In this episode Roy Clary and Suzie Lind sit down with Sally, an 87-year-old living in a senior living community who shares honest insight into loneliness, changing family roles and the need for real empathy from caregivers. She talks through how her relationship with her daughter has evolved, why asking before acting matters and what support feels like from her side of the caregiving equation.

Roy and Suzie also reflect on their own holiday experiences, the pressure adult children place on themselves and the importance of connection over tasks. This episode helps listeners understand the emotional needs of aging parents and how to care with patience and respect.

The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 — Leave questions about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics

CHAPTERS

• 02:45 — What do aging parents want in caregiving
• 04:10 — Holiday pressure and expectations
• 05:15 — Suzie on tasks vs connection
• 07:05 — Introducing Sally
• 08:20 — Sally's move to Chicago
• 12:40 — Finding independence with support
• 17:05 — Loneliness and isolation
• 24:55 — How to help without taking over
• 30:20 — Advice for caregivers and receivers
• 40:15 — Roy's holiday shift after his mom's stroke

RESOURCES

• Brookdale Senior Living

In honor of Veterans Day, hosts Roy Clary and MB Roberts welcome Dr. Matthew Bruhin to discuss the ongoing struggles veterans and their families face long after service ends. Dr. Bruhin, who has 15 years of experience treating veterans and their families, explains how trauma isn't just something that happens to you - it's something that happens inside of you, physically changing your brain structure. The conversation covers the differences between how older and younger veterans process trauma, the shocking connection between PTSD and substance use disorders and the concept of secondary trauma that affects caregivers.

Roy shares his personal experience with EMDR therapy, while MB opens up about her husband's Vietnam experience and the treatment he faced returning home. Dr. Bruhin breaks down the four types of trauma, explains why families need their own treatment plans and offers practical advice for supporting loved ones without burning out. This episode is a must-listen for anyone caring for a veteran or dealing with the ripple effects of trauma in their family.

The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 — Leave questions about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics

CHAPTERS

• 02:33 — Meet Dr. Matthew Bruhin & His Military Background
• 07:10 — What Trauma Really Is & How It Affects Veterans
• 10:05 — Vietnam Veterans & Secondary Trauma
• 13:11 — Epigenetics: How Trauma Changes Your DNA
• 14:46 — Mistakes Caregivers Make & When NOT to Work on Trauma
• 19:03 — Roy's Caregiver Experience & EMDR Therapy Journey
• 25:35 — Should Caregivers Get Therapy Too?
• 29:12 — Brain Development, Types of Trauma & Creating a Care Plan
• 41:33 — Older vs. Younger Vets: Care Differences
• 43:06 — PTSD & Substance Use Disorder Connection

RESOURCES

• Brookdale Senior Living
• Apex Recovery
• VA.gov
• American Legion
• VFW
• EMDR International Association

Hosts Roy Clary and MB Roberts tackle one of caregiving's hardest challenges, having difficult conversations with family members about an aging parent's care.

Drawing from their own experiences as adult children and caregivers, they explore what makes these conversations so difficult and why they often backfire. Roy shares how a decision to let his mom visit family led to criticism and fractured relationships. MB reflects on waiting too long to address financial issues. And together, they discuss practical strategies for approaching sensitive topics like moving to senior living, healthcare decisions and financial matters.

The conversation covers timing, listening skills, emotional regulation and the importance of building a support team. They remind listeners that these conversations aren't about being right or taking control - they're about protection and working together across generations.

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CHAPTERS

• 00:52 — Roy's Experience with Family Criticism
• 02:56 — The Guilt of Taking Control
• 03:51 — Don't Wait for a Crisis
• 06:18 — Setting the Right Time and Place
• 08:30 — Listening More Than Talking
• 12:45 — Managing Your Own Emotions
• 15:20 — Having a Third Party Present
• 18:30 — Young Caregivers Face Extra Challenges
• 21:46 — Building Your Support Army
• 23:13 — It's Not About Being Right

RESOURCES

• Brookdale Senior Living
• Family Caregiver Alliance
• AARP Caregiving Resource Center
• Caring.com
• American Association of Caregiving Youth

When your parent forgets where they put their keys for the third time this week or seems unsteady on their feet, how do you know if it's normal aging or something more?

