Losing patience with aging parents is common, especially as caregiving roles reverse. Stress, old emotional wounds, burnout, and even fear of losing them can lead to moments of anger.

Impact: Harsh words can hurt deeply — causing emotional pain, stress, and weakening trust. Seniors may withdraw or feel more vulnerable.

Regaining Balance: Step back, breathe, and reflect on what triggered you. Practice self-compassion so you can approach the situation without shame.

Making the Repair: Apologize sincerely and acknowledge their dignity. Explain your emotions without making excuses, and reassure them of your care and respect.

Why It Matters: Repair strengthens trust, protects your relationship, and models respect for future generations. It’s not about being perfect but about showing love and integrity, even after a mistake.

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

I had the opportunity to sit down with Stephen Kaminski, the mobility manager for Region 4 of Connecticut's "The Way to Go" program. Their goal is to promote and coordinate transportation options for people with disabilities, older adults, and Veterans in the state of CT.
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ABOUT THE SHOW MUSIC

You So Zany by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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ABOUT THE EPISODE GUEST

My guest on this episode was Steven Kaminski, mobility manager for Region 4 of Connecticut. The Way to Go program is a division of transportation in conjunction with Amplify CT out of Glastonbury CT. The Way to Go program offers resources to our Older Adult Community, Disabled and our Veteran communities. In conjunction with the Kennedy Collective and Greater Hartford Transit District, The Way to Go program offers extensive help in connecting people with reliable and affordable transportation. Steven can be reached at 860-267-5439 x 100.

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SHOW TRANSCRIPT

Challenges -In just a few years (2037), our state’s population age 65 or older will increase by 12%. CT Life expectancy at birth is 81 Y.O. (National Average is 79) Access to reliable transportation has become a very pressing issue for many older CT residents. In some cases, our older populations also have disabilities (Approx 1/3) This current generation (Mostly) has email but are not always as comfortable with the internet and navigating websites. Cost is, in most cases, a determining factor for mobility choices. Navigating public transit is intimidating and often too diicult to access. Some towns are rural and have limited access to medical appointments OR the primary care is in another town hard to access. Talking points/Solutions Greater Hartford Transit District and CT DOT have taken into consideration the growing age demographic. With programs like Dial a Ride/Associated often with Town Senior Centers there are some solutions for current and future needs.

ADA Paratransit-Using a user-friendly online Application, if you have a disability, whether it is temporary or permanent, you can apply for the ADA paratransit status. This opens several resources that can be free or at a low cost to assist in your mobility needs. FREEDOM RIDE, M7 Taxi, oer reduced fares. CT DOT sets the rate. Our Program is available to anyone with a disability and or Veteran status despite their age. Currently, technology must appeal more to caregivers. But most services still allow setting up rides via phone calls. Reduced fares for ADA paratransit and services like GO GO Grandparent. Lyft also has a Price lock for commonly traveled routes. We do have travel training programs through the GHTD and the Kennedy Collective that will “Literally” guide you through every step of your public transit route. Part of any mobility resource identies the “Gaps” and through collaboration and the use of a steering committee, we can strive to create new solutions. Transportation for our Older Adults will be an ongoing need. So, it’s great we have resources in place, but it’s crucial we change with the times.

Esther Pearl - North Central Region Program Director- Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter presents "The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's."  Esther is a skilled and engaging educator who brings her knowledge and personal experience to help families and caregivers to understand warning signs, detection, and how to move forward in getting a diagnosis and support.

Esther’s entry into the world of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s was, like many others, unexpected, devastating and life changing.  A year after marrying, her husband was diagnosed with Atypical Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, he was only 56.  

Through a random encounter at a health fair, Esther and Mark became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter.  Support groups, social programs and tearful calls to the Helpline became their lifelines. Because of their somewhat unusual situation in regard to age, work status and retirement planning, they faced additional hurdles in navigating the world of Alzheimer’s.  Esther was soon asked to speak at various events and share their story.  Professionally, she has spent her career educating others in the fields of higher education, employment, financial issues, credit union services and career services.  

In 2017, Esther joined the association as Program Director in order to honor Mark and their joint commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s.  She holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.  

The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the more than 80 thousand people living with Alzheimer's in our state, their caregivers and people concerned about brain health. We offer free education classes, support groups, care consultations and activities for those in the early stages of dementia. We have robust advocacy efforts on both the state and local level, and raise money through events like our Walk to End Alzheimer's in the Fall to help fund research to get closer to new treatments and a cure.
24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900
Website: alz.org/ct
Register for Walk: act.alz.org/connecticut
General email: ctchapter@alz.org