Aging Together
TL;DR: for adult children of aging parents; for the sandwiched generation
Key themes: aging, caregiving, mental health, caregiver resources, long-term care
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The Aging Together Podcast explores the challenges and opportunities of caring for aging loved ones. In this podcast, I interview guests who are experts in their fields or can share their experiences with caregiving. Together with the guest speakers, I dive into a wide range of topics including health and wellness, care planning, caregiving, and more. The Aging Together Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. This podcast is a product of Aging Together LLC, a private care coaching practice for family caregivers.
This podcast is hosted by Dr. Pooja A. Patel, an occupational therapist with board certification in gerontology and additional advanced certifications in dementia, fall prevention, and geriatric care. She has had the privilege of working with older adults and their families for many years and has seen first-hand the unique challenges that aging can bring. From navigating physical changes and managing chronic conditions to addressing social isolation and planning for the future, aging can be a complex and oftentimes an overwhelming process.
Together with the guest speakers, she dives into a wide range of topics including senior health and wellness, senior care planning, caregiving, and more.
This podcast is for everyone: whether you are an older adult looking to age in place, a caregiver seeking support and guidance, or simply someone interested in learning more about the aging process. Let’s navigate aging, together.
Aging Together
S4E19: Navigating Grief - from SIL to Mother to Husband | Leslie Frank
Summary
In this conversation, Leslie Frank shares her extensive experience as a caregiver for her husband, mother, and sister-in-law, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating long-term care. She discusses the importance of finding the right care setting, the complexities of grief, and the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Leslie emphasizes the value of support systems, patient advocacy, and the need for ongoing communication with care providers. Her insights provide a roadmap for others facing similar situations, encouraging them to focus on what truly matters for their loved ones while managing their own emotional well-being.
Takeaways
- Being a caregiver for a spouse is deeply personal.
- Finding the right fit for care is crucial.
- Engagement in care settings is more important than aesthetics.
- Grief can manifest in unexpected ways during caregiving.
- Having a support system is essential for caregivers.
- Creating a care plan can alleviate stress.
- It's important to ask the right questions when seeking care.
- Self-care is vital for effective caregiving.
- Navigating long-term care requires ongoing adjustments.
- Emotional detachment can help in making objective decisions.
About the Guest
Leslie Frank is a serial entrepreneur and has a successful track record of developing customized, sustainable business solutions to drive growth. Her diverse background includes design, merchandising, manufacturing, business development, and licensing. But that’s not why she’s here today.
Through the various stages of her successful career, Leslie has spent the majority of her life being a caregiver–first for her mom and sister-in-law, and now for her husband. While navigating grief, Leslie has also had to navigate long-term care needs. Today, she’s joining us to share her story and some words of wisdom on how to find the right fit for your loved one.
S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility
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The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group.
S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility
Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs.
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