The Grey Take

Brookdale
  • 4.7 (17)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Grey Take, the podcast that tackles the messy, complicated, and often unexpected realities of growing older—from the perspective of the adult children navigating it all. If you're having the talk with your parents about assisted living, managing their finances, or trying to convince them that Wi-Fi isn't a conspiracy, this podcast is for you. We offer real conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered stories about helping your parents through this next stage of life, while still trying to keep your own life together. Because when it comes to aging, there's no single answer, no black and white, only The Grey Take.

  1. APR 28

    When Roles Reverse: Navigating Evolving Relationship Dynamics in Caregiving

    What happens when a loved one's cognitive health starts to decline and you don't know how to help? When families begin navigating a dementia diagnosis, the challenge isn't just memory loss - it's confusion, personality changes, frustration and the emotional weight of watching someone you love struggle in real time. In this episode, Jill Ladaa, Alzheimer's and dementia care gerontologist at Brookdale Senior Living, joins hosts MB and Roy to break down what's actually happening and how to respond. Jill shares how dementia often shows up before memory loss, why a diagnosis can bring both fear and relief and how caregivers can shift from reacting emotionally to responding with clarity. Drawing from her years of expertise and her own dementia caregiving experience, she explains how education reduces fear for both the caregiver and the person living with dementia. If you're caring for an aging parent, spouse or loved one, this episode can help you navigate dementia with more clarity, confidence and control.   CHAPTERS 00:00 - Dementia & caregiving: what this episode will actually help you understand 01:30 - Introducing Jill Ladaa + her role at Brookdale Senior Living 03:00 - What a dementia specialist actually does (and why it matters) 05:00 - Why Jill chose dementia care 08:30 - Why education reduces fear for caregivers and patients 10:00 - The emotional reality of diagnosis (fear + relief) 12:30 - Dementia doesn't always start with memory loss (personality changes) 14:30 - Caregiver frustration vs patient confusion 16:00 - Why early diagnosis is critical (and often missed) 17:00 - Conditions that can mimic dementia (UTI, dehydration, etc.) 19:00 - Why people with dementia resist help (identity + independence) 29:00 - What to say when someone says "I want to go home" 41:00 - Real example: Moving a loved one into care (without forcing it) 45:00 - Why you need to have these conversations early 53:00 - Why some patients don't know they have dementia (anosognosia) 01:02:00 - Final takeaway: What caregivers need to remember most   The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics   RESOURCES Brookdale Senior Living https://www.brookdale.com

    40 min

  2. APR 14

    How to Help Without Taking Over

    In this episode, we explore the emotional and practical challenges families face when caregiving shifts the balance between adult children and their parents. Hosts Suzie and MB are joined by therapist Em Mortenson, who specializes in family systems and autonomy, to discuss a common tension: adult children trying to help while parents struggle to maintain independence. Through real-life examples, Em explains that resistance and anger often stem from a perceived loss of control rather than a rejection of help. This episode highlights simple but powerful communication tools and emphasizes the importance of finding a "grey area" in caregiving – small, practical ways for parents to retain choice and dignity, even when their abilities are changing. Caregiving is a learning process. By making small adjustments, staying curious, and respecting autonomy, families can move from conflict toward collaboration.   CHAPTERS 0:00 - Why Caregiving Can Pull Families Apart - Even When Everyone Means Well 4:57 - Meet Em Mortenson, The Therapist Who Sees This Every Day 9:12 - The Thing Every Caregiver Is Secretly Losing (And No One Talks About) 14:47 - The "Bumpers" Method: Help Without Taking Over 19:03 - When Anger Isn't Really Anger And What's Actually Underneath 23:40 - The Shame Nobody Admits To Feeling As A Caregiver 28:18 - Threee Communication Mistakes That Blow Up Every Conversation 40:26 - The One Small Phrase That Gives Autonomy Back 48:42 - Completely Overwhelmed? Start Here - Just One Thing This Week 55:23 - Understanding, Compromise, Creativity: Em's Final Words For Struggling Families The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics   RESOURCES Brookdale Senior Living https://www.brookdale.com The Gaia Center https://gaiacenter.co/ - Family Therapy

