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 emotions and obligations intertwine. Emphasizing the importance of connection, I encourage you to unde...
Jul 09, 2025•33 min•Ep. 90
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 ...
Jul 02, 2025•58 min•Ep. 89
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 is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice If you are finding value in this podcas...
Jun 04, 2025•44 min•Ep. 88
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, please share and leave a review so others can find it too! Rebecca Disclaimer: The information pres...
May 21, 2025•45 min•Ep. 87
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, financial or medical advice If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a revi...
Apr 23, 2025•27 min•Ep. 86
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 fi...
Apr 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 85
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 advice If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find...
Mar 26, 2025•39 min•Ep. 84
Welcome! In this episode we discuss navigating Elder Care Challenges with Frances Reeves In this insightful episode of 'Real Conversations About Aging Parents,' host Rebecca welcomes Frances Reeves, an accomplished attorney and author. Frances shares her deeply personal journey dealing with her parents' aging process, including her mother's dementia and her father's cognitive decline. She discusses the challenges of long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and the emotional turmoil of caregiving. Fra...
Feb 26, 2025•55 min•Ep. 83
Welcome! In this episode I talk about a perspective on time, who is rich with time? Who is poor? How do we slow it down, is that even possible? How does this relate to aging parents? Emotional Billionaires - Episode 67 Here is the other podcast episode I mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-the-hacks-with-chris-hutchins/id1560751222?i=1000689258155 Caveats: This is a judgement free zone There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity Take what works well for you, leave the r...
Feb 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 82
Welcome! In this episode I talk about returning to the office after teleworking for awhile and some of the barriers or stress this may present for you or your family. 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 other...
Jan 29, 2025•17 min•Ep. 81
Welcome! In this episode I talk about urinary tract infections and my very recent very close to home interaction with how serious they can be. 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! Rebec...
Jan 08, 2025•41 min•Ep. 80
Welcome! In this episode I talk about the sibling dynamic that emerges in caring for aging parents. What say you, AI? In this episode of 'Real Conversations about Aging Parents,' host Rebecca Tapia delves into the complexities of elderly caregiving among adult siblings. She shares personal experiences and observations from dozens of families navigating care for aging parents. Topics include the influence of gender roles, birth order, geographic proximity, and sibling conflicts on caregiving resp...
Dec 11, 2024•36 min•Ep. 79
Welcome! Navigating Gratitude and Aging - Real Conversations In this episode we discusses the challenges faced by caregivers, especially during the holiday season. The discussion explores the dynamics of gratitude, or the lack thereof, from aging parents and the emotional and psychological aspects surrounding it. Rebecca delves into personal anecdotes, societal norms, and various reasons aging parents might be perceived as ungrateful, offering insights and encouragement to those caring for their...
Nov 27, 2024•40 min•Ep. 78
Welcome! In this episode we.. 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! Rebecca Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide me...
Nov 13, 2024•56 min•Ep. 77
Welcome! In this episode I am providing an analysis similar to the podcast about Joe Biden back in July - this time I ramble about my thoughts on Donald Trump. Listener beware. Hard pass if you are tired of politics! Thanks for listening 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 ...
Oct 30, 2024•33 min•Ep. 76
Welcome! In this episode I talk to Tracee Loran about her unique experience in splitting caregiver duties out of state for her grandmother. How does she balance everything? What thoughts are driving these decisions and efforts? She is an open book for us today and so much to learn. Enjoy! Find out more about Tracee Loran: https://traceeloran.com/ https://www.instagram.com/traceeloran/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@traceeloran https://www.youtube.com/@traceeloran Episode with grandmother featured...
Oct 16, 2024•56 min•Ep. 75
Welcome! In this episode we talk about the HOT OFF THE PRESS topic of Medicare at Home, a new proposal to extend medicare benefits into home care, vision and audiology care. Find more here: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4922425-harris-adult-caregivers-medicare-benefit-at-home-care-sandwich-generation/ https://oneill.law.georgetown.edu/delivering-on-medicares-promise-providing-a-home-care-benefit-for-people-who-need-long-term-care/ Caveats: This is a judgement free zone There are no "shou...
Oct 09, 2024•23 min•Ep. 74
Welcome! In this episode I have friend of the podcast Lisa Powers, an Elder Law Attorney out of New York state. She has a wealth of knowledge to share, this time we focus on some specific "case studies" with good learning points. Find more about Lisa here: https://www.harrisbeach.com/people/powers-lisa-m/ In this episode of Real Conversations About Aging Parents, host Rebecca welcomes back elder care attorney and business coach Lisa. The discussion covers various topics related to elder care, in...
