Most families don’t have a plan for aging until they are thrown directly into the middle of a crisis. Suddenly, adult children and spouses are forced to navigate a complex world of medical jargon, life-changing decisions, and emotional tension—often realizing too late that they didn’t know what they didn’t know.

In this premier episode of Insights on Aging, host Steve Lorberbaum (owner of Assisting Hands Home Care) sits down with life transition coach Jen Gruber and HR professional Jillian Bernstein to strip away the jargon and have an honest conversation about aging. Together, they tackle the difficult discussions that precede the need for care, from getting a parent to safely give up the car keys to balancing a demanding full-time job while managing family transitions.

Whether you are trying to build trust with an aging parent, stepping into a caregiving role, or trying to understand what employee benefits are available to support you, this episode bridges the gap between uncertainty and empowerment.

Podcast Notes & ResourcesAbout the Guest Experts

• Jen Gruber: A specialized life coach focusing on family transitions, helping older adults and their adult children navigate major life changes smoothly and find joy in the next chapter.
• Jillian Bernstein: Founder of The Wellness Extension, an HR partner providing fractional people support to help employees feel connected, engaged, and supported in their work communities.
• Steve Lorberbaum (Host): Owner of Assisting Hands Home Care (serving Montgomery and Prince George's Counties), dedicated to providing families with short- and long-term caregiving support.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

• Parenting Upstream: Why trying to "convince" a parent to stop driving or move often fails, and how to shift from an adversarial dynamic to a team approach built on trust.
• Therapeutic Fibbing & External Authority: How to lean on doctors, law enforcement, or creative solutions (like "insurance boundaries") to protect a loved one's safety without becoming the "bad guy."
• Addressing Workplace Balance: Real-world advice on how to approach your employer about shifting family needs, utilizing flexible hours, and protecting your career.

Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeNote: Check with your specific employer's Human Resources department to see what equivalent benefits are active for you.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): A confidential workplace benefit that often provides free counseling, legal guidance, and dedicated eldercare referral resources for employees.
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): A federal regulation providing eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, intermittent leave to care for a parent or family member with a serious medical health condition.
• The National Institute on Aging (NIA): Recommended by the guests for their comprehensive, free online materials, factsheets, and caregiver advice on managing cognitive decline and dementia.

Need help or have questions? Call 240.391.1741 or visit us at

https://AssistingHandsPotomac.com

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