Real Conversations about Aging Parents

Welcome!In this episode we discuss special aspects of the super cool Greenland Shark including it's slow moving lifestyle, extraordinary lifespan, poor vision and other mysteries.Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaMore articles!https://divemagazine.com/scuba-diving-news/greenland-sharks-zombies-of-the-deephttps://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/marine-animals/giant-deep-sea-beasts-arent-just-the-stuff-of-legend-heres-how-they-got-so-massivehttps://www.britannica.com/animal/How-Old-Is-the-Oldest-Living-Greenland-SharkDisclaimer: 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 the latest issue of Consumer Reports and their special feature on fall prevention.Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaConsumer Reports Medical Alert SystemsConsumer Reports How to Prevent FallsConsumer Reports: Balance Training 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 break down elements of a "minimum viable relationship" including communication, connection, frequency and redefining enough. Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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 get to speak with Maneesha again (yay) and we talk through her approach to life coaching individuals feeling stuck in cultural expectations.Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaGet in touch with Maneesha Ahluwalia!!https://www.lifecoachingwithdrahluwalia.com/https://www.facebook.com/DrManeeshaA/https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachingforindians/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 we think and laugh through dozens of questions reflecting on the 1.5 year journey to ONE HUNDRED EPISODES!Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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 Medicare Insider Matt Feret. He has dedicated enormous time and effort to understanding Medicare so we don't have to. We talk about pitfalls, the potential future Medicare changes, and tips/tricks to be aware of as you support an aging parent who is receiving Medicare benefits.Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaFind out more about Matt Feret:Links & Assets• Website: https://prepareformedicare.com• Podcast: https://themattferetshow.com• Books: Books by Matt Feret• Social:o LinkedIno Facebooko Instagramo YouTube: Prepare for Medicareo YouTube: The Matt Feret ShowThresholds Triggering IRMAASingle filers: MAGI over $106,000Married filing jointly: MAGI over $212,000 Kiplinger+2Kiplinger+2Disclaimer: 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 how I fell down and broke my knee (patellar fracture) to include risks, how it could have maybe been prevented, and how it was treated.Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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, guest Maneesha Ahluwalia dive deep into the cultural expectations, family dynamics, and personal journeys surrounding aging parents, particularly within the Indian immigrant community. Maneesha shares her unique story as a physician-turned-life coach, her experiences with family, marriage, and cultural pressures, and how these have shaped her perspective on caregiving, tradition, and personal fulfillment.Key Topics Covered:Manisha’s background: from infectious disease physician to life coachThe evolving relationship with her aging parents and their support through her life transitionsCultural expectations in Indian families regarding caregiving, marriage, and gender rolesThe impact of tradition on women, especially daughters and daughters-in-lawPersonal stories of marriage, fertility challenges, and divorceNotable Quotes:“My parents just became this unwavering support for me in a way that I didn’t even realize they had in them.”“There’s an expectation of us to be highly educated, independent, but also meet the conventional path of being married at an early age.”“The coaching experience allows for us to voice things that we’ve never voiced before. And only then can we start to hear and think in a new way.”Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaGet in touch with Maneesha Ahluwalia!!https://www.lifecoachingwithdrahluwalia.com/https://www.facebook.com/DrManeeshaA/https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachingforindians/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! Hi there! In today's episode, I'm diving into the practical "how" of supporting our aging parents - something I know many of you are navigating right now. I'll walk you through essential strategies I've learned from years of experience, starting with how to handle those difficult conversations - both with yourself and your loved ones. We'll explore cost-prevention approaches that can save you stress and resources down the road, and I'll share insights on setting healthy boundaries while maintaining meaningful connections. Whether you're currently caring for an aging parent or planning ahead, I'll provide you with concrete steps you can take today. Most importantly, I'll show you how to balance being supportive while preserving your own well-being and relationships. Join me as we tackle this challenging but important journey together, focusing on what we can control and finding ways to make this transition smoother for everyone involved.Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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 we discuss the "why".Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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 zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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 PodcastKrista St-Germain is a Master Certified Life Coach, Post-Traumatic Growth and grief expert, widow, mom and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast. When her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 2016, Krista’s life was completely and unexpectedly flipped upside down. After therapy helped her uncurl from the fetal position, Krista discovered Life Coaching, Post Traumatic Growth and learned the tools she needed to move forward and create a future she could get excited about. Now she coaches and teaches other widows so they can love life again, too. Krista has been featured online and in print in Psychology Today, Medium, Thrive Global, Bustle, Psych Central, and Parents Magazine and on select podcasts such as The SelfWork Podcast, Seek The Joy, Life Check Yourself, and You Need A Budget to name a few. Links: a...

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 Series00:35 Recap of Previous Episodes01:08 Where: The Importance of Location in Care01:49 Home Modifications for Aging in Place03:10 Community and Social Connections09:17 Proximity and Caregiving Dynamics16:29 Independent and Assisted Living Options21:36 Long-Term and Memory Care Considerations26:26 Conclusion and Next StepsCaveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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 easierFeel 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 zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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 ListIn 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 Series01:33 Understanding the 'Who' in Caregiving05:35 Affection and Duty: The ADL List06:55 Affection Scale Explained10:06 Duty Scale Explained12:50 Combining Affection and Duty Scores25:35 Fluidity of Affection and Duty Over Time31:32 Conclusion and Next StepsCaveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaWebsite: rebeccatapiamd.comDisclaimer: 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 TrendsMore information About Benjamin Surmi and his communities:Koelsch Communities' website: https://koelschseniorcommunities.comKoelsch Communities' social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoelschCommunitiesLLCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/koelschcommunities/Benjamin Surmi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminsurmi/Caveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaLink to my websiteDisclaimer: 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 zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaWebsite: rebeccatapiamd.comDisclaimer: 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 zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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 zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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, host Rebecca Tapia talks with Doug about his personal journey with his aging mother, who is currently in a nursing home. Doug shares insights into the emotional and logistical challenges involved, including the impact of his father's early death, his brother's passing, and his mother's health issues due to weight gain. The discussion covers the importance of pre-planning, having candid conversations about future care, and the financial and administrative aspects of long-term nursing home care. Doug also reflects on the emotional toll and the continuous need to adapt and find practical solutions.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:29 Doug's Background and Family History01:28 Challenges with Aging Parents04:44 Health Issues and Assisted Living Decisions06:42 Transition to Nursing Home11:40 Maintaining the Household12:07 Selling the Car12:43 Rising Costs of Care13:52 Living Arrangements and Acceptance14:26 Financial Concerns and Future Planning14:54 Health and Support System15:34 Challenges of Moving16:20 Symbiotic Relationships20:12 Power of Attorney and Financial Oversight21:20 Preparing for the Future25:00 Adapting to Nursing Home Life25:53 Final Thoughts and GratitudeCaveats:This is a judgement free zoneThere are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosityTake 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 adviceIf you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!RebeccaDisclaimer: 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.