Ellen Rittberg, journalist and Author of “Why is Grandma Naked? Caring for Your Aging Parents” discusses dos and don'ts when caring for aging parents with Caregiver SOS on Air host, veteran broadcaster and attorney, Ron Aaron. Cohost Carol Zernial was on special assignment.

Ellen Rittberg, journalist and Author of &ldquo;Why is Grandma Naked? Caring for Your Aging Parents&rdquo; discusses dos and don'ts when caring for aging parents with Caregiver SOS on Air host, veteran broadcaster and attorney, Ron Aaron. Cohost Carol Zernial was on special assignment.

Hear Caregiver SOS every Sunday at 6pm on News Ta…

Caregiver SOS

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Dos and Don'ts when caring for aging parents w/ Ellen Rittberg

In this moving and lighthearted episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith (Senior Director of Caregiver Program Operations at the WellMed Charitable Foundation) welcome back comedian, actor, writer, and radio host Keith Price to discuss navigating the intense emotional weight of caregiving through humor and connection.

Keith shares his personal journey of managing long-distance caregiving from New York to Texas while supporting his aging parents. He reflects on the double loss of his mother and father just six weeks apart, the physical and mental toll of 24/7 caregiving routines, and how unexpected emotional triggers—like TV commercials—continue to surface years after a loss as a reminder of enduring love. Drawing on wisdom passed down from comedy icon Joan Rivers, Keith highlights how finding a "sliver of laughter" in the darkest moments can be a vital tool for survival, catharsis, and resilience.

Key Takeaways


The Dual Reality of Laughter and Tears: Crying and laughing stem from the same emotional place; finding humor during tragic times is not disrespectful, but rather a essential survival mechanism for healing.


Long-Distance Caregiving Demands: Balancing long-distance travel with 24/7 caregiving duties creates unique strain and exhaustion, underscoring the deep empathy needed for primary caregivers.


Grief is an Expression of Love: Sudden bursts of sorrow long after losing a loved one are natural reminders of the lasting bond and affection you still carry.


Joan Rivers' Advice on Survival: Finding even a tiny sliver of humor amid hardship provides the emotional relief necessary to keep going through loss.


Accepting Your Limits: Caregivers often wrestle with feelings of guilt or asking if they did enough; recognizing that you did the best you could with the tools you had is vital for peace of mind.

About Keith

Out Comedian, Actor, Writer, radio personality, Keith Price is a dynamic and diverse comic energy who brings every aspect of himself to the stage for the purpose of laughter and understanding. He was the first out, African-American personality on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. He produces and performs in comedy shows in and outside of New York City. He also is the host and executive producer of his own podcast, Keith Price’s Curtain Call available on Broadway World, ITunes, Google Play Music, as well as, MOCHAA with Bobby Rivers.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this moving and lighthearted episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith (Senior Director of Caregiver Program Operations at the WellMed Charitable Foundation) welcome back comedian, actor, writer, and radio host Keith Price to discuss navigating the intense emotional weight of caregiving through humor and connection.
Keith shares his personal journey of managing long-distance caregiving from New York to Texas while supporting his aging parents. He reflects on the double loss of his mother and father just six weeks apart, the physical and mental toll of 24/7 caregiving routines, and how unexpected emotional triggers&mdash;like TV commercials&mdash;continue to surface years after a loss as a reminder of enduring love. Drawing on wisdom passed down from comedy icon Joan Rivers, Keith highlights how finding a "sliver of laughter" in the darkest moments can be a vital tool for survival, catharsis, and resilience.
Key Takeaways
<ul data-path-to-node="3">
<li>
The Dual Reality of Laughter and Tears: Crying and laughing stem from the same emotional place; finding humor during tragic times is not disrespectful, but rather a essential survival mechanism for healing.
</li>
<li>
Long-Distance Caregiving Demands: Balancing long-distance travel with 24/7 caregiving duties creates unique strain and exhaustion, underscoring the deep empathy needed for primary caregivers.
</li>
<li>
Grief is an Expression of Love: Sudden bursts of sorrow long after losing a loved one are natural reminders of the lasting bond and affection you still carry.
</li>
<li>
Joan Rivers' Advice on Survival: Finding even a tiny sliver of humor amid hardship provides the emotional relief necessary to keep going through loss.
</li>
<li>
Accepting Your Limits: Caregivers often wrestle with feelings of guilt or asking if they did enough; recognizing that you did the best you could with the tools you had is vital for peace of mind.
</li>
</ul>
About Keith
Out Comedian, Actor, Writer, radio personality, Keith Price is a dynamic and diverse comic energy who brings every aspect of himself to the stage for the purpose of laughter and understanding. He was the first out, African-American personality on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. He produces and performs in comedy shows in and outside of New York City. He also is the host and executive producer of his own podcast, Keith Price&rsquo;s Curtain Call available on Broadway World, ITunes, Google Play Music, as well as, MOCHAA with Bobby Rivers.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Laughter Through the Tears: Finding Joy in Caregiving & Grief | Keith Price

In this episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith are joined by Caleb Balaraju from the Bethlehem Intergenerational Center. Caleb shares insights from his work supporting older adults, persons living with dementia, children, and family caregivers through a shared-space model that integrates adult day care with child care.

