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
S4E11: Navigating Family Dynamics: A Story of Elder Exploitation | Debora Pokallus
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Summary
Deborah Pocalas shares her harrowing experience of elder exploitation involving her father, revealing the complexities of family dynamics, betrayal, and the emotional toll of caregiving. She discusses the discovery of theft by a sibling, the impact of medical misdiagnosis, and the challenges of navigating guardianship. Throughout the conversation, Deborah emphasizes the importance of documentation, recognizing red flags, and finding support during difficult times. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for caregivers and families dealing with similar situations.
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Takeaways
- Elder exploitation can occur within families, often unnoticed.
- Documentation is crucial in cases of elder abuse.
- Isolation tactics can be used to control elderly individuals.
- Medical misdiagnosis can severely impact care options.
- Guardianship processes can be negotiated for better outcomes.
- Recognizing red flags early can help prevent exploitation.
- Emotional support systems are vital for caregivers.
- Family dynamics can complicate caregiving situations.
- Spending quality time with loved ones is invaluable.
- Resentment can hinder personal healing and growth.
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About the Guest
Debora Pokallus is a loving daughter with no medical background who was thrust into an unimaginable situation and tried her best to help her father survive and thrive. She is on a mission to share her story of elder exploitation to help other families navigate various dynamics.
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