Seniority Authority

Author: Cathleen Toomey

Let's get smarter about growing older - a podcast to answer all your questions on aging.
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Fitness, Health & Fitness, Self-Improvement

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A Caregiver’s Toolbox with Carol Bradley Bursack: Respect, Resilience & Real Talk
Episode 86
Thursday, 5 June, 2025

Are you completely burned out from caregiving? Do you feel like nobody quite understands what you’re going through?In this heartfelt, wisdom-packed episode, caregiving advocate and author Carol Bradley Bursack joins Cathleen Toomey to talk candidly about the emotional tightrope that family caregivers walk every day. From navigating resistance to preserving dignity, Carol offers gentle, actionable strategies to help you support your loved one without losing yourself in the process.You’ll learn how to:Start difficult conversations without triggering defensivenessAvoid the “parenting your parent” trapCreate a caregiving plan that actually honors autonomyFlip the script when someone resists helpSay “yes” when friends offer support and how to ask for what you really needPlus, we explore how small self-care rituals can make a huge difference in managing stress and finding your footing as a caregiver. 🔗 Links Minding Our Elders by Carol Bradley BursackCaregiver Action NetworkAlzheimer’s Association Support GroupsBetter Health While Aging – Dr. Leslie KernisanWhen Your Aging Parent Needs Help by Dr. Leslie Kernisan⏰ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro and caregiver statistics 01:11 - Meet Carol Bradley Bursack and her caregiving background 02:00 - Why caregiving for aging adults is uniquely challenging 03:01 - Opening respectful conversations with aging parents 05:26 - Understanding their wishes and planning ahead 09:00 - Why “parenting your parent” is the wrong approach 12:33 - The emotional toll of isolation for caregivers 14:50 - Online support groups and where to find them 17:37 - Reframing resistance to help from aging parents 20:45 - Daily self-care practices that actually work 24:53 - How to accept and direct help from friends 27:30 - Final reflections and caregiver encouragement 👉 What’s Next?Feeling the caregiving crunch? Visit seniorityauthority.org for more episodes, expert advice, and resources to help you navigate aging with grace and confidence. 💌 Stay ConnectedHave a question about aging you’d love us to tackle in a future episode? Email us at info@seniorityauthority.org.