Episode Summary The discussion highlights how bridging generations enriches the lives of both children (ranging from infants to four-year-olds) and older adults (ranging from their early 50s to upper 80s). Caleb explains how the center provides essential respite care for family caregivers while creating an environment where young children and seniors engage in everyday routines together. The episode explores strategies for facilitating conversations between children and individuals with cognitive decline, overcoming the social isolation often felt by aging adults, and integrating local community partners.

Key Takeaways


Combating Senior Isolation: Social isolation can lead to a loss of community connections as health and cognitive challenges arise. Engaging seniors in purpose-driven, structured activities—such as plant watering, laundry folding, community garden drop-offs, and neighborhood cleanup walks—helps restore a sense of belonging and visibility.


Fostering Connection Amid Dementia: Children naturally hesitate when someone does not communicate as expected. Staff bridge this gap by offering prompt secondary or clarifying questions to keep conversations fluid.


Mutual Benefits: Intergenerational interaction fosters empathy and maturity in children, who often remember seniors' names and share weekend stories. For seniors with dementia, these interactions frequently trigger "sparks" of confidence, mental clarity, and energetic bursts of expression.


Community and Network Collaboration: Beyond internal programming, the center collaborates with local churches, youth groups, neighborhood playgrounds, and local non-profits, serving as a model for researchers and higher education interns studying public health and intergenerational care.

About Caleb

-Time with the Program: I have spent the past two years helping develop the Adult Day Center, providing direct care to participants, and supporting caregivers and their families. One of our key accomplishments has been achieving certification for our Adult Day Center through the Dementia Institute.

Education & Credentials: I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Calvin University and am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Western Michigan University. I am also a Dementia Certified Professional through the Dementia Institute.

I would like to discuss how intergenerational relationships can benefit older adults, children, caregivers, and the broader community. We can explore how meaningful connections across generations can reduce isolation, create a sense of purpose and belonging, and provide unique opportunities for learning, companionship, and mutual support.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith are joined by Caleb Balaraju from the Bethlehem Intergenerational Center. Caleb shares insights from his work supporting older adults, persons living with dementia, children, and family caregivers through a shared-space model that integrates adult day care with child care.
Episode Summary The discussion highlights how bridging generations enriches the lives of both children (ranging from infants to four-year-olds) and older adults (ranging from their early 50s to upper 80s). Caleb explains how the center provides essential respite care for family caregivers while creating an environment where young children and seniors engage in everyday routines together. The episode explores strategies for facilitating conversations between children and individuals with cognitive decline, overcoming the social isolation often felt by aging adults, and integrating local community partners.
Key Takeaways
<ul data-path-to-node="3">
<li>
Combating Senior Isolation: Social isolation can lead to a loss of community connections as health and cognitive challenges arise. Engaging seniors in purpose-driven, structured activities&mdash;such as plant watering, laundry folding, community garden drop-offs, and neighborhood cleanup walks&mdash;helps restore a sense of belonging and visibility.
</li>
<li>
Fostering Connection Amid Dementia: Children naturally hesitate when someone does not communicate as expected. Staff bridge this gap by offering prompt secondary or clarifying questions to keep conversations fluid.
</li>
<li>
Mutual Benefits: Intergenerational interaction fosters empathy and maturity in children, who often remember seniors' names and share weekend stories. For seniors with dementia, these interactions frequently trigger "sparks" of confidence, mental clarity, and energetic bursts of expression.
</li>
<li>
Community and Network Collaboration: Beyond internal programming, the center collaborates with local churches, youth groups, neighborhood playgrounds, and local non-profits, serving as a model for researchers and higher education interns studying public health and intergenerational care.
</li>
</ul>
About Caleb
-Time with the Program: I have spent the past two years helping develop the Adult Day Center, providing direct care to participants, and supporting caregivers and their families. One of our key accomplishments has been achieving certification for our Adult Day Center through the Dementia Institute.
Education &amp; Credentials: I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Calvin University and am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Western Michigan University. I am also a Dementia Certified Professional through the Dementia Institute.
I would like to discuss how intergenerational relationships can benefit older adults, children, caregivers, and the broader community. We can explore how meaningful connections across generations can reduce isolation, create a sense of purpose and belonging, and provide unique opportunities for learning, companionship, and mutual support.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Bridging the Gap: Fostering Hope and Purpose Through Intergenerational Caregiving | Caleb Balaraju

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Richard "Dick" Tips, Chairman and CEO of RD Tips Inc. and owner of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries in San Antonio. Together, they tackle a topic many families avoid until it's too late: end-of-life planning and funeral logistics. Drawing from decades of experience in the funeral industry and deep roots in Texas, Dick shares how making end-of-life decisions ahead of time transforms potential crisis into one of the greatest gifts you can leave for your loved ones.

