In this week’s Aging Parent Playbook, I introduce Pillar 3: Health Optimization, how to clearly understand what your parent actually needs so you can stop guessing and start planning. We move beyond diagnoses and look at the full picture: physical health, mobility, cognition, emotional well-being, and daily function. I share simple questions and observations you can use right away to assess safety, prepare for medical visits, and make thoughtful decisions about care options without jumping to worst-case scenarios. This is about clarity, not crisis—and creating a plan that truly fits your parent’s needs.

In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, I walk you through Pillar #2 of my caregiving framework: Conflict Resolution. I talk about why caring for aging parents so often brings up old family dynamics, sibling tension, and guilt, and why trying to “keep everyone happy” usually leads to burnout. I share a simple, practical structure to help you communicate more clearly, set boundaries you can live with, and navigate difficult conversations with parents and siblings without losing yourself in the process. If you’re feeling like the default caregiver or stuck in family conflict, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m formally launching a powerful four-part series by breaking down the first pillar of my framework: the legal protection guide. If the words “power of attorney” or “advance directive” make you want to run the other way, you’re not alone, and I’m here to make this feel simple, clear, and doable. I walk you through the essential documents every family needs, why timing matters more than you think, and the real-life chaos that happens when these conversations get delayed. I also share practical, low-pressure ways to bring this up with your parent without triggering defensiveness or drama. By the end, you’ll feel prepared, confident, and genuinely empowered to take the first step.

How do you know when it’s really time to step in with your parent? In this episode, I share the subtle and sometimes not so subtle signs that your mom or dad may need extra support. We’ll talk about how to notice these changes early, how to bring them up without creating conflict, and small steps you can take that protect both safety and dignity. It’s a compassionate, down-to-earth guide for anyone walking that delicate line between caring and overstepping.

Ever hear your aging parent say, ‘I’m fine’—even when the signs clearly show otherwise? In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barbara Sparacino breaks down why denial is so common, what those little red flags really mean, and how to approach the conversation without creating conflict. You’ll learn practical strategies to respond with compassion, build trust, and reframe help as empowerment. If you’ve ever felt stuck between worry and respect for your parent’s independence, this episode will give you the tools to move forward with confidence.

Emergencies happen without warning—and when it’s your aging parent, the stress can be overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Sparacino shares exactly what to do in a medical crisis, which documents you must have ready, and how to build an emergency plan that works under pressure.What You’ll Learn:
• The first steps to take in a medical emergency.
• The “go bag” checklist every caregiver needs.
• Which documents can make or break decision-making in a crisis.
• How to create a family emergency plan that reduces confusion.Links & Resources:
• Download the FREE Emergency Preparedness Checklist – www.theagingparentcoach.com
• Follow Barbara on Instagram – @theagingparentcoach

If you’re caring for an aging parent, chances are you’ve put your own needs on the back burner. Between doctor appointments, medication schedules, and the constant emotional load, it’s easy to think, “I’ll take care of myself later.” But later often never comes.In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barbara Sparacino dives deep into why caregivers struggle with self-care, how to fit it into even the busiest day, and why it’s not selfish—it’s necessary. You’ll learn small, realistic steps you can take today to preserve your energy, your health, and your ability to care for the person you love.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why guilt keeps caregivers from prioritizing their own needs.
• Practical self-care strategies that actually work with a busy schedule.
• How to reframe self-care as essential for better caregiving.
• Small daily changes that make a big difference over time.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
• Visit The Aging Parent Coach for coaching and resources.
• Follow Barbara on Instagram: @theagingparentcoach
• Listen to more episodes of The Aging Parent Playbook.Listen Now:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Your Favorite Podcast App

Talking to your parent about end-of-life wishes is one of the hardest conversations you’ll ever have — but also one of the most important.
Avoiding it doesn’t make the reality go away… it just increases the risk of confusion, conflict, and heartbreak when the time comes.In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Barbara Sparacino, MD walks you through:
• Gentle, non-threatening ways to open the conversation
• Real-life role-play scripts for resistant and receptive parents
• The 4 essential questions to ask so nothing is left unsaid
• Myth-busting common misunderstandings about end-of-life planning
• The three key legal documents every family should have in placeYou’ll leave with practical language, examples, and resources to help you start the conversation — and keep it going — with love, clarity, and respect.Resources mentioned in this episode:
• Free End-of-Life Conversation Checklist
• National Institute on Aging – Advance Care Planning

Finding the right in-home caregiver can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, I walk you through how to determine what level of care your parent truly needs, what questions to ask when hiring (whether through an agency or independently), and the most common mistakes families make during the process. You’ll walk away with practical tools and more confidence to make the right decision the first time—for both your parent’s well-being and your own peace of mind.

🎧 Learn more or book a free consultation at www.theagingparentcoach.com

If your parent is starting to struggle with money management—or you’re worried about scams, rising care costs, or future crises—this episode is for you.

I’m Dr. Barbara Sparacino, and today I’m walking you through how to build a strong financial safety net that protects both your parent’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind. We’ll cover common financial risks aging parents face, practical steps to prevent mismanagement and fraud, and how to navigate these sensitive conversations—especially if your parent resists help.

🎧 Plus, I’ve created a FREE Financial Safety Checklist to help you get started. Download it at www.theagingparentcoach.com