The Grey Take

Brookdale
  • 4.7 (15)
  • 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.

Episodes

  1. 12/23/2025

    Our Take on Cognitive Decline and Depression

    In this episode, MB and Suzie sit down with Dr. Christy Phillips, a Brookdale gerontologist, to unpack one of the most challenging aspects of caring for aging parents: understanding whether changes in behavior stem from cognitive decline, depression or both. Dr. Phillips explains how these conditions share similar symptoms yet require different approaches, making early diagnosis crucial. The conversation covers normal age-related changes versus possible red flags, the impact of loneliness and depression on dementia risk and how spouses often compensate for cognitive decline until a major life event reveals the extent of changes. Dr. Phillips provides guidance on navigating doctor visits, the importance of having a reliable informant present and screening tools like the PHQ-9 and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The hosts draw on personal experiences with their parents, showing how denial often accompanies early symptoms and the delicate balance between offering support and preserving autonomy. This episode offers hope through recent research developments while emphasizing that early intervention can significantly improve quality of life for aging adults experiencing either condition.   When Memory Lapses Become Concerning - 00:20 The Connection Between Depression and Dementia - 08:20 How Spouses Compensate for Cognitive Decline - 06:06 The Power of Community in Combating Loneliness - 11:51 Understanding Normal Aging Versus Cognitive Decline - 17:12 When to See a Doctor and What to Expect - 24:14 Starting Difficult Conversations with Compassion - 25:39 Navigating Denial and Getting Professional Help - 34:31 Treatment Options and the Importance of Second Opinions - 36:06 Hope on the Horizon: New Research and Interventions - 37:24   Resources: Brookdale Senior Living: https://www.brookdale.com PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/1725/phq-9-patient-health-questionnaire-9 physicians Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) information https://www.mocatest.org The Grey Take Listener Line: 833-473-9898 Leave us a message, ask us a question! Don't forget to rate and review us and share with anyone you think could benefit from this information! Thanks for listening!

    42 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    Finding Joy in Hard Holiday Seasons

    The holidays can feel heavy when you're caring for aging parents or dealing with loss. In this episode, hosts Suzie Lind and Roy Clary sit down with Dianne, a caregiver navigating her husband's dementia while carrying decades of holiday grief after losing her son at Christmas. Dianne shares how she learned to seek contentment instead of happiness, why she dyed her hair purple for her granddaughter's cancer battle and how her family's simple tradition of drawing names during the season of giving lifted an enormous burden. From throwing poinsettias off the porch to finding support groups at the local library, this conversation offers permission to grieve what was while creating space for what can be. Whether you're in the thick of caregiving or facing your first holiday without a loved one, you'll find practical wisdom and unexpected hope for making the season meaningful again.   When Traditions Feel Intrusive - 01:28 Meeting Dianne: Purple Hair and Spunk - 05:50 The Day He Retired Without Warning - 09:55 Finding Support Groups - 13:08 Losing Andy at Christmas - 14:35 Drawing Names: A Game-Changing Tradition - 19:52 The Purple Hair Promise - 23:17 Staying Present in Depressing Circumstances - 26:06 Art as Distraction and Healing - 31:18 From Host to Queen - 33:14   Resources: The Grey Take Voicemail/Text Line - 833-473-9898 Leave questions about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics Brookdale Senior Living https://www.brookdale.com

    38 min

  3. 11/25/2025

    What Our Aging Parents Really Need

    In this episode Roy Clary and Suzie Lind sit down with Sally, an 87-year-old living in a senior living community who shares honest insight into loneliness, changing family roles and the need for real empathy from caregivers. She talks through how her relationship with her daughter has evolved, why asking before acting matters and what support feels like from her side of the caregiving equation. Roy and Suzie also reflect on their own holiday experiences, the pressure adult children place on themselves and the importance of connection over tasks. This episode helps listeners understand the emotional needs of aging parents and how to care with patience and respect.   What do aging parents want in caregiving - 02:45 Holiday pressure and expectations - 04:10 Suzie on tasks vs connection - 05:15 Introducing Sally - 07:05 Sally's move to Chicago - 08:20 Finding independence with support - 12:40 Loneliness and isolation - 17:05 How to help without taking over - 24:55 Advice for caregivers and receivers - 30:20 Roy's holiday shift after his mom's stroke - 40:15   Resources: The Grey Take Text/Voicemail Line: 833-473-9898 Leave questions about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics Brookdale Senior Living https://www.brookdale.com