Key Topics Covered


Overcoming the Stigma of End-of-Life Talks: Why families—and men in particular—tend to shy away from final planning, and how starting the conversation early removes emotional wear and tear.


The Logistics of Funeral Planning: An overview of the 250 to 300 decisions required when a death occurs and how pre-arranging locks in pricing, prevents high-pressure decisions, and fits individual budgets.


Modern Trends & Personalization: How funeral services have evolved into "Life Centers" offer diverse choices, ranging from traditional burials and military honors to modern natural burials and tree pods.


Post-Funeral Assistance & Administrative Support: What to expect after the service, including help with death certificates, Social Security notification, insurance filings, and grief concierge services.

Key Takeaways


Planning Ahead is a Gift: Pre-planning allows you to make calm, rational financial and personal choices on your own schedule rather than forcing grieving family members to guess under stress.


Pre-Planning Supersedes a Will at Death: Power of Attorney ends at death, and wills are rarely read immediately. Pre-arranged funeral plans take immediate precedence and ensure final wishes are met right away.


Order Extra Death Certificates: Caregivers should always request double the number of certified copies of death certificates they think they will need to handle all necessary legal and financial affairs.

About Richard

Richard D. "Dick" Tips is the chairman and CEO of R.D. Tips, Inc. and owner of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries in San Antonio, Texas. A prominent and eccentric local business figure, he expanded his family's multi-generational funeral business into the largest family-owned provider in the state while engaging in local landmark preservation, real estate, and public appointments.

Tips has led or funded the restoration of numerous Texas landmarks, including the Fairmount Hotel (1906), known as the “Jewel of San Antonio” and recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest structure ever moved on wheels.

He attended Texas A&M University and The University of Texas.

Tips is married to Kristin Tips, who serves as President of Mission Park. They share twins, Peggy and Robert. He is a seventh generation Texan.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Richard "Dick" Tips, Chairman and CEO of RD Tips Inc. and owner of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries in San Antonio. Together, they tackle a topic many families avoid until it's too late: end-of-life planning and funeral logistics. Drawing from decades of experience in the funeral industry and deep roots in Texas, Dick shares how making end-of-life decisions ahead of time transforms potential crisis into one of the greatest gifts you can leave for your loved ones.
Key Topics Covered
<ul data-path-to-node="2">
<li>
Overcoming the Stigma of End-of-Life Talks: Why families&mdash;and men in particular&mdash;tend to shy away from final planning, and how starting the conversation early removes emotional wear and tear.
</li>
<li>
The Logistics of Funeral Planning: An overview of the 250 to 300 decisions required when a death occurs and how pre-arranging locks in pricing, prevents high-pressure decisions, and fits individual budgets.
</li>
<li>
Modern Trends &amp; Personalization: How funeral services have evolved into "Life Centers" offer diverse choices, ranging from traditional burials and military honors to modern natural burials and tree pods.
</li>
<li>
Post-Funeral Assistance &amp; Administrative Support: What to expect after the service, including help with death certificates, Social Security notification, insurance filings, and grief concierge services.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways
<ul data-path-to-node="4">
<li>
Planning Ahead is a Gift: Pre-planning allows you to make calm, rational financial and personal choices on your own schedule rather than forcing grieving family members to guess under stress.
</li>
<li>
Pre-Planning Supersedes a Will at Death: Power of Attorney ends at death, and wills are rarely read immediately. Pre-arranged funeral plans take immediate precedence and ensure final wishes are met right away.
</li>
<li>
Order Extra Death Certificates: Caregivers should always request double the number of certified copies of death certificates they think they will need to handle all necessary legal and financial affairs.
</li>
</ul>
About Richard
Richard D. "Dick" Tips is the chairman and CEO of R.D. Tips, Inc. and owner of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries in San Antonio, Texas. A prominent and eccentric local business figure, he expanded his family's multi-generational funeral business into the largest family-owned provider in the state while engaging in local landmark preservation, real estate, and public appointments.
Tips has led or funded the restoration of numerous Texas landmarks, including the Fairmount Hotel (1906), known as the &ldquo;Jewel of San Antonio&rdquo; and recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest structure ever moved on wheels.
He attended Texas A&amp;M University and The University of Texas.
Tips is married to Kristin Tips, who serves as President of Mission Park. They share twins, Peggy and Robert. He is a seventh generation Texan.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Dos and Don'ts when caring for aging parents w/ Ellen Rittberg

In 1 playlist(s)

Caregiver SOS

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips