The Aging Parent Playbook
Episodes
Episode 53: Legal Safety Net Plan: Why Legal Authority Matters Before Crisis
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about one of the biggest mistakes families make when caring for aging parents: assuming things will work out when the time com...
Episode 51: Caregiver Strategy Course: How to Assess, Plan, and Stay Ahead of the Caregiving Curve
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You don’t become a caregiver overnight. It starts with small shifts you begin to notice. In this episode, I walk you through how to recognize that t...
Episode 52: Health Optimization Course: The Hidden Burnout of High-Functioning Caregivers
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m talking about the part of caregiving no one says out loud. The people who seem to have it all together are often the ones close...
Episode 50: Conflict Resolution Course: Turning Family Conflict Into Clear Caregiving Strategy
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, I talk about one of the most difficult parts of caring for aging parents: family conflict. When a parent...
Episode 49: Legal Protection Course: What Every Adult Child Must Put in Place Before a Crisis
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, I introduce the Legal Protection Course, the first pillar of my Aging Parent framework. I walk through a...
Episode 48: If Your Parent Had a Stroke Tonight… Could You Legally Help?
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, I talk about one of the most overlooked—but critical—parts of caregiving: legal authority. Many adul...
Episode 47: The Aging Parent Safety Net Workshop
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If your aging parent had a stroke tonight, would you know what to do?More importantly — would you legally be allowed to make decisions?In this episo...
Episode 46: The Aging Parent Safety Net
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this short but important episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, I’m inviting you to a free live training I’m hosting called The Aging Parent Saf...
Episode 45: The Caregiver Strategy
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, I dive into Pillar 4: The Caregiver Strategy—how to avoid burnout while balancing caregiving with your...
Episode 44: The Health Optimization Plan
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Aging Parent Playbook, I introduce Pillar 3: Health Optimization, how to clearly understand what your parent actually needs so you ca...
Episode 43: Conflict Resolution Course
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, I walk you through Pillar #2 of my caregiving framework: Conflict Resolution. I talk about why caring fo...
Episode 42: Your Parent's Legal Safety Net: The 3 Documents Every Family Must Have
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m formally launching a powerful four-part series by breaking down the first pillar of my framework: the legal protection guide. I...
Episode 41 – Recognizing the Signs Your Parent Needs More Help
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you know when it’s really time to step in with your parent? In this episode, I share the subtle and sometimes not so subtle signs that your m...
Episode 40: When Your Parent Insists "I'm Fine" Understanding Denial and Resistance
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever hear your aging parent say, ‘I’m fine’—even when the signs clearly show otherwise? In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barb...
Episode 39: Handling Emergency Situations with Aging Parents: How to Stay Calm and Prepared
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Emergencies happen without warning—and when it’s your aging parent, the stress can be overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Sparacino shares ...
Episode 38: The Power of Self-Care for Caregivers: Why It's Not Selfish, It's Survival
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re caring for an aging parent, chances are you’ve put your own needs on the back burner. Between doctor appointments, medication schedules,...
Episode 37: End-of-Life Conversations – How to Approach Them
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Talking to your parent about end-of-life wishes is one of the hardest conversations you’ll ever have — but also one of the most important.Avoiding...
Episode 36: Finding the Right In-Home Caregiver for Your Parent
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Finding the right in-home caregiver can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode, I walk you through how to determine what leve...
Episode 35: How to Set Up a Financial Safety Net for Your Aging Parent
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your parent is starting to struggle with money management—or you’re worried about scams, rising care costs, or future crises—this episode is ...
Episode 34: The Truth About Caregiver Burnout & How to Prevent It
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caregiver burnout is real—and it doesn’t have to be your reality. In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, learn how to recognize burnout, pr...
Episode 33: What to Do If Your Aging Parent Refuses Help
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when your parent won’t accept the support they clearly need? In this episode, Dr. Barbara Sparacino unpacks the real reasons behind r...
Episode 32: Estate Planning Basics for Caregivers
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to The Aging Parent Playbook. I’m Dr. Barbara Sparacino—and if you're caring for an aging parent, you already know that the practical...
Episode 31: How to Balance Work, Family, and Caregiving
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to The Aging Parent Playbook! I’m Dr. Barbara Sparacino—psychiatrist, coach, and sandwich generation survivor. If you’ve ever misse...
Episode 30: How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caregiving without limits? That’s the fastest path to burnout—and no one benefits from that.In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barb...
Episode 29: Dementia vs. Normal Aging – What You Need to Know
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As our parents age, it’s natural to notice changes in their memory or behavior—but how do we distinguish between what’s typical and what may be ...
Episode 29: How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caregiving without limits? That’s the fastest path to burnout—and no one benefits from that.In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barb...
Episode 28: Creating a Care Plan That Works for Your Family
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you caregiving in crisis mode? You're not alone—and you don't have to keep doing it that way. In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. ...