    39 min

  4. 11/11/2025

    The Caregiver's Battle: Supporting A Loved One with PTSD

    In honor of Veterans Day, hosts Roy Clary and MB Roberts welcome Dr. Matthew Bruhin to discuss the ongoing struggles veterans and their families face long after service ends. Dr. Bruhin, who has 15 years of experience treating veterans and their families, explains how trauma isn't just something that happens to you - it's something that happens inside of you, physically changing your brain structure. The conversation covers the differences between how older and younger veterans process trauma, the shocking connection between PTSD and substance use disorders and the concept of secondary trauma that affects caregivers. Roy shares his personal experience with EMDR therapy, while MB opens up about her husband's Vietnam experience and the treatment he faced returning home. Dr. Bruhin breaks down the four types of trauma, explains why families need their own treatment plans and offers practical advice for supporting loved ones without burning out. This episode is a must-listen for anyone caring for a veteran or dealing with the ripple effects of trauma in their family.   Chapters: Meet Dr. Matthew Bruhin & His Military Background - 02:33 What Trauma Really Is & How It Affects Veterans - 07:10 Vietnam Veterans & Secondary Trauma - 10:05 Epigenetics: How Trauma Changes Your DNA - 13:11 Mistakes Caregivers Make & When NOT to Work on Trauma - 14:46 Roy's Caregiver Experience & EMDR Therapy Journey - 19:03 Should Caregivers Get Therapy Too? - 25:35 Brain Development, Types of Trauma & Creating a Care Plan - 29:12 Older vs. Younger Vets: Care Differences - 41:33 PTSD & Substance Use Disorder Connection - 43:06   Resource Links: Brookdale Senior Living https://www.brookdale.com Apex Recovery apex.rehab VA.gov:  www.va.gov American Legion: www.legion.org VFW: www.vfw.org EMDR International Association: www.emdria.org   The Grey Take Voicemail Line: 833-473-9898 Leave questions about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics

    50 min

  5. 10/28/2025

    How to Start Hard Conversations

    Hosts Roy Clary and MB Roberts tackle one of caregiving's hardest challenges, having difficult conversations with family members about an aging parent's care. Drawing from their own experiences as adult children and caregivers, they explore what makes these conversations so difficult and why they often backfire. Roy shares how a decision to let his mom visit family led to criticism and fractured relationships. MB reflects on waiting too long to address financial issues. And together, they discuss practical strategies for approaching sensitive topics like moving to senior living, healthcare decisions and financial matters. The conversation covers timing, listening skills, emotional regulation and the importance of building a support team. They remind listeners that these conversations aren't about being right or taking control - they're about protection and working together across generations.     Roy's Experience with Family Criticism - 00:52 The Guilt of Taking Control - 02:56 Don't Wait for a Crisis - 03:51 Setting the Right Time and Place - 06:18 Listening More Than Talking - 08:30 Managing Your Own Emotions - 12:45 Having a Third Party Present - 15:20 Young Caregivers Face Extra Challenges - 18:30 Building Your Support Army - 21:46 It's Not About Being Right - 23:13     Resources: Brookdale Senior Living https://www.brookdale.com Family Caregiver Alliance https://www.caregiver.org AARP Caregiving Resource Center https://www.aarp.org/caregiving Caring.com https://www.caring.com American Association of Caregiving Youth https://www.aacy.org The Grey Take Voicemail Line - 833-473-9898 Leave questions about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics

