Caregiving for Your Parents without Losing Your Mind - with Lili Udell Fiore

💬 message Denise Lili Udell Fiore grew up watching her father, a hospital chaplain, provide compassionate care, but she really earned her stripes during twelve years of navigating dementia and medical advocacy for her own family. She’s here to remind us that planning for the hard stuff isn't morbid. It’s actually one of the most profound ways we can love our families and protect our own peace of mind.We really get into the heart of the "sandwich generation" reality. Lili shares some incredibly practical (and honestly, life-changing) advice about things like the "paper on the fridge," how to handle those tricky family dynamics when not everyone is stepping up, and why it’s okay to "enter their world" when a loved one has dementia rather than trying to force them back into ours.It’s an episode full of "I wish I had known that" moments. Whether you are currently caring for a parent, supporting a spouse, or just want to be prepared for the future, Lili’s wisdom feels like a steady hand to hold. She helps us move away from the fear of the unknown and into a space of confidence and sacred connection.A few things we dive into:The one specific form that changes everything when you call 911How to find a doctor who actually understands the transition to palliative careReal talk on sibling dynamics and setting boundaries without the guiltLili’s "Sensory Care Method" to bring genuine joy to those with cognitive declineWhy your own self-care as a caregiver is a non-negotiable priorityThis conversation is such a permission slip to stop "forging ahead" alone and start asking for the specific help you need. I think you're going to feel so much lighter after hearing Lili's heart.Connect with Lili:Website: Much Love, Lili I Ideas & Support for CaregiversThank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one.November 2026, I will be hosting a live, in-person experience called IGNITE: The Inner Uprising™.It is a two-day immersive gathering for women in midlife — women who feel the quiet pull toward something more truthful, more embodied, more fully their own.IGNITE is an extension of these conversations.It’s where reflection becomes embodiment.Where insight becomes integration.Where women who have held so much for others gather to stand fully in their own sovereignty.If something in today’s conversation stirred you — if your body leaned in — that is NOT accidental.The waitlist is now open.If IGNITE feels like something your future self would thank you for, I invite you to add your name here. https://ignite2026.lovable.appThere is a place for us to gather.If you loved this episode, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show!Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow ...