Denial can protect people in a time of grief, but avoiding reality for too long can feed caregiver burnout and compromise care. The show's experts lay out the signs to look for and ways to meet loved ones where they are.
The episode also covers home safety. Tara Ballman, executive director of the National Aging in Place Council, said two low-cost areas have a high impact: trip hazards and lighting. She also offered tips for long-distance caregivers and recommendations for "age tech," technology that helps people stay in their homes longer and more safely. Guidance covers when to get a full home assessment, what modifications cost and where to find help paying for them.
For families, the takeaway is practical. Medical crises make it hard to think clearly, and aging well coach Katherine Ambrose said advocating for a loved one means paying attention, asking questions and being vocal. She shares a personal story, and the experts show how to build a team and pass relevant information to the care team.
Sue Talmage, 88, drives to Essential Physical Therapy and Pilates in Montpelier, Vermont, twice a week, and she is sure she is the oldest student there.