Real Talk on Caregiving: When Love, Tough Decisions, and Exhaustion Collide

When you’re caring for an aging loved one, no one hands you a roadmap. You’re expected to figure it out—while juggling work, family responsibilities, your own health, and a long list of unknowns. In the latest Chick2Chick Uncut episode, AARP Pennsylvania’s State President Emeritus Joanne Grossi sat down with host Flora Posteraro, for an unfiltered conversation about the caregiving journey.

Armed with decades of professional experience in public health, Joanne shared her personal story as a daughter who cared for her father for more than 10 years. From delivering support at home, to making the move to assisted living, Joanne opened up about the emotional toll, difficult decisions, and even moments of resentment that many caregivers quietly carry.

Together, Chick2Chick explored:

• Signs it’s no longer safe for a loved one to live at home
• Key differences between home care, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care
• Questions to ask when evaluating care options
• The importance of power of attorney and end-of-life planning
• How to manage guilt, burnout, and “compassion fatigue”

Joanne emphasized that planning ahead and honest communication are essential—but even with that, the journey can feel overwhelming. That’s why caregiver resources like AARP.org/caregiving and the newly launched PA CareKit are so valuable.

For those just starting or already deep in the process, the newly released PA CareKit from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is a helpful resource. It offers practical tools, planning guides, and emotional support for family caregivers across the Commonwealth.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to Chick2Chick for more real talk with AARP Pennsylvania guests about the issues that matter most to Pennsylvanians 50-plus.

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