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You’ll also learn about common mistakes families make—like outdated wills, hidden documents, and waiting too long to act—and how you can avoid them.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

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 cause for concern?

In this episode, I explore one of the most common—and emotionally charged—questions I hear from adult children: “Is this dementia, or just normal aging?”

Drawing from my experience as a psychiatrist and aging parent coach, I’ll help you recognize early warning signs of cognitive decline, understand when to seek medical support, and take the first steps toward thoughtful legal and financial planning.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. By the end of the episode, you’ll be better equipped to move forward with clarity, care, and confidence.

🎧 Plus, I’ve created a free Symptom Tracker & Doctor’s Prep Guide to support you on this journey. Download it at www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/]

Episode 29: Dementia vs. Normal Aging – What You Need to Know

Episode 29:   How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt

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. Barbara Sparacino—psychiatrist, aging parent coach, and fellow sandwich generation member—walks you through how to create a care plan that actually works for your family.

You’ll learn:

 * ✅ The 4 essential parts of a truly comprehensive care plan
 * ✅ How to get your family on the same page (without constant conflict)
 * ✅ How to adapt your plan as your parent’s needs evolve

Whether you’re deep in the caregiving journey or just starting to notice changes in your parent’s abilities, this episode is packed with practical steps you can implement right now.

🎁 Don’t miss the FREE Care Plan Guide at www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/] to help you take action today.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about preparation.

Episode 28: Creating a Care Plan That Works for Your Family

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 heartbreak of losing pieces of someone you love while they’re still physically here.I’ll share:

 * Why anticipatory grief is real (and why you’re not "doing it wrong" if you feel it)
 * How I’m coping with the emotional weight of caregiving
 * The simple ways I stay connected to my parent, even as things change
 * How I find small moments of joy and love, even through the pain

This is a deeply personal episode, and if you’re going through this too, please know you’re not alone.If you need more support, visit theagingparentcoach.com [http://theagingparentcoach.com/] for resources and 1:1 coaching.And if this episode resonates with you, I’d be honored if you shared it with someone who might need it too.Take care of yourself—you matter too.

Episode 27:  Coping with the Slow Loss: How to Grieve a Parent Who’s Still Here

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’m sharing a comprehensive, practical checklist to help you get your parent’s finances in order before a crisis hits.

We’ll cover everything from legal documents and account access to budgeting for long-term care and protecting yourself from common financial pitfalls. Whether you're just starting this journey or already deep in it, this episode will help you move forward with greater clarity, security, and peace of mind.

I’ve also created a free downloadable checklist to guide you step-by-step—visit www.theagingparentcoach.com [http://www.theagingparentcoach.com/] to get your copy.

Episode 26: The Financial Checklist Every Caregiver Needs

Sibling conflicts over caregiving can turn an already stressful situation into a full-blown family feud. Maybe you’re doing everything while your siblings vanish. Maybe you’re locked in a power struggle with a controlling sibling. Or maybe it’s the dreaded money fight—who’s paying, who’s not, and what happens to the inheritance?

In this episode, Dr. Barbara Sparacino dives into one of the most common (and exhausting) challenges caregivers face: navigating sibling dynamics when caring for aging parents.

You’ll learn:
✅ The 3 most common types of sibling conflict—and why they happen
✅ How to set healthy boundaries and get everyone on the same page
✅ What to do when your siblings refuse to help

If caregiving has turned into a battleground, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Tune in for practical strategies, real talk, and a reminder that your peace of mind matters too.

Episode 25: Managing Sibling Conflicts Over Aging Parent Care

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, M.D.

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