    39 min

  3. MAR 24

    You're Not Alone: The Sibling Dynamic on Caregiving

    What happens when three siblings in three different states become caregivers for a parent living with dementia? In this episode, MB and Suzie sit down with Libby, Matt and Nathan Avant, who navigated caring for their mother as she lived with dementia. The siblings had to figure out how to share the load from a distance, communicate without conflict and support their mom who was fiercely independent and resistant to help. They get into the early warning signs, the moment they realized something was different with mom and how they set up systems (a group text, an apartment camera, daily check-ins) to make it work. They also reflect on caring for their father before this, a completely different experience, and what each sibling carried that the others couldn't see. This one is full of honesty, humor and hard-won lessons about what it can look like when a family pulls together.   CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro - Caregiving Gets Complicated Fast 1:10 Meet Libby, Matt and Nathan Avant 2:00 Early Signs: Repetition On Calls and Forgetfulness at Christmas 3:13 The Turning Point: A Friend in Florida Calls the Family 7:15 How This Experience United Them 12:24 Nathan as a Daily Caregiver - Group Texts, Groceries and a Camera 16:10 Libby On Power of Attorney, Medicaid and Legal Paperwork 20:35 When the Disease Accelerated - And When it Was Time to Step In 33:48 Using Humor as a Coping Tool 37:12 Nathan On Journaling Through Grief and Confusion 39:19 What Each Sibling Learned About the Others 43:39 Closing Advice: Support Your Siblings, Have Honest Conversations and Give Grace   The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics   RESOURCES Brookdale Senior Living brookdale.com Alzheimer's Association alz.org | Helpline: 800-272-3900 - 24/7 support, caregiver guides and local resources for families navigating dementia. Caregiver Action Network caregiveraction.org - Tools and peer support for family caregivers - including help with sibling dynamics and burnout. Medicaid Long-Term Care medicaid.gov/medicaid/long-term-services-supports - Understanding Medicaid eligibility and coverage for memory care and assisted living. Power of Attorney & Advance Directives nhpco.org - Guides and templates for legal planning - get these in place early. AARP Caregiver Resource Center aarp.org/caregiving - Long-distance caregiving tools and sibling coordination guides

    46 min

  4. MAR 10

    When A Fall Is More Than A Fall

    Hosts Roy and Suzie talk with Dr. Breanna Barney, a physical therapist specializing in balance, mobility and fall prevention for older adults. In this episode, they explore what really happens when a loved one falls and why a fall is often more than just a physical event. Dr. Barney shares practical guidance on identifying early warning signs of fall risk. She outlines simple movements families can start at home immediately, like sit-to-stands and functional strength exercises. The conversation also dives into environmental hazards inside the home and how small adjustments can help reduce risk. Most importantly, this episode reframes the fall itself: it's not necessarily the beginning of the end. With the right tools, support and approach, older adults can regain strength, confidence and mobility. If you're caring for someone at risk or recovering from a fall, this episode offers practical strategies, product recommendations and reassurance that proactive care makes a measurable difference.   CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Personal Experiences with Loved Ones Falling 02:39 - Interview with Dr. Breanna Barney Intro 02:55 - Dr. Barney's Background and Approach 04:41 - Advice for Families Dealing with a Loved One's Fall 15:05 - Importance of Regular Movement 16:55 - Involvement of Caregivers in Physical Therapy 19:09 - Guidelines for Assisting a Fallen Person 21:08 - Contrasting Client Stories: Proactive vs Reactive Approach 25:04 - Practical Exercises for Home 35:59 - Recommended Products for Home Safety 40:30 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information 41:33 - Post-Interview Discussion 42:25 - Closing Message to Listeners   The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics   RESOURCES Brookdale Senior Living brookdale.com VIP Senior Care Specialists vipseniorcarespec.com - Dr. Brianna Barney Cubii cubii.com - Under-Desk Elliptical byACRE Rollators byacre.com - Lightweight Carbon Fiber Rollators Medical Guardian medicalguardian.com - Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection

    44 min

  5. FEB 24

    They're Not Eating. Should I Worry?

