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
S4E19: Navigating Grief - from SIL to Mother to Husband | Leslie Frank
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Summary
In this conversation, Leslie Frank shares her extensive experience as a caregiver for her husband, mother, and sister-in-law, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating long-term care. She discusses the importance of finding the right care setting, the complexities of grief, and the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Leslie emphasizes the value of support systems, patient advocacy, and the need for ongoing communication with care providers. Her insights provide a roadmap for others facing similar situations, encouraging them to focus on what truly matters for their loved ones while managing their own emotional well-being.
Takeaways
- Being a caregiver for a spouse is deeply personal.
- Finding the right fit for care is crucial.
- Engagement in care settings is more important than aesthetics.
- Grief can manifest in unexpected ways during caregiving.
- Having a support system is essential for caregivers.
- Creating a care plan can alleviate stress.
- It's important to ask the right questions when seeking care.
- Self-care is vital for effective caregiving.
- Navigating long-term care requires ongoing adjustments.
- Emotional detachment can help in making objective decisions.
About the Guest
Leslie Frank is a serial entrepreneur and has a successful track record of developing customized, sustainable business solutions to drive growth. Her diverse background includes design, merchandising, manufacturing, business development, and licensing. But that’s not why she’s here today.
Through the various stages of her successful career, Leslie has spent the majority of her life being a caregiver–first for her mom and sister-in-law, and now for her husband. While navigating grief, Leslie has also had to navigate long-term care needs. Today, she’s joining us to share her story and some words of wisdom on how to find the right fit for your loved one.
Podcasts we love
Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.
