"Caring for Caregivers" Video Podcast Series

AARP Washington's "Caring for Caregivers" video podcast series features discussions with local experts, community leaders, and caregivers just like you on a range of topics to help you along your caregiving journey.

Every day over 800,000 Washingtonians perform a great labor of love: caring for older parents, spouses, and other loved ones so they can remain at home—where they want to be. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a friend or family member be it in a home, a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having the right resources, information and connections can make all the difference. And AARP is here to help.

Thanks for taking the time to view our podcast series. We'll add new episodes each month, so please be sure to check back often. For more information, resources and tips for Washington caregivers, please also visit www.aarp.org/caregiverswa

EPISODE #16: "The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond"
December 12, 2024

Many of us probably already know that eating right and exercising can help us live healthier as we age. But we may know less about how isolation, purpose, and one’s perceptions of aging can impact our health and longevity. In her new book, "The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond,” author Debra Whitman explores the surprising factors that determine life expectancy, revealing that those who view aging positively live 7.5 years longer than those with negative attitudes. Click here to view.

EPISODE #15: Caring for Caregivers - Why Voting Matters
October 3, 2024

With the general election only weeks away, data from AARP shows that voters 50+ decide elections. During the 2020 elections, a powerful 60% of the electorate in Washington state was age 50+. And when we ask them, they tell us they want to elect candidates who will address their day-to-day challenges like caring for their parents, siblings and loved ones.


In this Caring For Caregivers Conversation, AARP Washington State Director Marguerite Ro talks with a group of our Spokane volunteers about the importance of advocating for caregivers and making our voices heard. Debby Ryan, Steve Corker and Aruna Bhuta talk about how they get involved in making their community better by voting and by volunteering. Click here to view.

EPISODE #14: Caregiving in Rural Communities
July 31, 2024

Rural settings are often seen as good places to grow old because of the abundance of friendly social support. For people on limited budgets, lower costs in rural areas can also be attractive. However, aging in rural settings can come with some unique challenges for caregivers and the people they care for. Hear from Jennifer Lichorobiec of Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington about caregiving in rural communities. Click here to view.

EPISODE #13: Alzheimer's and Brain Health
May 22, 2024

In our new Caring For Caregivers Conversation, brain health expert Dr. Kate Zhong joins our state director Marguerite Ro to talk about advances in Alzheimer's treatment and what you can do to protect your brain. Dr. Zhong is a geriatric psychiatrist and founder of the Brainnovation Initiative at UNLV. Learn about the Six Pillars of Brain Health and what caregivers can do to take care of their own health. Click here to view.

EPISODE #12: Caring for Loved Ones - Where to Find Help and Support in Washington State.
May 10, 2024

People caring for loved ones often aren't aware of the help that's available from their local Area Agency on Aging. Cathy Knight is the State Director of the Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging and in this video, she walks you though the services you can use and how to find them. Click here to view.

EPISODE #11: TV Journalist & Caregiver Richard Lui
May 2, 2024

In our new Caregiving Conversation, NBC/MSNBC news anchor Richard Lui joins our state director Marguerite Ro to talk about caring for his father with Alzheimer's over the last decade and how he become a passionate advocate for those caring for loved ones. Richard nearly gave up his network television career to be there for his dad. He found ways to make it work and now is highlighting solutions for others to get the support they need. Click here to view.

EPISODE #10: Caregivers helping other caregivers
Family caregivers Patty Albert and Margaret Griffiths
March 25, 2024

This month, AARP State Director Marguerite Ro sat down for a conversation with family caregivers Patty Albert and Margaret Griffiths. They traded stories of their own caregiving journeys – both the good, and the not-so-good. And along the way, they shared their own tips and advice – on everything from finances and family dynamics, to self-care and when to know it’s time to ask for help. Click here to view.

EPISODE #9: Navigating Caregiving Finances
Rachelle Czaplinski, CTFA, Senior Trust Officer at BECU
January 10, 2024

This month, AARP State Director Marguerite Ro talks with Rachelle Czaplinski, CTFA, Senior Trust Officer at BECU about navigating finances for caregiving. From savings options to choosing the right financial advisor and exploring investment accounts, Rachelle and Marguerite cover what you need to know. Click here to view.

