Real Talk on Aging

Early signs of dementia often don’t look serious—they look explainable. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust break down the early signs of dementia families ignore and why recognizing patterns early can change everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether “it’s just aging” or something more, this conversation will help you spot the difference before it’s too late.On this episode of Real Talk on Aging, we draw from decades of caregiving and clinical experience to unpack the subtle emotional, behavioral, and cognitive shifts that often go unnoticed. From repeated small memory lapses to withdrawal, fear, and broken routines, they explain how isolated incidents become meaningful patterns—and why families often dismiss them. You’ll learn how to move from passive concern to proactive care, have better conversations with loved ones, and know when it’s time to involve professional support.What you’ll learn:How to distinguish normal aging from early warning signs of dementiaThe emotional and behavioral changes families often overlookWhy patterns matter more than one-off incidentsHow fear, denial, and family dynamics delay actionWhen and how to step in, start conversations, and seek helpDon’t risk missing the signs that matter most. Learn how to recognize changes early and take action with clarity and confidence.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

Are you prepared for an aging parent crisis before it happens? Aging parent planning is the conversation most families avoid—until a fall, a health scare, or a sudden change forces decisions fast. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging, you’ll learn how to avoid an aging parent crisis, recognize risks inside the home, and start planning before “everything seems fine” turns into something urgent.Hosted by Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust, this episode breaks down what an aging parent crisis actually looks like—from hidden dangers in the home and overlooked warning signs to the emotional and family dynamics that delay action. Drawing on decades of experience in senior care, Dave and Barb share how to spot risks early, navigate tough conversations with empathy, and create a proactive plan that keeps your loved ones safe while preserving their independence.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Identify hidden safety risks inside your parents’ homeRecognize early warning signs before a crisis happensStart the aging conversation without causing resistanceCreate a simple 5-year plan for aging parent careNavigate family roles and avoid conflict during decision-makingDon’t risk waiting for a crisis to make decisions for you—learn how to plan ahead, reduce risk, and support your aging parents with confidence.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to follow and rate us!

Real Talk on Aging reveals why families fall behind the aging curve—and how to stay ahead before a crisis hits. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging, you’ll learn how subtle changes in your loved ones signal bigger shifts, and why waiting for “something major” can cost you time, options, and peace of mind. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to look for or when to step in, this conversation gives you the clarity and confidence to act early.Hosted by Dave Ritterling, SVP Global Operations at Visiting Angels, and Barb Faust, RN and Director of Program Development at Visiting Angels, this episode breaks down the reality of the aging curve—from overlooked warning signs and family denial to the importance of building a care team before emergencies happen. You’ll hear real examples from decades of experience in senior care, along with practical ways to recognize change, navigate tough conversations, and support your loved ones without overreacting. Whether you’re seeing your parents every day or only a few times a year, this episode will help you prepare for what’s ahead and protect the people you love.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Recognize early signs you’re already behind the aging curveSpot subtle changes most families overlookNavigate family dynamics and denial around agingBuild a care team before a crisis forces decisionsSupport independence while reducing riskDon’t risk waiting for a crisis to make decisions for you—learn how to stay ahead of the aging curve and take action with confidence.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow!

Real Talk on Aging is a podcast about the moments, decisions, and emotions that come with caring for an aging parent or loved one.Hosted by Barb Faust, RN and Director of Program Development at Visiting Angels, and Dave Ritterling, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, the show brings thoughtful conversations with people who understand the realities of caregiving and the opportunity it creates to show up with compassion and presence.