Welcome!

In this episode we discuss the "why".

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

In this episode, I dive into the question of "when"—as in, when will our loved ones need extra support? I share my own experiences and reflections, acknowledging the uncertainty and unpredictability that comes with caring for aging parents or elders.

I talk about the two main types of events that can trigger the need for care: sudden incidents like falls or medical emergencies, and slow, progressive changes such as mobility or memory issues. I use stories from my own family, including my grandmother and my dad, to illustrate how these situations can unfold and how I try to stay one step ahead.

I also discuss the emotional side of not knowing when things will change, and how I try to balance being proactive without letting fear take over. I offer practical tips for delaying the need for more intensive care, like encouraging physical activity and staying on top of medical recommendations.

Throughout the episode, I remind myself—and you—that every family’s timeline is different, and that it’s okay not to have all the answers. My hope is that by sharing my thought process and experiences, you’ll feel a little more prepared and a little less alone as you navigate your own journey.

Thanks for listening, and I look forward to continuing this series with you!

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

Guest: Krista St. Germaine, grief coach and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast

Episode Overview:

I welcome Krista St - Germaine to discuss the complexities of grief, especially as it relates to aging parents, spousal loss, and the unique challenges families face. The conversation covers personal stories, definitions of grief, cultural differences, anticipatory and sudden loss, and the journey toward post-traumatic growth.

Key Topics:

• Krista’s personal story of loss and how it led her to become a grief coach
• Defining grief: the natural human response to perceived loss
• The individuality of grief and why comparison isn’t helpful
• Cultural and family influences on grieving and bereavement
• Anticipatory grief vs. sudden loss, especially in the context of aging parents
• Supporting grieving loved ones: what helps and what doesn’t
• The importance of presence, witnessing, and holding space for others
• Navigating awkwardness and discomfort in conversations about loss
• Secondary losses: practical, social, and emotional changes after a loved one’s death
• The complexity of emotions: grief, relief, guilt, and joy can coexist
• How to support a parent or friend who is grieving, including when they find new relationships
• The concept of post-traumatic growth and finding hope after loss

Resources Mentioned:

• Krista’s “Memories That Matter” journal: 100 prompts to help preserve memories of loved ones (coachingwithkrista.com/real)
• The Widowed Mom Podcast

Connect with Krista:

• Website: coachingwithkrista.com
• Podcast: The Widowed Mom Podcast
• Socials and additional resources available on her website

Takeaways:

• Grief is unique to each person and situation; there’s no right or wrong way to feel.
• Supporting someone in grief is about presence, not fixing.
• Relief and joy can be part of grief, and that’s normal.
• Post-traumatic growth is possible—grief can lead to deeper meaning and positive change.

Thank you for listening! If you found this episode helpful, please share it and check out the resources above for more support.

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

In this episode of Real Conversations About Aging Parents, I delve into the 'where' aspect of caregiving, discussing the different living arrangements for aging loved ones. I cover considerations for aging in place, independent living, assisted living, long-term care, and memory care. I emphasize the importance of the physical and social environment, geographical proximity of caregivers, and the financial implications of each option. This episode is the third part of a series designed to help listeners structure their approach to caregiving, following previous discussions on 'who' and 'what' in caregiving scenarios.

00:00 Introduction to Aging Parents Series

00:35 Recap of Previous Episodes

01:08 Where: The Importance of Location in Care

01:49 Home Modifications for Aging in Place

03:10 Community and Social Connections

09:17 Proximity and Caregiving Dynamics

16:29 Independent and Assisted Living Options

21:36 Long-Term and Memory Care Considerations

26:26 Conclusion and Next Steps

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

Part 2 of our miniseries where I dive into the 'What' aspect of supporting aging parents. This is the second part of a six-part series exploring different facets of caregiving.

**Time:**

- Description: Time as a crucial resource in caregiving

- Examples of time-consuming tasks: transportation, case management, paperwork, and indirect care

- Stress factors: limited time availability, especially for mid-career caregivers with other responsibilities

- Flexible caregivers: retired individuals or those with more available time

- Importance of supporting those who provide indirect care

**Touch:**

- Description: Direct caregiving tasks and their high demand on time and emotional resources

- Personal hygiene: challenges and cultural sensitivities

- Different preferences of elders regarding family involvement in personal care

- Roles of direct caregivers and the significant impact on the caregiving ecosystem

- Encouragement of support for direct caregivers to prevent burnout and ensure longevity

**Treasure:**

- Financial resources required for caregiving

- Fixed incomes of aging parents and rising costs of care

- Informal caregiving as a cost avoidance mechanism

- Financial strain on families and the ecosystem

- Importance of recognizing and supporting caregivers who save costs for the system

- Branch points for conserving or expending financial resources, including Medicare choices

- Awareness of the financial situations of independently wealthy elders and their potential future needs

- Complexities of family financial contributions and decisions

**Key Takeaways:**

- Understanding the types of support (Time, Touch, Treasure) helps in managing caregiving responsibilities more effectively

- Support systems are crucial for both direct and indirect caregivers

- Financial planning and resource allocation are vital for sustainable caregiving

- Using neutral language can help reduce stress and make caregiving discussions easier

Feel free to let me know if there are specific areas you'd like to focus more on or if you'd like additional details added to any section!

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

Establishing My Affection and Duty List

In this episode I introduce a six-part series designed to help you navigate the complexities of supporting aging parents. I start by focusing on the 'who,' proposing the creation of an Affection and Duty List (ADL) to categorize individuals you might support. Using scales to measure affection (from -5 to +5) and duty (from 0 to 10), I discuss how emotions and obligations intertwine. Emphasizing the importance of connection, I encourage you to understand the underlying reasons for your feelings towards those on your list. This episode aims to give you a structured approach to identifying who in your orbit may require support now or in the future.

00:00 Introduction to the Series

01:33 Understanding the 'Who' in Caregiving

05:35 Affection and Duty: The ADL List

06:55 Affection Scale Explained

10:06 Duty Scale Explained

12:50 Combining Affection and Duty Scores

25:35 Fluidity of Affection and Duty Over Time

31:32 Conclusion and Next Steps

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Website: rebeccatapiamd.com

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

In this episode I interview social gerontologist Benjamin Surmi and we discuss various aspects of aging, from professional roles in senior living to the importance of community and the different types of senior living arrangements available today.

Introduction

What Is Social Gerontology?

Academic Path to Gerontology

Work in Senior Living Communities

Designing Senior Living Experiences

Types of Senior Living Communities

Financial Considerations

Role of Long-Term Care Insurance

Chooser a Senior Living Community

Innovative and Future Trends

More information About Benjamin Surmi and his communities:

Koelsch Communities' website: https://koelschseniorcommunities.com

Koelsch Communities' social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoelschCommunitiesLLC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koelschcommunities/

Benjamin Surmi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminsurmi/

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Link to my website

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

In this episode I discuss various broad types of mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes) just to give you an insight into how and when they are used to help people getting from point A to point B.

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Website: rebeccatapiamd.com

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

In this episode I review several pitfalls related to discharging from a hospital or rehab setting.

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

Welcome!

In this episode I talk about the visual experience of aging loved ones, what the nuerological basis is for these interactions, and some tips on how to adjust over time.

Caveats:

• This is a judgement free zone
• There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
• Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
• This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice

If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca

Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.