EPISODE #8: Caregiving and Mental Health / Caregiving During the Holidays
George Dicks, Geriatric Mental Health Practitioner with Harborview Mental Health and Addiction Service
December 19, 2023

The holiday season can be tough for people caring for loved ones. In this Caring For Caregivers Conversation, George Dicks returns to talk with our state director Marguerite Ro about staying grounded this time of year, plus he talks about caring for his brother in his final days. George is a geriatric mental health practitioner with Harborview Medical Center. Click here to view.

EPISODE #7: Caregiving Finances
Linda Davenport, VP & Senior Trust Officer at BECU
November 15, 2023

Whether you're managing the affairs of a loved one or preparing for yourself, understanding the options for finances is important. In this Caring For Caregivers Conversation, Linda Davenport, VP & Senior Trust Officer at BECU joins our state director Marguerite Ro to talk about trusts, wills and more.


Linda is also a caregiver for her 82 year old mother. Click here to view.

EPISODE #6: Technology and Caregiving
Shauna Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Tender
October 12, 2023

This month we explore how the latest in tech can help family caregivers. AARP State Director Marguerite Ro talks with Shauna Sweeney, the founder and CEO of Tender. Tender is one of the wave of companies using technology to make caregiving easier and better for families. We talk about how AI can work to reduce repetitive tasks, virtual doctor visits that include family members, ways to increase mobility and more.

Shauna's personal journey of caring for her father, who has early-onset Alzheimer's, was her inspiration to help other caregivers like her through technology. Click here to view.

EPISODE #5: Housing Options for Caregivers
Claire Petersky, Washington State Housing Finance Commission
August 28, 2023

This month we're talking about housing options for caregivers. AARP surveys consistently find that older adults want to remain in their current homes and communities for as long as possible. But our needs can change as we age, and most houses and apartments are designed for young, able-bodied adults and don’t meet the needs of older residents or people with disabilities.

Claire Petersky is an expert on housing solutions with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and she's the manager of the Multifamily Housing & Community Facilities Division. Claire joins AARP Washington State Director Marguerite Ro for a discussion on how caregiving at home can be more possible and where we can go in the future. Click here to view.

EPISODE #4: Caregiving and the Sandwich Generation
Jeff Ketchel, Spokane resident and caregiver
July 13, 2023

This month, AARP is shining a spotlight on Gen X caregivers and the "Sandwich Generation," who find themselves parenting children and caring for older loved ones at the same time. Jeff Ketchel lives in Spokane with his wife and two young children and recently took his mother-in-law into his home after her doctor told her she could no longer safely live alone. There are both joys and challenges in a three generation home, where grandma is struggling with dementia and failing health. Click here to view.

EPISODE #3: Caregiving and the LGBTQ Community
George Dicks, Geriatric Mental Health Practitioner with Harborview Mental Health and Addiction Service
June 13, 2023

As part of Pride Month, AARP WA is shining a spotlight on caregiving and LGBTQ communities with a new episode featuring a discussion with George Dicks, a geriatric mental health provider.  Older adults in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community often face unique circumstances in their caregiving journeys.  Due to social stigma and discrimination, finding inclusive care whether is from families or institutions can be challenging.  As a result, LGBTQ older adults experience many disparities.  Understanding the needs of LGBTQ older adults is an importance step towards assuring that all Washington communities receive the support to age as they choose. In the podcast, George talks about the history of LGBTQ communities and his own personal experiences. Click here to view.

EPISODE #2: Caregiving and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community
Dr. Anthony Chen, Director, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
May 18, 2023

This month, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures of the diverse communities that make up the Asian American and Pacific Islander population.  It is also an opportunity to reflect on the journey of caregiving for these communities. AARP State Director Marguerite Ro sits down with Dr. Anthony L-T Chen, Director of Health for the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, to talk about how we can deal with the challenges of caregiving and how our public health system can work better for all. Dr. Chen talks about how caring for his parents has impacted him professionally and personally and what working with diverse communities has taught him. Click here to view.

EPISODE #1: What does it take to ensure healthy aging?
George Dicks, Geriatric Mental Health Practitioner with Harborview Mental Health and Addiction Service
April 26, 2023

What does it take to ensure healthy aging? This is the question we tackle in this inaugural edition of the "Caring for Caregivers" video podcast series. In our discussion with George Dicks, a geriatric mental health practitioner with Harborview Mental Health and Addiction Service, we discuss how to attend to our emotional and mental well-being, as well as our physical ailments, and how we shouldn't have to tackle the issue of aging alone. George’s lived experience as a kinship provider, caregiver, and a community advocate informs his vision of healthy aging. Click here to view.