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35. Paying for Care: RRSPs, RRIFs, HELOCs and What Families Need to Know — with Personal Finance Expert Rob Carrick
35:00||Season 1, Ep. 35The financial side of caregiving can feel overwhelming, especially when aging parents want to stay at home. But understanding the options early can bring clarity, relief, and a stronger sense of control.In the last episode, personal finance expert Rob Carrick walked through a practical financial checklist to help caregivers start important money conversations with aging parents. In Part 2 of his conversation with Teri Hart, Rob goes deeper into the financial realities families may face as parents age, especially when they want to age in place.Teri and Rob unpack the difference between a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and a reverse mortgage, how care costs can reshape expectations around inheritance, and why the so-called “great wealth transfer” may not be as straightforward as many families think. They also discuss registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), registered retirement income funds (RRIFs), tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs), estate planning, and the often-misunderstood tax implications that can come later in life.This episode is for anyone helping aging parents make financial decisions, trying to understand the cost of aging in place, or wondering how to have more honest conversations about money, care, and quality of life before a crisis hits. As Rob shares from both his professional expertise and his own caregiving experience, the “care years” are something many families enter with little preparation, but the right conversations can make those years easier to navigate.__This episode is sponsored by RBC Wealth Management. A longer life means planning for the longer run. And that requires more than just financial foresight. It takes a plan that encompasses health, wellness and finances. That’s why RBC Wealth Management partners with leading organizations to help Canadians maneuver each of life’s stages with peace of mind and confidence. This includes insights into physical and mental health, caregiving, financial stability, and preparing for later life transitions. After all, your health is wealth. Visit the RBC Wealth Management Aging Well hub to learn more.RBC Wealth Management: http://rbcwm.com/Aging Well Hub: http://rbcwm.com/agingwell__Resources:Follow Rob Carrick:Website: https://robcarrick.ca/Substack: https://robcarrickpf.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-carrick-66a6a017/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.__🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together.
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34. The Financial Checklist Every Caregiver Needs — Part 1 with Finance Expert, Rob Carrick
33:54||Season 1, Ep. 34Money is one of the hardest parts of caregiving to talk about, but it is also one of the most important.In this episode of The Hart of It All, Teri Hart sits down with longtime personal finance expert Rob Carrick for part one of a two-part conversation about the financial realities of aging, caregiving, and planning for the future. From aging in place to retirement homes, long-term care, home equity, personal support workers, and the hidden costs families often do not see coming, Rob explains why the question is not just “What do we want?” but “What can we realistically afford?”Rob also shares a practical financial checklist for adult children supporting aging parents, including what to know about joint bank accounts, monthly expenses, power of attorney, investments, taxes, beneficiaries, and current ID. It is a conversation about preparation, clarity, and having the money talks before a crisis forces your hand.Whether you are caring for a parent now or trying to plan ahead, this episode will help you understand the financial decisions that can shape care, housing, and peace of mind. And because there is so much to cover, Rob will be back next week for part two, where he and Teri dive deeper into RRIFs, home equity lines of credit, reverse mortgages, and the tax implications families need to understand.Resources: Follow Rob Carrick:Website: https://robcarrick.ca/Substack: https://robcarrickpf.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-carrick-66a6a017/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together.33. Unpaid Caregiving in Canada: The $97.1 Billion Reality — with CCCE Executive Director Liv Mendelsohn
38:44||Season 1, Ep. 33Caregiving in Canada is not a private family issue. It is one of the biggest social, economic, and healthcare realities of our time.In this episode of The Hart of It All, Teri Hart speaks with Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, about CCCE’s newly released Caring in Canada report and what it reveals about the true state of care across the country.Liv shares the staggering scale of unpaid caregiving in Canada, including the estimated $97.1 billion in unpaid care provided each year by family members, friends, and loved ones. She also explains how caregivers are managing far more than many people realize, from medical appointments and daily tasks to emotional support, transportation, advocacy, and the invisible labour that keeps families and communities going.This conversation looks honestly at the pressure caregivers and care providers are facing, including burnout, financial strain, health impacts, and a system that too often relies on families to fill the gaps. But it is not a conversation without hope. Liv also breaks down the clear, practical solutions already identified through CCCE’s National Caregiving Strategy, which was co-designed with caregivers, care providers, and endorsed by more than 85 national and provincial