In this episode of The Grey Take, hosts Suzie Lind and MB Roberts sit down with Brookdale Senior Living gerontologists Jill Ladaa and Christy Phillips to tackle one of the most anxiety-provoking questions families face.

The experts share personal stories from their own caregiving journeys while revealing why approaching these concerns with curiosity rather than panic can change everything. You'll discover the communication techniques that actually work and learn why a diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of the world. If you've been wondering whether what you're seeing is cause for concern, this conversation may help give you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.

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CHAPTERS

• 00:24 — The Little Changes You Notice First
• 16:06 — What To Do When Something Feels 'Off'
• 21:23 — Lead With Curiosity, Not Fear
• 22:46 — Tell Me More About That
• 29:17 — Why We Say 'Care Partner'
• 32:02 — Tech That Actually Helps Caregiving
• 34:17 — Lifestyle Levers For Brain Health
• 37:08 — Cognitive Training: What Matters
• 39:01 — First Steps After Concerns Arise
• 47:56 — Where To Turn: Resources That Help

RESOURCES

• BrainHQ
• Teepa Snow
• Alzheimer's Association
• General memory care info
• Alzheimer's Association Tennessee Chapter
• The National Council on Aging

Most families discover too late that Medicare doesn't cover long-term care, and that shock can be financially devastating. In this episode, hosts Suzie Lind and MB Roberts sit down with certified financial planner Leona Edwards to shatter dangerous myths about paying for senior care and give you practical tools to prepare before crisis hits.

Learn the critical differences between Medicare and Medicaid, why long-term care insurance policies are changing and what hybrid insurance options actually work. Leona explains how to compare home care versus assisted living costs, explores reverse mortgages as a last-resort option and shares how to find a trustworthy financial advisor.

The conversation tackles the emotional difficulty of talking about money with family, offers specific questions to break through resistance and provides a simple framework to assess your situation. Whether you're planning for yourself or caring for aging parents, this episode gives you the knowledge to avoid being blindsided by costs when you're most vulnerable.

Please consult your attorney or financial advisor before acting on any content on this website. References to any products, services, third parties, or links to third-party websites do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of such products, services, or third parties by Brookdale or its affiliates.

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CHAPTERS

• 00:00 — The Financial Surprise That Hits Every Family
• 01:09 — Meet Financial Planner Leona Edwards
• 06:07 — The Real Cost of Senior Care
• 12:25 — Why Medicare Won't Save You
• 15:26 — Long-Term Care Insurance Truth
• 19:05 — From Home Care to Assisted Living
• 24:11 — Finding the Right Financial Advisor
• 31:12 — Breaking Through Family Money Silence
• 37:02 — When Parents Shut Down the Money Conversation
• 40:13 — Your Care Cost Reality Check

RESOURCES

• Center for Aging
  • Free resources and information about senior care options
• Mariner.com
  • Get to know Leona
• Medicare.gov
  • Official information about Medicare coverage and limitations
• National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
  • Find fee-only financial planners in your area
• Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
  • Verify advisor credentials and find CFP professionals

Anyone supporting an aging loved one has a moment when they whisper to themselves, "I wish I knew then what I know now." In this episode of The Grey Take, Roy, Suzie and MB reflect on the turning points, regrets and lessons they've gathered along their caregiving journeys, often the hard way. They speak candidly about caregiver guilt, burnout, identity loss and the myth of the "natural caregiver." Through personal stories and vulnerable insights, they offer practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement to anyone in the thick of it. If you're wondering whether you're doing it right or questioning whether you're alone, this episode is for you.

