Caregiver SOS On Air

What happens when an aging parent or loved one flatly refuses medical care, assistance, or safety modifications? In this episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial are joined by clinical psychologist, family therapist, and author Dr. Barry Jacobs to tackle one of the most stressful and common dilemmas family caregivers face. Together, they explore why older adults resist help, how to move away from disempowering "role reversals," and what strategies caregivers can use to foster cooperative, respectful partnerships.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial are joined by entrepreneur, author, and advocate Mike Weinberger. Drawing from his personal experience as the primary caregiver for his wife, Nora—who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2019—Mike shares the profound emotional, legal, and practical lessons he learned along the way. Together, the hosts and Mike unpack the overwhelming reality of receiving a dementia diagnosis and examine the three critical decisions that Alzheimer's caregivers are rarely prepared to face, including managing legal arrangements upfront, prioritizing personal self-care, and finding the right community resources and care services.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial are joined by sociologist, author, and podcast creator Dr. Mindy Fried. Drawing from her personal experience caring for her late father, Manny Fried, Dr. Fried shares profound insights on navigating the final chapters of aging, the complexities of family care dynamics, and the broader systemic challenges facing the caregiving workforce.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Jackie Bresner, Director of Therapy at Home Care Dimensions, to unpack how families and caregivers can maximize the benefits of home healthcare. Drawing on her 33 years of experience in therapy and acute care, Jackie breaks down common misconceptions about home health and explains how skilled care differs from routine daily assistance.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial welcome internationally renowned intervention scientist, gerontologist, and Drexel University Dean Emerita Dr. Laura Gitlin. Together, they explore how tailored activities can transform dementia care, restore a sense of purpose for individuals living with cognitive decline, and alleviate caregiver stress.

In this moving and lighthearted episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith (Senior Director of Caregiver Program Operations at the WellMed Charitable Foundation) welcome back comedian, actor, writer, and radio host Keith Price to discuss navigating the intense emotional weight of caregiving through humor and connection.

In this episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith are joined by Caleb Balaraju from the Bethlehem Intergenerational Center. Caleb shares insights from his work supporting older adults, persons living with dementia, children, and family caregivers through a shared-space model that integrates adult day care with child care.

Taking the Stress Out of Saying Goodbye: A Guide to End-of-Life Planning with Richard Tips by Caregiver SOS On Air

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Carol Zernial and Ron Aaron are joined by caregiving expert, court-appointed fiduciary, and certified mediator Pamela D. Wilson to address one of the most stressful challenges facing families today: navigating and resolving caregiving disputes.

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into a transformative, human-centered approach to supporting individuals living with dementia. Traditional dementia care often relies on redirection, isolation, or medical sedation to manage challenging behaviors. However, this conversation shifts the focus toward understanding what those behaviors are actually trying to communicate—unmet physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.