What is keeping me from making this decision [to move into a senior living community]? What will I gain by making a change? How do I define independence? What are you currently doing to stay engaged with friends, family, or peers? What assets or additional resources do I have that will contribute to my ability to cover my monthly costs of living? These are just a few of the several questions addressed in Be Your Own Hero. Owens debut guidebook is a powerful and preparatory tool for seniors and adult child caretakers in making well-thought-out decisions about senior living options before a crisis or emergency strikes.

Senior living expert Catherine L. Owens approaches this highly sensitive topic about transitioning to senior living options through a set of eight proactive concepts. Owen opens each concept with a thought-provoking quote that gently segues into a commonly accepted paradigm and then weighs that perception against the reality of the situation. For instance, in her first concept that deals with “making a decision,” Owen presents the accepted thought process by most seniors: “I will know when the time is right.” The reality is that “uncertainty and emotions may keep you from making a wise decision.” Now that she has just cut to the chase on stumbling-block issues, Owen adds a personal touch to her narrative by using second person point of view to back up her reality statement, and then closes the section with a set of first-person questions for further reflection and discussion.

Aside of “uncertainty and emotions,” Owen ties that first concept to the second as she covers the motivating factors essential for making the move to senior environs. Of course, another concept to contemplate is defining independence. From there, Owens moves into understanding who the key influencers in this stage of the aging game are, and, in many cases, that position falls onto the adult child. Another aspect very few seniors consider is the concept of engaged living and the need for social interaction. Of course, high on the charts is cost. Owens includes worksheets to create a real picture of what the present cost of living looks like before doing a side-by-side comparison with various senior living options and services. In describing these options/services, Owens breaks it down even further by listing their benefits, disadvantages, average costs, and additional expenses. Owens also includes tips when checking out places/services and a slew of pertinent questions to raise — all a part of the process in making that final informed senior living decision.

Having witnessed first-hand the step-by-step procedure that my recently deceased mother-in-law had to go through when she went into assisted living, I wholeheartedly concur with the valuable information Owens relays in her resourceful book. Kudos to Owens for accomplishing her goal: “My sincere desire is that this book will offer some guidance, direction, and peace of mind as you contemplate and navigate the difficult decision of senior living services for yourself or a loved one.”