The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 — Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 — Cold Open: The Line We All Say
• 01:30 — If I Knew Then…
• 04:00 — The Myth of the Natural Caregiver
• 08:00 — Impatience, Guilt and Real-Life Burnout
• 12:30 — Identity Loss and Career Shifts
• 18:00 — Waiting for the "Right Time" vs. Proactive Planning
• 22:30 — The Invisible Daily Grief
• 27:00 — Moments We Regret...and What We Learned
• 32:00 — How Seasons of Caregiving Shift Over Time
• 36:00 — The One Thing We'd Do Differently
• 40:00 — Final Reflections

RESOURCES

• Brookdale Senior Living

What comes to mind when you hear the words senior living? If your imagination immediately jumps to sterile "facilities" and lonely hallways, you're not alone and you're also not seeing the full picture. In this episode of The Grey Take, hosts Roy, Suzie and MB bust three of the most common myths about senior living. From the fear of losing independence to the outdated image of nursing homes as dreary and depressing, they tackle the assumptions that keep families from exploring life-giving options for their loved ones. With candid reflections, hard-earned wisdom and a few laughs along the way, this conversation invites you to take a second look at what's possible.

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CHAPTERS

• 00:00 — When you hear 'Senior Living', what pops into your head?
• 01:30 — Breaking Down the Spectrum of Senior Living
• 04:30 — Happy Hour and Connection in Community
• 07:00 — Roy's Story: Caregiving at Home
• 13:30 — Let's Talk About Language (The "F" Word)
• 17:45 — What Blue Zones Teach Us About Community
• 20:15 — Myth 1: "It's All the Same"
• 26:00 — Myth 2: "You Lose Your Independence"
• 31:15 — Myth 3: "It's Boring and Depressing"
• 36:00 — Listener Challenge & Final Thoughts
• 38:30 — Next Episode Tease: What's It Gonna Cost Me?

RESOURCES

• Brookdale Senior Living
• Blue Zones
• The Caregiver Collective (Facebook Group)

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked issue of burnout in caregiving for seniors, a topic that resonates with many. Caregivers face immense challenges as they dedicate their time and energy to support their loved ones, often at the expense of their own well-being. The emotional toll of caregiving can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of exhaustion, frustration and isolation. We'll discuss the profound impact caregiving can have on mental health, relationships and family dynamics, shedding light on how these challenges can ripple through the lives of both caregivers and those they care for.

We'll emphasize the importance of recognizing when you need help and the necessity of asking for support, whether from friends, family or professional resources. Whether you are a caregiver yourself or know someone who is, this episode offers insights, encouragement and practical advice to help. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that aims to validate your experiences and empower you with the tools to prioritize your own health and happiness amidst the demands of caregiving.

The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 — Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 - Introduction to burnout in caregiving
• 05:45 - Personal experiences of exhaustion and frustration
• 12:30 - The impact of caregiving on family dynamics
• 20:15 - Recognizing the signs of burnout
• 30:00 - The importance of asking for help
• 40:00 - Resources for caregivers
• 50:00 - Upcoming episode preview

RESOURCES

• About EMDR Therapy from Cleveland Clinic
• Leeza's Care Connection
• YMCA

In this inaugural episode of The Grey Take, hosts Suzie, Roy and MB embark on an insightful journey into the intricate and often overwhelming emotions that accompany the role of caregiving for aging loved ones. Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid discussions, the hosts share their personal experiences, revealing the challenges they face while managing their own lives alongside the responsibilities of caregiving for their parents.

Throughout the episode, listeners can expect a rich and supportive dialogue that emphasizes the significance of community and the essential resources available to caregivers. The hosts explore the profound impact of shared experiences, highlighting the importance of connecting with others who understand the unique struggles that come with this role.

As they introduce themselves and set the stage for an honest conversation, they invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the emotions that arise in these circumstances. This episode not only aims to shed light on the emotional complexities involved but also seeks to empower caregivers by fostering a sense of belonging and community.

The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 — Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 - Introduction to the hosts and their caregiving backgrounds
• 10:45 - Discussing the feelings of guilt in caregiving
• 20:30 - The importance of community and resources for caregivers
• 30:15 - Sharing personal stories and insights
• 45:00 - Listener call-in information and encouraging community engagement

RESOURCES

• Brookdale Senior Living
• CaringBridge