    Hosts MB Roberts and Suzie Lind sit down with Brookdale's Director of Nutrition, Sara Casey, to explore one of the most common and misunderstood concerns families face: appetite changes in older adults. When a loved one starts skipping meals, losing weight or pushing food away, it can feel alarming. But is it a normal part of aging, or a sign of something deeper? Sara breaks down the physical, emotional and environmental factors that can affect appetite, from medication side effects and depression to loneliness and changes in taste, smell or mobility. The conversation offers practical strategies families can try at home - including creating inviting meal environments, focusing on nutrient-dense foods and supporting dignity and choice at the table. Brookdale gerontologists Dr. Christy Phillips and Jill Ladaa also weigh in on how emotional and cognitive changes influence eating.   CHAPTERS Personal Experiences with Appetite Changes - 00:05 Stories and Observations 01:04 Bathroom Habits and Appetite - 15:43 Medication and Mental Health Impact on Appetite - 16:43 Tips to Encourage Eating - 18:06 Advice for Families and Caregivers - 25:00 Strategies for Unintentional Weight Loss - 26:42 Nutrient-Dense Foods and Balanced Diet - 27:04 Path of Empowerment and Choices - 31:33 Support and Resources for Eating - 33:56 Conclusion and Reflections - 38:20   The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics   RESOURCES Brookdale Senior Living https://www.brookdale.com/ Magic Kitchen https://www.magickitchen.com/menu/senior-meals.html - Senior Meal Delivery Service Meals on Wheels https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ - Nationwide Senior Meal Program Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging - Local Resource Network

    42 min

  6. FEB 10

    Our Take on Senior Romance & Dating

    Hosts MB Roberts and Roy Clary Jr. sit down with Dating While Gray podcast host Laura Stassi to explore romance and relationships in later life. The conversation challenges common stereotypes about older adults and intimacy while offering practical insights for those re-entering the dating world after divorce or widowhood. Laura shares stories from her podcast about people opening their parameters, finding love in unexpected places and custom-building relationships that fit their needs. The hosts and Laura discuss the complications that arise when adult children struggle with their parents' new romantic interests, the importance of expanding definitions of intimacy and sexual connection and why companionship becomes richer as we age. Brookdale gerontologists Dr. Christy Phillips and Jill Ladaa join to discuss the stigma around romance for older adults and why social connections remain vital throughout our lives.   CHAPTERS Love Doesn't Have An Age Limit - 01:10 Dating Looks Different After 60 - 04:33 Opening Your Parameters - 09:05 The Problem With Online Dating - 11:50 When Adult Children Complicate Romance - 14:35 Intimacy And Physical Changes - 21:05 Expert Insight From Brookdale Gerontologists - 26:06 The Loneliness Of Caregiving - 29:36 Getting Back In The Game - 24:07 One Piece Of Advice For Daters - 33:51   The Grey Take Listener Line 833-473-9898 Text or Voice: Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics   RESOURCES Brookdale Senior Living https://www.brookdale.com/ Dating While Gray Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-while-gray/id1497374383 Pew Research Center - Dating at 50 and Up https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/17/dating-at-50-and-up-older-americans-experiences-with-online-dating/ - Study on dating patterns among older single adults (17% of Americans 50+ have used dating sites or apps) Helen Fisher https://helenfisher.com/ - Biological anthropologist who studied the brain and love (died August 2024). Known for MRI research on romantic love and her work on personality and mate choice Sizzling Sex for Life by Michael Castleman https://www.amazon.com/Sizzling-Sex-Life-Everything-Maximize/dp/1510762558 - Book about maintaining sexual intimacy throughout life by sex journalist Michael Castleman Walter Reed National Military Medical Center https://walterreed.tricare.mil/ - Military medical center referenced in discussion about sexuality counseling and adaptive intimacy for wounded war veterans Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) https://www.theaftd.org/ - Resource about FTD (frontotemporal dementia), the condition discussed in relation to caregiving and loneliness. Bruce Willis was diagnosed with FTD in 2023

