How Do You Know When It’s Time to Step In and Care for an Aging Parent?

What happens when you start noticing small changes in a parent, missed appointments, unpaid bills, or confusion over everyday tasks, and suddenly realize the caregiving journey has begun?

In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Ellen Frazier to talk about stepping into the role of caregiver for her mother while navigating the uncertainty of an ongoing dementia diagnosis.

Ellen shares how her journey began when she started noticing changes in her mom’s memory and daily routines. What started as frequent visits to help with small things, like finding the remote or adjusting the thermostat, eventually led to a major life decision: renovating her home so her mom could move in and live with her family.

This conversation explores the emotional, logistical, and relational realities of caregiving, from advocating within the healthcare system to managing caregiver burnout and finding moments of connection along the way.

If you are caring for an aging parent, supporting someone with dementia symptoms, or preparing for a future caregiving role, this episode offers both practical insights and emotional encouragement.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The early signs that a parent may need caregiving support
• How Ellen navigated the long and often frustrating process of seeking a dementia diagnosis
• What it looks like to advocate for a loved one within the healthcare system
• The emotional shift from occasional help to full-time caregiving
• Creating a living situation that supports both independence and safety
• The importance of caregiver mental health and avoiding compassion fatigue
• Building a support system and learning to accept help
• Self-care practices that help caregivers avoid burnout
• Why compassion and patience are essential when caring for someone experiencing memory changes

Ellen also shares how her background as a recovery coach and her own sobriety journey have shaped how she approaches caregiving with empathy, patience, and intentional self-care.

At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that caregiving is not just about tasks — it's about relationships, dignity, and meeting people where they are.

As Mikayla says throughout the podcast:

The Care Collective is here from the first emergency… all the way through the identity crisis of figuring out who you are after caregiving.

If you’re navigating this journey right now, you are not alone.

Resources Mentioned

Family Caregiver Support Resources https://www.caregiver.org

You can learn more about Ellen and her work here: https://ellenfrazier.com

Connect with The Care Collective

Follow the podcast for more conversations about caregiving, resilience, and navigating the realities of supporting aging loved ones.

https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast