Emergencies happen without warning—and when it’s your aging parent, the stress can be overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Sparacino shares exactly what to do in a medical crisis, which documents you must have ready, and how to build an emergency plan that works under pressure.What You’ll Learn:
• The first steps to take in a medical emergency.
• The “go bag” checklist every caregiver needs.
• Which documents can make or break decision-making in a crisis.
• How to create a family emergency plan that reduces confusion.Links & Resources:
• Download the FREE Emergency Preparedness Checklist – www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/]
• Follow Barbara on Instagram – @theagingparentcoach

Episode 39: Handling Emergency Situations with Aging Parents: How to Stay Calm and Prepared

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, and the constant emotional load, it’s easy to think, “I’ll take care of myself later.” But later often never comes.In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barbara Sparacino dives deep into why caregivers struggle with self-care, how to fit it into even the busiest day, and why it’s not selfish—it’s necessary. You’ll learn small, realistic steps you can take today to preserve your energy, your health, and your ability to care for the person you love.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why guilt keeps caregivers from prioritizing their own needs.
• Practical self-care strategies that actually work with a busy schedule.
• How to reframe self-care as essential for better caregiving.
• Small daily changes that make a big difference over time.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
• Visit The Aging Parent Coach for coaching and resources.
• Follow Barbara on Instagram: @theagingparentcoach
• Listen to more episodes of The Aging Parent Playbook.Listen Now:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Your Favorite Podcast App

Episode 38: The Power of Self-Care for Caregivers: Why It’s Not Selfish, It’s Survival

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 it doesn’t make the reality go away… it just increases the risk of confusion, conflict, and heartbreak when the time comes.In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Barbara Sparacino, MD walks you through:
• Gentle, non-threatening ways to open the conversation
• Real-life role-play scripts for resistant and receptive parents
• The 4 essential questions to ask so nothing is left unsaid
• Myth-busting common misunderstandings about end-of-life planning
• The three key legal documents every family should have in placeYou’ll leave with practical language, examples, and resources to help you start the conversation — and keep it going — with love, clarity, and respect.Resources mentioned in this episode:
• Free End-of-Life Conversation Checklist
• National Institute on Aging – Advance Care Planning

 Episode 37: End-of-Life Conversations – How to Approach Them

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 level of care your parent truly needs, what questions to ask when hiring (whether through an agency or independently), and the most common mistakes families make during the process. You’ll walk away with practical tools and more confidence to make the right decision the first time—for both your parent’s well-being and your own peace of mind.

🎧 Learn more or book a free consultation at www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/]

 Episode 36: Finding the Right In-Home Caregiver for Your Parent

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 for you.

I’m Dr. Barbara Sparacino, and today I’m walking you through how to build a strong financial safety net that protects both your parent’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind. We’ll cover common financial risks aging parents face, practical steps to prevent mismanagement and fraud, and how to navigate these sensitive conversations—especially if your parent resists help.

🎧 Plus, I’ve created a FREE Financial Safety Checklist to help you get started. Download it at www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/]

Episode 35: How to Set Up a Financial Safety Net for Your Aging Parent

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, prevent it, and what to do if you’re already burned out. Listen now for practical, compassionate guidance from Dr. Barbara Sparacino, The Aging Parent Coach.

Episode 34: The Truth About Caregiver Burnout & How to Prevent It

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 resistance—from fear of losing independence to family dynamics—and offers practical ways to respond with empathy, not frustration. You’ll learn how to have “the talk” without a fight, what to do if they still say no, and how to stay steady when things feel stuck.
🎧 Listen now + get caregiver scripts at www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/]

Episode 33: What to Do If Your Aging Parent Refuses Help

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 side of caregiving can be just as emotional and overwhelming as the rest.

In this episode, I’m talking about something many families avoid—but absolutely need: estate planning.

I’ll walk you through:
✅ The three most important estate planning documents
✅ Why caregivers need a seat at the table
✅ How to start the conversation (without causing tension)

You’ll also learn about common mistakes families make—like outdated wills, hidden documents, and waiting too long to act—and how you can avoid them.

Planning ahead isn’t about being morbid. It’s about honoring your parent’s wishes and giving everyone peace of mind.

🎁 Need help getting started? Download the free Estate Planning Checklist for Caregivers at www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/]

Episode 32: Estate Planning Basics for Caregivers

Welcome back to The Aging Parent Playbook! I’m Dr. Barbara Sparacino—psychiatrist, coach, and sandwich generation survivor. If you’ve ever missed a work meeting for a parent’s doctor’s appointment or felt torn between your kids and your caregiving duties—you’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into why balance feels so impossible for caregivers… and what to do about it. You’ll learn how to:

✅ Prioritize your time without guilt
✅ Create a flexible, realistic schedule
✅ Ask for help—and actually get it

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just trying to stay ahead of burnout, this episode offers practical, compassionate tools to help you protect your energy and care for everyone—including yourself.

📌 What We Cover:
– The real reason caregiving balance feels impossible
– Time-blocking tips for work, caregiving, and family
– Delegation and workplace strategies
– How to ask for help without guilt
– Why your needs still matter (yes, really!)

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a plan. Let’s build it together.

🌐 Need more tools and support? Visit: www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/]

Episode 31: How to Balance Work, Family, and Caregiving

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. Barbara Sparacino helps
you rewrite the guilt-laced script around boundaries and shows you how to
say “no” with confidence, kindness, and clarity.
You’ll learn:
• Why caregivers struggle with guilt and obligation
• How to communicate your boundaries clearly (and without apology)
• What to do when your family pushes back
• How to protect your well-being while still showing up for the people you
love
Whether you're just beginning your caregiving journey or you're deep in it
and exhausted, this episode will help you reclaim your time, your peace—and
your sense of self.
🎁 Download the FREE Boundary Builder Guide:
www.theagingparentcoach.com
🎁 Have a caregiving question or a topic you want covered? Reach out on
Instagram: @theagingparentcoach


Episode 30:  How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Welcome to The Aging Parent Playbook, the ultimate resource for adult children navigating the complex journey of caring for aging parents. Hosted by Dr. Barbara Sparacino, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, this podcast offers expert insights, practical tips, and compassionate guidance on essential topics like legal issues, caregiver burnout, memory loss, and home safety modifications.

Each episode dives deep into the challenges of caregiving, equipping you with the tools to support your aging loved ones while managing your own well-being. Whether you're facing difficult conversations about health and finances or seeking strategies for managing family dynamics, The Aging Parent Playbook is here to help you every step of the way.

Join our community of listeners and gain access to invaluable advice and support tailored specifically for adult children of aging parents. Subscribe now and empower yourself to create a positive caregiving experience for you and your family!

Barbara Sparacino MD

Shows