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
We're Guilt-Tripping Families Into Dementia Care: A Systems Issue
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Summary
In this conversation, Pooja A. Patel and Rachel Wiley discuss the systemic challenges in dementia care, emphasizing the unrealistic expectations placed on families and the inadequacies of memory care facilities. They explore the importance of communication between caregivers and families, the need for early diagnosis, and the role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals with dementia. The discussion also highlights positive changes in dementia care and the growing community awareness surrounding the issue.
Takeaways
- Dementia care systems often place undue pressure on families.
- Memory care facilities frequently lack adequate support for residents.
- Effective communication between families and care providers is crucial.
- Early diagnosis of dementia is often delayed, impacting care options.
- Occupational therapy can play a significant role in dementia care.
- Community initiatives are increasing awareness and support for dementia.
- The healthcare system needs to better support caregivers and families.
- There is a growing recognition of the importance of specialized dementia care.
- Positive changes in dementia care are emerging, but more is needed.
- Families often bear the financial burden of additional care needs.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Dementia Care Challenges
- 02:56 The Gaps in Memory Care Facilities
- 05:59 Communication Breakdowns in Care
- 08:58 The Burden on Families
- 12:01 The Importance of Early Diagnosis
- 14:57 The Role of Occupational Therapy
- 17:58 Positive Changes in Dementia Care
- 20:59 Community Awareness and Support
- 24:02 Conclusion and Resources
About Rachel Wiley, MS, OTR/L, CDP
Rachel Wiley is an occupational therapist, educator, and founder of the Dementia Collaborative, where she provides evidence-based training and consulting to help clinicians and care partners better support people living with dementia. She is the creator of the Certified Dementia Clinician Program, the Dementia Squad Learning Community, and the Care Checklist for navigating consent and autonomy in dementia care. Rachel serves on the Advisory Council for the Dementia Society of America, and is the membership chair for the Vermont Occupational Therapy Association. Through her teaching, writing, and advocacy, Rachel is passionate about translating research into practical, compassionate strategies that promote dignity, meaningful engagement, and person-centered care for individuals and families navigating dementia.
- Follow or Connect on LinkedIn
- Website: https://www.rachelwileyot.com/
- Website: https://www.dementiacollaborative.com/
- IG: @dementiacollaborative & @dementia_ot
Looking for activities for someone with dementia? Find puzzles, games, & more at Assistex.
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