At The Helm: When the Roles Begin to Reverse, Caring for Aging Parents

As our parents age, many of us find ourselves navigating an unexpected transition: the people who once cared for us begin needing care from us. In this episode of At The Helm, therapist Karelin Wadkins and educator/coach Jessie Wadkins reflect on a recent family visit that challenged our assumptions about independence, responsibility, and what it means to support the people we love. Together, we explore the emotional reality of the sandwich generation—balancing the needs of aging parents, our own families, and ourselves. We talk about the grief that can accompany role reversal, the stories we tell ourselves when expectations aren't met, and the importance of shifting from judgment to curiosity. Through the lenses of self-compassion, nervous system awareness, and healthy boundaries, we discuss how to care deeply for others without losing ourselves in the process. If you've ever struggled with aging parents, caregiving, family expectations, or the complicated emotions that come with watching the people you love grow older, this conversation is for you.