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Aging Together // Unfiltered
TL;DR: A podcast for adult children of aging parents and family caregivers who want honest, no-fluff conversations about aging, care, and caregiving. We talk about what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change—without sugarcoating or euphemisms.
Aging Together // Unfiltered explores the real challenges and hard decisions families face as they support aging loved ones. Hosted by Dr. Pooja A. Patel—a double-board certified occupational therapist and gerontologist, and longtime caregiver advocate—this show moves beyond “proper” conversations and into the realities families are navigating every day.
After four seasons of carefully curated, polished discussions, this podcast is now intentionally unfiltered. Not for shock value, but because polite language hasn’t fixed broken systems—or made caregiving easier. Our elders and their families don’t need softer words. They need better care, clearer information, and honest conversations that lead to action.
Each episode features clinicians, caregivers, innovators, and leaders who bring both professional expertise and lived experience. Together, we dive into aging in America—what’s working, what’s failing, and where families are being left to figure things out on their own.
Topics include:
- Aging in place and long-term care options
- Care planning, transitions, and crisis moments
- Mental health, grief, and caregiver burnout
- Navigating healthcare systems and resources
- Advocacy, accountability, and better models of care
This podcast is for the sandwich generation, long-distance caregivers, aging adults planning ahead, and professionals working in aging and care who want the truth—not platitudes.
👉 Follow Aging Together // Unfiltered if you’re navigating aging parents, caregiving decisions, or a healthcare system that wasn’t built with families in mind—and you’re ready for real conversations, not polite ones.
🎙️ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
A production of Aging Together LLC.
Aging Together // Unfiltered
S4E03: Caring Across Borders: Navigating Care Between US & Canada | Amy Friesen
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Summary
In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, host Pooja Patel speaks with Amy Friesen, a bestselling author and expert in the senior living industry. They discuss the challenges and similarities in caregiving across borders, the importance of early planning, and the emotional toll on caregivers. Amy shares insights from her book 'Breadcrumbs' and emphasizes the need for support and resources for families navigating elder care. The conversation highlights the cultural expectations surrounding caregiving and the systemic changes needed to improve care for older adults.
Takeaways
- Caregivers often feel alone, but support is available.
- Planning early can alleviate future stress and challenges.
- Cultural expectations can complicate caregiving roles.
- Navigating healthcare systems requires advocacy and knowledge.
- There are significant differences in elder care between Canada and the US.
- Families should seek local professionals for guidance.
- Guilt is a common feeling among caregivers.
- Resources like associations can provide valuable support.
- The importance of community in caregiving cannot be overstated.
- Systemic changes are needed to improve elder care access.
About the Author:
Amy has been recognized by the House of Commons for her 2018 Businesswoman of the Year Award as well as being a 2019 Forty Under 40 recipient.
Links:
- www.facebook.com/teaandtoastinc/
- www.instagram.com/teaandtoastottawa/
- www.linkedin.com/company/tea-and-toast/
- www.youtube.com/@teaandtoastottawa
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Senior Living and Caregiving
- 02:46 Amy's Journey and the Inspiration Behind 'Breadcrumbs'
- 05:52 Navigating Elder Care: The Role of Care Navigators
- 08:52 Comparing US and Canadian Elder Care Systems
- 11:44 Challenges in Caregiving: Accessibility and Affordability
- 23:38 Pros and Cons of Private vs. Public Care
- 29:37 Cross-Border Caregiving Challenges
- 36:06 Navigating Healthcare Systems Across Borders
- 41:42 Understanding Legal Documents and Their Validity
- 47:41 The Need for Proactive Planning
- 51:43 Advice & Resources for Coordinating Care Across Borders
- 57:43 Systemic Changes Needed for Better Support
- 01:01:40 Key Takeaways from the Conversation
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