Aging Together // Unfiltered

Pooja A. Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG, CDP

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 optionsCare planning, transitions, and crisis momentsMental health, grief, and caregiver burnoutNavigating healthcare systems and resourcesAdvocacy, 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.

  1. 2d ago

    Lost in Translation: Why the U.S. Caregiving System Fails South Asian Families

    Send us Fan Mail Content Type: Interview Primary Goal: Discussion Summary: This episode explores the elder care navigation gap faced by immigrant families in the US, highlighting cultural, systemic, and language barriers. Salina Shah shares insights on building culturally grounded support networks to improve elder care outcomes. Key Topics: Elder care navigation gap for immigrant familiesCultural and systemic barriers in US healthcareRole of community and peer networks in elder careLanguage and trust issues in healthcare accessCulturally tailored elder care services and solutionsChapters: 00:00 The Role of Immigrants in American Elder Care 02:52 Cultural Gaps in Elder Care Navigation 06:09 Building Community Support for Immigrant Families 08:51 Understanding the Stigma of Seeking Help 11:55 Lost in Translation: Expectations vs. Reality 15:05 Barriers in the American Caregiving System 26:32 The Importance of Power of Attorney and Family Communication 28:27 Cultural Considerations in Hospital Food and Nutrition 30:38 Community Solutions for Cultural Representation in Care 32:10 The Role of Cultural Communities in Aging 36:25 Navigating Generational Differences in Care Decisions 39:34 The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Care Responsibilities 43:48 Reframing Care as a Privilege 48:07 Building Community Support for Caregivers Learn More: Salina Shah Desi Daughters YT: @desidaughterscommunityIG: @desidaughtersLI: @desidaughters FB: @desidaughtersSupport the show

  2. Aug 1

    The ER Wasn't Built for Seniors: What is Hospital-Level Care at Home?

    Send us Fan Mail summary This episode explores the future of hospital-level care at home, addressing why it hasn't become mainstream yet, and how it can reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and ease caregiver burdens. Lon Hecht, CEO of Care2U, shares insights on innovative in-home acute care models, insurance coverage, and the impact on healthcare systems. key topics Barriers to hospital at home adoptionCare2U's model of in-home acute careInsurance coverage for hospital at homeImpact on caregivers and familiesCost savings and healthcare system benefits resources Care2UMedicare Hospital at Home Program Value-Based Care Models (CMS Primary Care First) LEED ACO Model Mobile Urgent Care about our guest Lon Hecht, CEO of Care2U, is a healthcare leader with 25+ years in the industry who brings ER-level, hospital-grade acute care directly into patients’ homes. With more than 25 years in healthcare, Lon is a passionate advocate for reimagining how, and where, people receive care. As CEO of Care2U, he leads a mission-driven organization bringing emergency room-level and hospital-grade acute care directly into patients' homes, so families never have to choose between quality care and the comfort and dignity of home. Lon has spent his career at the intersection of patients, providers, and payers, with a deep belief that the best care meets people where they are. His work in Value-Based Care focuses on building models that put the patient experience first, a philosophy that resonates with the millions of family members caring for aging loved ones every day. Before founding Care2U, Lon served as SVP of Growth at Optum Home & Community Care, where he led the strategy and expansion of the full population management solution, giving him a ground-level understanding of the challenges seniors and caregivers face when navigating complex health needs at home. Lon is deeply committed to helping seniors live fuller, more connected lives and to supporting the caregivers who make that possible. He understands that caring for an aging loved one is one of the most meaningful and demanding roles a person can take on. Support the show

  3. Jun 1

    Dementia & Financial Exploitation: Who's Responsible?

    Send us Fan Mail Summary:  This episode explores the silent crisis of elder financial exploitation, especially in the context of dementia. Charles Wallace shares his harrowing three-year legal battle to uncover how nearly $1 million was stolen from his mother, highlighting systemic failures and the urgent need for better safeguards. Key Topics:  Elder financial exploitation and dementiaSystemic failures and responsibility gapsLegal and medical challenges in elder abuse casesAbout Charles E. Wallace, Jr.: Charles E. Wallace Jr. has a technology background in the finance, banking, healthcare, and collections industries. Charles is married with two daughters and two grandchildren. When he's not spending time with his family, working, or writing, he enjoys coaching youth basketball, outdoor activities, and cooking. Caregiver's Game: Unraveling Financial Deceit in the Shadows of Dementia is his first book. thecaregiversgame.com Charles became an authority on elder exploitation and undue influence by living through it. When COVID-19 lockdowns forced social isolation on elderly Americans, his mother's cognitive decline made her an easy target for a caregiver who used the restricted access to commit systematic theft. Red flags like unusual expenses and vanished family heirlooms led Charles into a three-year legal battle to expose the deception that flourished during a time when elder financial abuse rates jumped dramatically, and families were powerless to intervene. Support the show

  4. May 1

    Can I Sue for This? Accountability In Nursing Homes

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Pooja A. Patel and Riz Ali discuss the complexities of personal injury law, particularly in the context of nursing homes. They explore the nuances of medical negligence, the importance of family advocacy, and the challenges of accountability within nursing homes. The discussion highlights the critical role of documentation and the legal expectations families should have when pursuing justice for their loved ones. The conversation emphasizes the need for families to be proactive in their loved ones' care and to understand their rights within the long-term care system. Takeaways Riz Ali is a personal injury attorney focused on educating the injured.Negligence in nursing homes can lead to serious harm that is often preventable.Families must be proactive in advocating for their loved ones in nursing homes.Documentation is crucial for legal cases involving nursing home negligence.Accountability in nursing homes is often difficult to enforce due to complex ownership structures.Medical negligence can occur in various settings, including hospitals and nursing homes.The law requires that injuries must manifest physically to pursue legal action.Families should report any concerns to the appropriate authorities to ensure accountability.Nursing homes play a vital role in society, but they must be held accountable for the care they provide.About Riz Ali, Esq.: Riz Ali is the founding attorney at Riz Injury Law, a law firm focused on educating the injured on their rights. Instagram: @lawyerwithriz Caregiver Health Tracking JournalHow do you keep track of all the appointments and medications and more?? Check out Carefolio! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

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About

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 optionsCare planning, transitions, and crisis momentsMental health, grief, and caregiver burnoutNavigating healthcare systems and resourcesAdvocacy, 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.