older relatives who were still living in their longtime home, even though they weren’t safe there anymore. Their four adult children were worried but couldn’t agree on an action-oriented plan to keep them safe. 

 

The situation Donna described is exactly the kind of situation that sneaks up on families, and it’s happening everywhere. We’re living longer, but our homes and family systems often aren’t built for what that really means. 

 

Today, I’m joined by Laura Lynn Morrissey, founder of Silver Savvy, who helps families approach aging and care decisions with strategy, structure, and safety in mind.

 

We talk about:

✔ How to start the “help at home” conversation before it becomes a crisis

✔ The role of the family influencer

✔ What to ask when hiring home care or modifying the home for safety

✔ Why long-term care insurance is more complicated than it looks

Why These Conversations Matter

Families tend to wait until something forces the issue — a fall, a hospitalization, or a sudden decline. But by then, choices are made in a rush instead of with intention.

 

Laura Lynn explains that the most effective families start talking when everything still looks fine. That’s when parents are more open, and options are wider, whether that’s adding home safety features, bringing in part-time help, or getting on the waitlist for an assisted living community (waits can take two to three years).

 

And if a parent is coming home from the hospital, the transition can feel like being thrown into the deep end. Hospitals often discharge patients when they’re “medically stable,” not necessarily functionally ready, meaning they still may not be able to walk safely, shower independently, or manage medication routines on their own.

If you’ve ever been shocked by a loved one’s discharge from the hospital and wondered what to do next, this list will save you hours of stress and second-guessing.

Ready to take the next step towards preparation?

Take the time to walk through your home and your parents’ home to spot hidden hazards like loose rugs, dim lighting, uneven walkways, or cluttered stairs. Simple fixes can dramatically reduce fall risks. If you’re hoping to age in place, or help your parents do so, this home safety checklist is a great place to start.

Death readiness isn’t just about documents. It’s about care readiness, too. And the sooner you start the conversation, the more choices, control, and peace of mind everyone will have.

Thanks for being here.