Aging Together // Unfiltered
TL;DR: A podcast for adult children of aging parents and family caregivers who want honest, no-fluff conversations about aging, care, and caregiving. We talk about what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change—without sugarcoating or euphemisms.
Aging Together // Unfiltered explores the real challenges and hard decisions families face as they support aging loved ones. Hosted by Dr. Pooja A. Patel—a double-board certified occupational therapist and gerontologist, and longtime caregiver advocate—this show moves beyond “proper” conversations and into the realities families are navigating every day.
After four seasons of carefully curated, polished discussions, this podcast is now intentionally unfiltered. Not for shock value, but because polite language hasn’t fixed broken systems—or made caregiving easier. Our elders and their families don’t need softer words. They need better care, clearer information, and honest conversations that lead to action.
Each episode features clinicians, caregivers, innovators, and leaders who bring both professional expertise and lived experience. Together, we dive into aging in America—what’s working, what’s failing, and where families are being left to figure things out on their own.
Topics include:
- Aging in place and long-term care options
- Care planning, transitions, and crisis moments
- Mental health, grief, and caregiver burnout
- Navigating healthcare systems and resources
- Advocacy, accountability, and better models of care
This podcast is for the sandwich generation, long-distance caregivers, aging adults planning ahead, and professionals working in aging and care who want the truth—not platitudes.
👉 Follow Aging Together // Unfiltered if you’re navigating aging parents, caregiving decisions, or a healthcare system that wasn’t built with families in mind—and you’re ready for real conversations, not polite ones.
🎙️ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
A production of Aging Together LLC.
Aging Together // Unfiltered
S4E09: Caregiver Mastery: Finding Peace in the Chaos of Emotions | Rick Henkin
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Summary
Rick Henkin shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife Sonia, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He discusses the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis, the emotional toll on caregivers, and the importance of acceptance and mindfulness. Rick created the Caregiver Mastery System to help others navigate the complexities of caregiving while maintaining their own mental health. He emphasizes the need for caregivers to prioritize their well-being and offers practical advice for managing stress and guilt.
Takeaways
- Rick's journey into caregiving began with Sonia's diagnosis of Alzheimer's.
- The diagnosis process can take months and is often frustrating.
- Caregiver burden can lead to significant health risks for caregivers.
- Mindfulness and acceptance are crucial for managing caregiver stress.
- Rick created the Caregiver Mastery System to support other caregivers.
- The course is designed to be short and practical for busy caregivers.
- Humor can be a valuable tool in caregiving.
- Caregivers must prioritize their own well-being to provide better care.
- It's important to recognize that feelings of guilt stem from love.
- Every caregiver's journey is unique, and support is essential.
About the Guest
Rick Henkin is a husband, father, grandfather to 6 girls, and a caregiver for his wife. He became a caregiver when his wife, Sonia, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Jan. 2020 at the age of 65. Based on his experiences, Rick is the creator of the Caregiver Mastery System.
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