    37 min

  7. JAN 27

    Balancing Family Dynamics

    Caregiving works best when families support each other. Virginia Harper and her sister Maritza Raznick join hosts MB Roberts and Roy Clary to discuss their collaborative approach to caring for their mother who is living with dementia. The sisters explain how they strategically moved to live closer together and divided responsibilities based on each family member's strengths. Maritza brings her professional experience from working in senior living communities while Virginia coordinates daily care and medical appointments. They share practical strategies for organizing family caregiving including accepting imperfection, communicating clearly about needs and bringing in paid caregivers when necessary. The conversation explores how different family members contribute in their own way and why asking for help from both family and friends can make caregiving sustainable. Roy reflects on his own solo caregiving experience and emphasizes the importance of building a team rather than trying to handle everything alone.   CHAPTERS: Meeting the Harper Family - 02:30 Moving Closer Together for Care - 04:24 Dividing Family Responsibilities - 08:16 Working With Paid Caregivers - 12:05 Accepting Imperfection in Caregiving - 17:40 Cultural Differences in Family Care - 21:18 Managing Medical Appointments - 26:12 Financial Coordination Strategies - 29:33 Building Friend Support Networks - 32:45 Asking for Help When Needed - 36:36   Brookdale Senior Living: https://www.brookdale.com The Grey Take Voicemail Line - 833-473-9898 Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics.

    38 min

  8. JAN 13

    Lightening the Load: Our Take on Dealing with Guilt

    Guilt is one of the most common emotions caregivers experience, whether it's guilt for not doing enough, guilt for wanting a break or guilt about decisions that need to be made. In this episode, MB Roberts and Suzie Lind are joined by Tiffany Cloud Mann, Elder Care Coach and Community Partnerships Manager at Age Well Middle Tennessee, to explore why guilt is so prevalent in caregiving and how to work through it. They discuss the difference between guilt and shame, the importance of releasing control, how to set healthy boundaries and why joining a support community can make all the difference. Tiffany shares stories from her years supporting caregivers and offers practical advice for giving yourself grace during one of life's most challenging journeys. Whether you're a primary caregiver, providing support from afar or helping a loved one in a senior living community, this conversation offers validation and helpful strategies for navigating caregiver guilt.   Understanding Different Types of Caregivers - 05:15 Why Guilt Is So Common in Caregiving - 07:45 The Difference Between Guilt and Shame - 11:30 Dealing with Complicated Relationships - 19:40 Setting Boundaries as a Caregiver - 22:15 The Importance of Releasing Control - 28:30 Recognizing Signs of Caregiver Burnout - 32:45 The Value of Support Communities - 35:20 Resources from Age Well Middle Tennessee - 40:15 Giving Yourself Grace - 43:30   Resources: Brookdale Senior Living: https://www.brookdale.com AgeWell TN: https://agewelltn.org/ Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org The Grey Take Voicemail Line - 833-473-9898 Leave questions or share a story about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics.

    43 min
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Trailer

4.7
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Grey Take, the podcast that tackles the messy, complicated, and often unexpected realities of growing older—from the perspective of the adult children navigating it all. If you're having the talk with your parents about assisted living, managing their finances, or trying to convince them that Wi-Fi isn't a conspiracy, this podcast is for you. We offer real conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered stories about helping your parents through this next stage of life, while still trying to keep your own life together. Because when it comes to aging, there's no single answer, no black and white, only The Grey Take.

Information

  • Creator
    Brookdale
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Grey Take

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