Real Talk on Aging

When a parent needs care, family conflict doesn't just show up. It explodes. Siblings who haven't spoken in years suddenly have opinions, the child who has been present resents the one who disappeared, and the person who just wants what's best for mom or dad gets caught in the crossfire of decades-old family wounds. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust pull from years of rea...

Talking about aging parents is one of the hardest conversations families will ever have. But avoiding the conversation about aging parents often leads to confusion, family conflict, and rushed decisions during a crisis. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust break down how to hold the first family meeting about aging parents—without turning it into a fight. Many families wait until someth...

Driving and dementia is one of the most difficult conversations families will ever face. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust share practical guidance on how to recognize the warning signs that an aging parent may no longer be safe behind the wheel—and how to have the driving conversation before a crash, injury, or crisis forces the issue. Learn how to spot early r...

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect millions of families, but most people are unprepared for the emotional, behavioral, and communication changes that come with cognitive decline. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust have an honest conversation about dementia caregiving, early warning signs, communication breakdowns, family dynamics, and how to support aging parents with dignity and...

Senior fall prevention isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about preserving independence, confidence, and quality of life. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging , senior fall prevention takes center stage as hosts Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust unpack why even one fall can signal a turning point. If you’re caring for aging parents—or noticing changes yourself—this conversation will help you u...

Early signs of dementia often don’t look serious—they look explainable. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust break down the early signs of dementia families ignore and why recognizing patterns early can change everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether “it’s just aging” or something more, this conversation will help you spot the difference before it’s too late. On this episode of Real...

Are you prepared for an aging parent crisis before it happens? Aging parent planning is the conversation most families avoid—until a fall, a health scare, or a sudden change forces decisions fast. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging , you’ll learn how to avoid an aging parent crisis, recognize risks inside the home, and start planning before “everything seems fine” turns into something urgent. H...

Real Talk on Aging reveals why families fall behind the aging curve—and how to stay ahead before a crisis hits. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging, you’ll learn how subtle changes in your loved ones signal bigger shifts, and why waiting for “something major” can cost you time, options, and peace of mind. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to look for or when to step in, this conversation giv...

Real Talk on Aging is a podcast about the moments, decisions, and emotions that come with caring for an aging parent or loved one. Hosted by Barb Faust , RN and Director of Program Development at Visiting Angels, and Dave Ritterling , Senior Vice President of Global Operations, the show brings thoughtful conversations with people who understand the realities of caregiving and the opportunity it cr...