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

In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barbara Sparacino tackles one of the hardest conversations adult children face—talking to a parent about assisted living. She shares how to recognize when it’s time, how to approach the topic without triggering resistance, and what to do if your parent refuses. With empathy, timing, and the right language, this episode guides you through a compassionate and practical approach to help your parent maintain dignity and control during a difficult transition.

Episode 24: How to Talk to Your Parent About Assisted Living

“Financial stress should not define your caregiving experience. The more you plan now, the less you’ll have to worry later. Budgeting, researching available resources, and making strategic decisions will help you stay financially stable while giving your loved one the care they deserve. If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. And if you’re looking for more caregiving resources, check out my website for additional guides and planning tools. Until next time, take care of yourself too.”⸻Show Notes: Episode Title: The Hidden Costs of Caregiving & How to Plan Ahead
Summary: This episode breaks down the hidden financial challenges of caregiving and provides practical tips for planning ahead. Learn how to anticipate costs, explore financial resources, and protect your financial future while providing care.
Key Topics:
The unexpected expenses of caregiving
How to create a financial plan for caregiving
Available financial resources for caregivers

Episode 23: The Hidden Costs of Caregiving & How to Plan Ahead

Welcome to The Aging Parent Playbook! In this episode, Dr. Barbara Sparacino dives into one of the biggest challenges caregivers face—managing family dynamics. Caregiving isn’t just about supporting an aging loved one; it’s also about navigating sibling disagreements, financial stress, and unbalanced caregiving roles.

We’ll break it down into five key areas:
✅ Understanding common family challenges
✅ Improving communication to reduce conflict
✅ Defining caregiving roles and responsibilities
✅ Managing disagreements constructively
✅ Prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout

Family stress shouldn’t be the reason you feel overwhelmed. Let’s explore practical strategies to create a more balanced caregiving experience. Tune in now!

Episode 22: Navigating Family Dynamics in Caregiving

Many aging parents avoid talking about money—until a crisis forces the conversation. In this episode, I share: 
Why parents keep financial info private—and how to break the silence. 
Conversation starters that actually work. 
The one document you need before an emergency happens. 

Listen now & start the conversation today!
Need help? Book a consult at www.theagingparentcoach.com--- # Instagram Captions 
Is your parent refusing to talk about money? Try this:
Don’t ask: “How much money do you have?” (They’ll shut down.) 
Do ask: “Can we list where your accounts are, just in case?” 
Knowing where accounts are is just as important as knowing the balances. 

New podcast episode out now!** Listen to *The Aging Parent Playbook for more financial planning tips.

Episode 21:  What to Do If Your Parent Refuses to Share Financial Info

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 look-back rule, and how to spend down safely without losing everything. 

How Medicaid determines eligibility
What assets count & don’t count
How to legally spend down assets to qualify 
The 5-year look-back rule and how to avoid penalties

Episode 20:Understanding Medicaid Spend-Down Rules

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 avoid and what you can do right now to protect your parent’s legacy. 
Why a will alone isn’t enough
The importance of beneficiary updates 
How to avoid probate and legal headaches 
The truth about long-term care costs

Episode 19: Avoiding Common Estate Planning Mistakes

In this episode of The Aging Parent Playbook, Dr. Barbara Sparacino discusses the delicate and complex issue of financial boundaries in caregiving. What happens when a sibling asks your aging parent for money, and you’re the one responsible for safeguarding their financial well-being? Through real-life strategies and a compelling case study, we explore how to balance autonomy and protection, set boundaries, and navigate tough family conversations with grace.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to initiate financial boundary conversations with an aging parent.
The role of a financial proxy and how to protect parental assets.
The story of Lisa: A caregiver navigating her mother’s financial care and a dependent sibling.
How to set up financial safeguards to prevent excessive spending and family conflict.
Ways to support a financially dependent sibling while maintaining boundaries.Key Takeaways:
Have compassionate yet firm conversations to prioritize your parent’s financial security.
Leverage third-party experts like financial planners to set clear, objective boundaries.
Implement financial safeguards such as automatic bill pay and withdrawal limits.
Offer alternative solutions to a dependent sibling instead of direct financial assistance.
Reframe family expectations to break cycles of financial dependence.

Episode 18: Boundaries & Financial Decision-Making: Navigating Tough Conversations

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!