Real Conversations about Aging Parents

Welcome! In this episode I am discussing how to tell the difference between "normal aging" problems with memory/thinking versus what would cause more concern. AI Show Notes: Recognizing Cognitive Changes in Aging Parents during the Holidays In this episode of Real Conversations about Aging Parents, host Rebecca Tapia discusses the cognitive changes one might notice in aging relatives during the ho...

Welcome! In this episode I am talking about the "earned rest" period of life and all that can bring up. AI show notes: Understanding the Concept of Earned Rest for Aging Parents In this episode of Real Conversations About Aging Parents, host Rebecca Tapia delves into the concept of 'earned rest'—the idea that after a lifetime of hard work and caregiving, individuals hope to receive care and suppor...

Welcome! Thank you for joining me today. Here is the AI version of show notes =) In this episode of Real Conversations about Aging Parents, host Rebecca Tapia shares a poignant story of a friend's complex relationship with her estranged father, leading to a broader discussion on the concept of 'completed relationships.' Rebecca explores how various factors like death, distance, disease, disability...

Welcome! In this episode I dive into the often overlooked but critically important activity of sit-to-stand transitions. Or as AI says: Rebecca shares insights from her clinical practice, emphasizing the significance of upper body, core, and leg strength in performing this movement, especially as one ages. The discussion highlights the intricate sequence of muscle activation required to stand from...

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 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 leg...

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 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...

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 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 advi...

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 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...

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 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 findin...

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 zone There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in cu...

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 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, financ...

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, tr...

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 sav...

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! R...

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,...

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

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,...

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, espec...

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 em...

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 Typ...

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...

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,...

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,...

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 discuss...

Welcome! In this episode I get to interview another volleyball parent, Mike, who shares a valuable journey in caring for his Mom who has worsening dementia. 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...