    26 min

  6. 10/14/2025

    First Signs of Decline: What to Look For

    When your parent forgets where they put their keys for the third time this week or seems unsteady on their feet, how do you know if it's normal aging or something more? In this episode of The Grey Take, hosts Suzie Lind and MB Roberts sit down with Brookdale Senior Living gerontologists Jill Ladaa and Christy Phillips to tackle one of the most anxiety-provoking questions families face. The experts share personal stories from their own caregiving journeys while revealing why approaching these concerns with curiosity rather than panic can change everything. You'll discover the communication techniques that actually work and learn why a diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of the world. If you've been wondering whether what you're seeing is cause for concern, this conversation may help give you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.   The Little Changes You Notice First - 00:24 What To Do When Something Feels 'Off' - 16:06 Lead With Curiosity, Not Fear - 21:23 Tell Me More About That - 22:46 Why We Say 'Care Partner' - 29:17 Tech That Actually Helps Caregiving - 32:02 Lifestyle Levers For Brain Health - 34:17 Cognitive Training: What Matters - 37:08 First Steps After Concerns Arise - 39:01 Where To Turn: Resources That Help - 47:56   BrainHQ: https://www.brainhq.com/  Teepa Snow: https://teepasnow.com/  Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/ General memory care info: https://www.brookdale.com/en/our-services/memory-care.html Alzheimer's Association Tennessee Chapter: https://www.alz.org/tn The National Council on Aging is at https://www.ncoa.org/ The Grey Take Voicemail Line - 833-473-9898 Leave questions about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics

    55 min

  7. 09/23/2025

    Affording Senior Living: What You Need To Know

    The true cost of senior living vs. aging at home: What you're paying for, what's included and how to plan ahead.     Please consult your attorney or financial advisor before acting on any content on this website. References to any products, services, third parties, or links to third-party websites do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of such products, services, or third parties by Brookdale or its affiliates. Resources: Call us! Leave questions or stories about aging, caregiving, or family dynamics. 833-473-9898 Center for Aging Free resources and information about senior care options. https://resourcecenteronaging.org/ Get to know Leona at mariner.com. Official information about Medicare coverage and limitations Medicare.gov  National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) Find fee-only financial planners in your area Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards: cfp.net Verify advisor credentials and find CFP professionals

    43 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    Experience Tells All: What We Wish We Knew Sooner

    Anyone supporting an aging loved one has a moment when they whisper to themselves, "I wish I knew then what I know now." In this episode of The Grey Take, Roy, Suzie and MB reflect on the turning points, regrets and lessons they've gathered along their caregiving journeys, often the hard way. They speak candidly about caregiver guilt, burnout, identity loss and the myth of the "natural caregiver." Through personal stories and vulnerable insights, they offer practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement to anyone in the thick of it. If you're wondering whether you're doing it right or questioning whether you're alone, this episode is for you.

    33 min

  9. 08/26/2025

    Truth vs. Reality: Senior Living Myths

    What comes to mind when you hear the words senior living? If your imagination immediately jumps to sterile "facilities" and lonely hallways, you're not alone and you're also not seeing the full picture. In this episode of The Grey Take, hosts Roy, Suzie and MB bust three of the most common myths about senior living. From the fear of losing independence to the outdated image of nursing homes as dreary and depressing, they tackle the assumptions that keep families from exploring life-giving options for their loved ones. With candid reflections, hard-earned wisdom and a few laughs along the way, this conversation invites you to take a second look at what's possible.   - Blue Zones:  https://www.bluezones.com/ - The Caregiver Collective (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaregiverCollective/

    35 min

  10. 08/12/2025

    Take Time for Yourself: Caregiver Exhaustion

    When caregiving becomes too much—how to recognize burnout, what to do, and how to care for yourself while caring for someone else LINKS About EMDR Therapy from Cleveland Clinic Leeza's Care Connection YMCA

    41 min
  • 10 Episodes

4.7
out of 5
15 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Grey Take

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