Love, Limits and Aging Parents

You spent years — maybe decades — building distance from what happened in that house. And now you're back in the thick of it, not because you wanted to be, but because someone has to help. Caregiving has a way of doing that: pulling the past right into the present, making old wounds feel startlingly fresh.

A tone of voice, a familiar criticism, a look — and suddenly you're not a capable adult anymore. You're that kid again, bracing for impact. This episode explores why caregiving so often reopens old family wounds, what's actually happening when the past bleeds into the present, and why your emotional reaction to your parent's behavior makes complete sense given your history together.

Please note: this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Esther and Laurie share their experiences and perspectives, but nothing here is medical, mental health, or legal advice, and listening does not create a professional relationship. If you’re struggling or feel unsafe, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re in emotional crisis, call or text 988.

If you've ever felt blindsided by how intensely caregiving affects you, this one is for you. You're not overreacting. You're remembering.

If you've ever felt manipulated, guilt-tripped, verbally attacked, or emotionally worn down by the very parent you're trying to care for — this episode is for you.

We don't talk enough about what happens when the caregiver is the one being harmed. In this episode of Love, Limits and Aging Parents, we're taking an honest look at emotional and psychological abuse in the caregiver relationship — specifically when it's coming from an aging parent.

You'll learn how to recognize the patterns, why it's so hard to name what's happening, and why the love you feel for your parent doesn't mean you have to accept mistreatment.

This isn't about blaming aging parents. It's about helping you see clearly, protect yourself, and make better decisions — for both of you.

Please note: this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Esther and Laurie share their experiences and perspectives, but nothing here is medical, mental health, or legal advice, and listening does not create a professional relationship. If you’re struggling or feel unsafe, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re in emotional crisis, call or text 988.

If you've been wondering whether what you're experiencing is "really" abuse, this episode will help you find your answer.

Love, Limits and Aging Parents with Esther Kane, OTR/L, CAPS and Laurie Newcomb, LPC

Caring for an aging parent is one of the most loving things you can do. It can also be one of the most depleting — especially when love starts to blur into obligation, guilt, or burnout.

Love, Limits and Aging Parents is for adult children navigating the hard parts: the conversations that never go the way you planned, the boundaries that feel impossible to hold, and the quiet grief of watching someone you love change.

Each week, occupational therapist Esther Kane and licensed professional counselor Laurie Newcomb bring clinical insight and real-world honesty to the questions most families are afraid to say out loud — so you can show up for your parent without disappearing in the process.

Because loving someone well doesn't mean losing yourself.

Please note: this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Esther and Laurie share their experiences and perspectives, but nothing here is medical, mental health, or legal advice, and listening does not create a professional relationship. If you’re struggling or feel unsafe, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re in emotional crisis, call or text 988.

New episodes every Monday.