Oct 02, 2024•28 min•Ep. 73
Welcome! In this episode I talk about the juxtaposition of worlds that are growing and shrinking at the same time, what are some of the root causes and practical solutions to find connection and support from two very perspectives Navigating the Expanding and Shrinking Worlds of Our Lives In this episode, host Rebecca Tapia delves into the contrasting experiences of different life stages, discussing how our worlds expand and contract over time. From the simplicity of a child's perspective to the ...
Sep 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 72
Welcome! In this episode we talk again with Niki Feret, our resident expert on all things Medicare! AI summary: In this episode of 'Real Conversations About Aging Parents,' host Rebecca Tapia welcomes back Nikki Ferret, a Medicare expert and owner of Brickhouse Agency. The discussion delves into a comprehensive overview of Medicare, including the differences between Parts A, B, C, and D, and the benefits and challenges of Medicare Advantage and supplemental plans. Nikki offers updates on importa...
Sep 18, 2024•47 min•Ep. 71
Welcome! In this episode, we dive into the complexities of maintaining relationships with aging parents. Our guest, Marie, discusses her challenges with her aging mother, who has exhibited concerning cognitive and behavioral changes after retirement. We explore the difficulties of setting boundaries, managing inappropriate public behavior, and striving for positive interactions while dealing with underlying grief and loss. The conversation offers insights into handling delicate family dynamics w...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 70
Welcome! In this episode I unpack my way of explaining "slow" grief, as opposed to fast grief, and how this can manifest in life, what to do about it and how it may be beneficial! AI Show Notes: In this episode, Rebecca Tapia dives into the concept of 'slow grief' experienced with aging parents, contrasting it with the more familiar 'fast grief.' She explores its psychological facets, ties it to the stages of grief by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, and provides practical advice on how to manage these em...
Aug 28, 2024•34 min•Ep. 69
Welcome! In this episode I FINALLY talk to my own husband, David, about his point of view during our years living with the aging parent, Nana. AI Show Notes: In this episode, host Rebecca Tapia talks with her husband David about their 20-year marriage, raising children, and the rewarding yet challenging experience of having Rebecca's grandmother (Nana) live with them. They discuss the dynamics of multi-generational living, the integration process, their children's relationships with Nana, and th...
Aug 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 68
Welcome! In this episode I get super emo and talk about my concept of "emotional billionaires". Yes I just made that up but it works! AI Summary LOL: Real Conversations about Aging Parents: The Emotional Wealth of an Aging Parent In this heartfelt episode of Real Conversations about Aging Parents, host Rebecca Tapia discusses the concept of 'emotional wealth' with respect to aging parents. Through personal anecdotes about her grandmother and reflections on her own family's experiences, Rebecca e...
Aug 14, 2024•25 min•Ep. 67
Welcome! Do you have friction or resistance to spending time with a person who is negative? In this EXTRA SPICY episode I give you my take on dealing with debbie (or don) downers, some practical advice, and a fiery point of view (take it or leave it). 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...
Jul 31, 2024•40 min•Ep. 66
Welcome! In this episode we don't shy away from contemporary topics. Let's talk about Biden and all the rumors swirling about his cognitive function... sounds like fun to me!! AI says this is the summary: In this episode, host Rebecca Tapia takes a brief break from her saga series to provide an update on her grandmother's health and talk about a more taboo but essential topic: cognitive decline in aging, especially in the context of the recent presidential debates. Rebecca delves into normal age...
Jul 17, 2024•32 min•Ep. 65
Welcome! In this episode I talk about the transition to skilled nursing facility... AI summary: **Grandmother's Health Journey**: - Initial fall and subsequent hospitalization in ICU. - Progression through medical floor, acute rehab, and a skilled nursing and rehab facility. - Challenges faced in each setting, with a shift from high-intensity hospital care to less intensive skilled nursing care. **Differences in Care Settings**: - Hospitals and acute rehab facilities provide high attention and c...
Jul 10, 2024•29 min•Ep. 64
Welcome! And so it continues - the Acute Rehab Phase. 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! Rebecca Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purpos...
Jul 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 63
Welcome! And the story continues, live! 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! Rebecca Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not ...
Jun 26, 2024•19 min•Ep. 62
Welcome! In this episode I talk about a new development - Nana falling and going to the hospital. I am sharing raw and live information about my own experience with an aging parent! 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 ...
Jun 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 61
