The Geneva Suites

11/13/2025

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS SERIES - Part 4:
"The Questions You NEED to Ask"

You've started the conversation. Now what? Here are the essential questions that will guide your family's planning:

💭 ABOUT LIVING ARRANGEMENTS:
"Where do you want to live as you age?"
"What would make you feel it's time to move from your home?"
"What matters most in a living environment?"

💭 ABOUT CARE PREFERENCES:
"Who would you want making medical decisions if you can't?"
"What does 'quality of life' mean to you?"
"Are there medical treatments you'd want or NOT want?"

💭 ABOUT FINANCIAL MATTERS:
"Do you have long-term care insurance?"
"Where are your important documents?"
"Who should I contact about financial matters?"

💭 ABOUT VALUES & WISHES:
"What are you most afraid of about aging?"
"What gives your life meaning and purpose?"
"What would be most important to you if you needed care?"

💭 ABOUT PRACTICAL DETAILS:
"Who's your doctor? Lawyer? Financial advisor?"
"Where are your advance directives?"
"Do you have a will and power of attorney?"

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION:
"What haven't I asked that you want me to know?"

Pro tip: You don't have to ask all of these at once! Start with 2-3 questions and build from there.

Tomorrow: What to do AFTER the conversation (the action steps that matter)

11/12/2025

Minnesota Board on Aging is a 25-member, governor-appointed board. Board members can serve up to two consecutive, four-year terms. The board has three officers: Chair, vice chair and secretary, with the chair appointed by the governor.

11/12/2025

Let's give a warm welcome to our new-ish Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Geneva Suites,
Abby lives in Eden Prairie with her husband Dave and their 4-year-old chihuahua Sunny. She's a woman of faith who brings that same caring spirit to everything she does. With an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Needs, Abby has spent her entire career nurturing and supporting others.
When she's not creating meaningful activities for our residents, you'll find Abby spending time with family and friends, curled up with a romance novel, taking walks outside, or enjoying an iced coffee.
We're thrilled to have Abby on our team, where she's dedicated to filling our seniors' lives with purpose and fulfillment. Her background in special needs education makes her uniquely qualified to meet our residents right where they are and help them thrive!
Welcome to the The Geneva Suites family, Abby! 🎉

11/12/2025

🎄 Help Us Bring Back the Lighted Oak! 🎄

Many of you remember the beautifully lit oak tree on HWY 77 —a beacon of joy during the holidays. This year, The Geneva Suites is bringing it back, and we’re inviting you to help us light it once again.

Over the years, so many neighbors have told us, “I’d give $10 or $20 just to see that tree lit up again.” Now’s your chance to be part of something beautiful.

Our goal is simple: enhance the holidays with light, warmth, and connection. The tree will glow from December 7 through January 31.

Every donation—big or small—brings us closer to lighting up the night and spreading joy across the Twin Cities. If you are not able to donate, please consider sharing this post so that we can spread the word. Thanks!

Click here to support "Shine On, Bloomington" by Marlena on FreeFunder!

11/12/2025

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS SERIES - Part 3:
"Okay, but what do I actually SAY?"

You're ready to have the conversation. You know it needs to happen. But how do you START without it feeling forced or scary?

Here are opening lines that actually work:

🗣️ THE PERSONAL APPROACH:
"Mom, I've been thinking about my own future and it made me wonder - have you thought about what you'd want as you get older?"

🗣️ THE NEWS ANGLE:
"I read an article about planning ahead for senior care. It made me realize we've never talked about this as a family. Can we?"

🗣️ THE FRIEND APPROACH:
"I have a friend going through a tough situation with their parents right now. It made me want to make sure we're prepared. Can we talk about your wishes?"

🗣️ THE DIRECT APPROACH:
"Dad, I know this isn't easy to talk about, but I love you and I want to make sure I honor your wishes. Can we discuss what matters most to you?"

🗣️ THE TEAM APPROACH:
"I want to make sure I'm the best advocate for you when the time comes. Help me understand what 'quality of life' means to you."

KEY TIPS:
✅ Choose a quiet, private moment
✅ Lead with love, not fear
✅ Ask questions; don't make demands
✅ Listen more than you talk
✅ Don't try to solve everything in one conversation

Remember: This isn't a single conversation - it's an ongoing dialogue.

Tomorrow: The questions you NEED to ask (even the uncomfortable ones)!

11/11/2025

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS SERIES - Part 2:
"When is the right time to start?"

The most common question I hear: "When should I bring this up with my parents?"
And here's my answer: Yesterday.
But since we can't go back in time, let's talk about the BEST time vs. the WORST time:

❌ WORST TIME:

After a fall or hospitalization
During a medical crisis
When emotions are running high
When decisions need to be made immediately

✅ BEST TIME:

During a calm, ordinary day
When everyone is healthy
At a family gathering (casual, not forced)
After attending a friend's funeral (natural conversation starter)
During the holidays when family is together

Here's the secret: There's never a "perfect" time. But BEFORE a crisis is always better than DURING one.
The families I work with who planned ahead? They make thoughtful, informed decisions based on values and preferences.
The families who waited for an emergency? They make rushed decisions under stress, often with guilt and regret.
Which family do you want to be?
Tomorrow: How to actually START the conversation (the opening lines that ACTUALLY work)

11/11/2025

Let's talk about something we all avoid: Courageous Conversations. After speaking at Wooddale Church last week, I realized how many families are struggling with the same question: "How do I start THE conversation with my parents/spouse/loved ones about aging and care?"
Here's the truth: These conversations are hard because they force us to face reality. Aging. Vulnerability. Mortality. Loss of independence. Things we'd rather not think about. But avoiding them doesn't protect anyone - it just means decisions get made in crisis mode.
Over the next few days, I'm sharing a series on HOW to have these courageous conversations - not just WHAT to say, but WHEN to start, HOW to approach it, and WHY it matters so much.
This isn't about fear. It's about love. It's about giving your family the gift of clarity, dignity, and choice.
Ready to start? Let's do this together.
Tomorrow: When is the RIGHT time to have the conversation?

11/10/2025

11/07/2025

Aging Pathways is a free, statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota's area agencies on aging. Learn more about who we are and what we do here.

11/05/2025

Unaddressed caregiver strain progresses into caregiver burnout, which can include extreme fatigue unrelated to sleep, unusual frustration and anger, feeling “cloudy” or “foggy,” and other physical symptoms that may manifest as a result of emotional stress.
By placing your own physical, medical and emotional needs on equal par with your loved one, you may help prevent yourself from falling into stress, caregiver burnout or depression. This and beyond, the Parkinson's Foundation has resources to help: Parkinson.org/resources-support/carepartners/caring-for-self

11/05/2025

What an honor to speak at Wooddale Church today! Thank you to this wonderful community for welcoming me and engaging in such an important conversation.
I didn't just come to talk about The Geneva Suites, I came to talk about something we all need but often avoid: courageous conversations with our loved ones about aging, care, and what matters most as we grow older.
These conversations aren't easy, but they're some of the most loving things we can do for our families. Starting the dialogue now - before a crisis happens - gives everyone the gift of time, clarity, and peace of mind.
Thank you, Wooddale Church for creating a space where we can have these real, honest discussions together. Your openness and thoughtful questions reminded me why this work matters so much.
To everyone here today: I hope you leave feeling empowered to start those conversations with courage and compassion.