Episode 27: Coping with the Slow Loss: How to Grieve a Parent Who's Still Here
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I’m opening up about one of the hardest parts of caregiving—watching a parent decline. No one prepares you for the slow...
Episode 26: The Financial Checklist Every Caregiver Needs
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As caregivers, we often focus on the emotional weight of the role—but the financial responsibilities can be just as demanding. In this episode, I’...
Episode 25: Managing Sibling Conflicts Over Aging Parent Care
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sibling conflicts over caregiving can turn an already stressful situation into a full-blown family feud. Maybe you’re doing everything while your si...
Episode 24: How to Talk to Your Parent About Assisted Living
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barbara Sparacino tackles one of the hardest conversations adult children face—talking to a parent...
Episode 23: The Hidden Costs of Caregiving & How to Plan Ahead
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Financial stress should not define your caregiving experience. The more you plan now, the less you’ll have to worry later. Budgeting, researching...
Episode 22: Navigating Family Dynamics in Caregiving
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Aging Parent Playbook! In this episode, Dr. Barbara Sparacino dives into one of the biggest challenges caregivers face—managing famil...
Episode 21: What to Do If Your Parent Refuses to Share Financial Info
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many aging parents avoid talking about money—until a crisis forces the conversation. In this episode, I share: Why parents keep financial info...
Episode 20:Understanding Medicaid Spend-Down Rules
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Medicaid rules can be confusing and costly if you’re not prepared. In this episode, I break down Medicaid’s income & asset limits, the 5-year ...
Episode 19: Avoiding Common Estate Planning Mistakes
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Estate planning mistakes can lead to legal battles, financial loss, and family disputes. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the top mistakes to ...
Episode 18: Boundaries & Financial Decision-Making: Navigating Tough Conversations
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barbara Sparacino discusses the delicate and complex issue of financial boundaries in caregiving. Wh...
Episode 17: Healing Through Caregiving: Disorganized Attachment and Aging Parents
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Caregiving for a parent when your relationship is complex or strained can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Sparacino...
Episode 16: Finding Connection: Avoidant Attachment and Caring for Aging Parents
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If caregiving feels suffocating or you find yourself focusing on tasks over emotional connection, you might lean toward avoidant attachment. In this e...
Episode 15: When Worry Takes the Wheel: Anxious Attachment and Aging Parents
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find yourself constantly checking on your aging parent or feeling guilty for taking time for yourself? You might lean toward anxious attachment...
Episode 14: Building on a Strong Foundation: Secure Attachment and Caring for Aging Parents
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to The Aging Parent Playbook, the podcast where we tackle the emotional and practical challenges of caring for aging parents with compass...
Episode 13: Supporting Aging Parents During the Holidays: Signs & Strategies
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This article explores how to support aging parents during the holiday season by recognizing signs of emotional or physical struggles. It provides prac...
Episode 12:Helping Aging Parents Transition Away from Driving: A Compassionate Guide
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Description:In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, we dive into the sensitive but crucial topic of helping your aging parents transition away f...
Episode 11: Finding Joy in the Season: Navigating Holiday Emotions with Aging Parents
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is about the holidays—this magical yet complex season that stirs up emotions, memories, and sometimes even a little stress. If you...
Episode 10:Your Aging Parent's Hygiene and how not to Make it a Battle
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we discuss a case where the adult child of an aging parent was struggling with their parents inconsistent hygiene habits.
Episode 9: Daughter needed to have a Power of Attorney
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we discuss a case where the adult child of an aging parent was struggling with a parent's significant medical decline while not ha...
Episode 8: Balancing Caregiving from Afar: How to Support Your Aging Parent from a Distance]
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Balancing Caregiving from Afar: How to Support Your Aging Parent from a Distance]
Episode 7: How to Have 'The Talk' with Your Parent: Discussing Difficult Topics with Compassion]
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to Have ‘The Talk’ with Your Parent: Discussing Difficult Topics with Compassion]
Episode 6: Navigating Elder Law: How to Protect Your Parent's Assets and Rights
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating Elder Law: How to Protect Your Parent’s Assets and Rights
Episode 5: Preventing Caregiver Burnout: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Your Parent
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Preventing Caregiver Burnout: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Your Parent
Episode 4: The First Steps of Caregiving: What to Do When Your Parent Needs More Help
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The First Steps of Caregiving: What to Do When Your Parent Needs More Help
Episode 3: Sibling Rivalry and Parent Care
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sibling Rivalry and Parent Care
Episode 2: Legal Must-Haves for Your Aging Parent: Power of Attorney, Wills, and More
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Legal Must-Haves for Your Aging Parent: Power of Attorney, Wills, and More
Introduction
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Aging Parent Playbook, the ultimate resource for adult children navigating the complex journey of caring for aging parents. Hosted by D...