82 - Caring for Aging Parents When You're the One Everyone Leans On with Nurse Advocates Pam Dunwald and Linda Kritikos

What happens when you’re leading a business, supporting a team, and suddenly stepping into the role of caregiver for an aging parent? In this episode, Kari sits down with nurse advocates Pam and Linda of Nurse Advocate Consulting to unpack one of the most emotionally and logistically complex seasons many business owners face. This is not just about healthcare; it’s about leadership under pressure. They share real stories from decades of experience supporting families through Alzheimer’s, cancer, and unexpected health crises. You’ll hear what most families aren’t prepared for, why the system feels overwhelming, and how to navigate it without losing yourself or your business, in the process. If you’re part of the “sandwich generation” or know this season is coming, this conversation will give you both clarity and relief. Key Topics Discussed: Why caring for aging parents often catches business owners off guard The emotional load of guilt, uncertainty, and responsibility, and how to navigate it The hidden complexity of healthcare systems, insurance, and care coordination How to divide responsibilities within families (like you would in a business) Practical strategies to protect your time while still showing up for your family Why systems, communication, and planning are essential in caregiving The importance of including your loved one in decision-making What advance directives and healthcare power of attorney really mean, and why they matter How to avoid crisis-mode decision-making with proactive planning The role of a healthcare advocate and how they can support your family This is one of those seasons that asks more of you than you expected and not just as a business owner, but as a human being. If you take nothing else from this conversation, let it be this: you don’t have to figure it all out in the middle of a crisis. Start the conversations. Put a few simple systems in place. Ask for support sooner than you think you need it. Because the goal isn’t to carry all of this perfectly, it’s to navigate it in a way that protects your capacity, honours your family, and allows you to keep leading your business without losing yourself in the process. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - start building a business that works for you, not just because of you.   Connect with Pam and Linda and learn more about her incredible work here: Website: www.yournurseadvocateconsulting.com/about-us/ Podcast:www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthcare-redefined-advocating-for-aging-adults-and/id1834004821 LinkedInLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/your-nurse-advocate-consulting-llc/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourrnadvocate/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourRNAdvocate/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@yournurseadvocateconsulting/ Read their book “Cracking the Hospice Code: Your Nurse Advocates Debunk the Top 10 Misconceptions of Hospice” Find the time you need right now. The Time Leak Toolkit   Work with Kari:  Anchored Leadership Academy Private Business and Leadership Coaching Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.ca Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca Linked In: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.