organizations.From refundable caregiver tax credits to better income supports, aging-in-place policies, and stronger recognition of caregivers in healthcare planning, Liv explains what can change and why those changes matter.This episode is for anyone caring for someone they love, preparing for what may come next, or trying to understand why caregiving belongs at the centre of Canada’s healthcare conversation. The numbers are big, but the message is clear: caregivers are not alone, and a better system is possible.Resources: Read the CCCE's "Caring in Canada" Report:https://canadiancaregiving.org/caring-in-canada/Follow Liv Mendelsohn and The Canadian Centre for Caregiving ExcellenceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadiancaregivingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadiancaregivingCCCE on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadiancaregiving/Liv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-mendelsohn-m-a-m-ed-60000b5a/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together.32. Dementia Caregiving: Is It Possible to Set Boundaries and Avoid Burnout? — with DEMENCHATS Creator, Troy McCallum
44:08||Season 1, Ep. 32A lot of people dealing with dementia caregiving quietly wonder: Is it supposed to feel this overwhelming?Troy McCallum understands the kind of exhaustion that comes from constantly being “on” for someone you love.As his mother’s dementia progressed, Troy found himself trying to manage everything at once: the confusion, the wandering, the emotional volatility, the constant fear that something could go wrong. He was exhausted, anxious, and running on adrenaline for so long that his own health began to suffer.In this episode of The Hart of It All, Troy opens up about the reality so many caregivers live behind closed doors. The guilt of setting boundaries. The pressure to always be available. The feeling that your own life is slowly disappearing while you try to hold someone else’s together.From using smart home devices, cameras, and AirTags to help his mom stay safe, to learning when he needed to step back and protect his own well-being, Troy shares the practical strategies that made caregiving feel more manageable.Troy speaks candidly about navigating long-term care, managing the emotional toll of dementia, and the importance of recognizing your own limits before burnout takes over.If you’ve ever felt isolated, burnt out, resentful, scared, or like you’re failing at caregiving because you can’t do it all perfectly, this episode will feel deeply familiar. More importantly, it may help you feel a little less alone.Troy is a media professional and the creator/host of DEMENCHATS, an Instagram account documenting the everyday realities of dementia caregiving with honesty, humour, and compassion.Resources:VON Home and Community Care:https://www.von.ca/enFollow Troy McCallum & DEMENCHATS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demenchatsTo watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.-🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together.31. Why Caregiving Should Be Treated Like a Diagnosis — with CareYaya CEO, Neal K. Shah
42:05||Season 1, Ep. 31Caregiving is not just a personal challenge. It is quickly becoming one of the biggest healthcare issues of our time. On this episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart sits down with Neal Shah, founder of CareYaya, to explore why caregiving needs to be treated as a core part of our healthcare system, not an afterthought.Neal shares his journey from hedge fund leader to caregiver advocate, and breaks down the hidden ways caregiving impacts physical and mental health. From rising hospitalization rates to increased dementia risk, the ripple effects are far more serious and widespread than most people realize.Together, Teri and Neal unpack what is driving the growing caregiving crisis, including aging populations, social isolation, and the long-term impact of COVID. They also explore what is working, from AI-powered training tools like the Yaya Guide to innovative care models in countries like those in Scandinavia, and why policy reform is urgently needed.This episode is for you if you are a caregiver, supporting aging parents, or thinking about what care might look like for your own future. It is both a wake-up call and a hopeful look at how we can better support caregivers and build a more sustainable system for everyone.Neal Shah is the founder of CareYaya, a care innovation platform focused on scalable solutions that support caregivers and improve care quality. His work, recognized by institutions like Johns Hopkins, is helping reshape how we approach aging and care.Resources: Visit the CareYaya Website: https://www.careyaya.org/Access CareYaya's "Yaya Guide":https://www.careyaya.org/yayaguideFollow Neal Shah: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealkshahTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nealkshahFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nealkshahcareyaya/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyayaTo watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodWebsite: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/Follow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.- 🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together.30. How to Handle Sibling Conflict in Caregiving — with life transitions expert Dr. Amy D’Aprix
44:07||Season 1, Ep. 30When it comes to caring for aging parents, siblings can be the hardest part.You might agree on everything for years, and then suddenly you’re facing decisions about care, money, or where your parent should live and nothing feels simple anymore. Old dynamics resurface, tensions build, and conversations that should bring you together can start to pull you apart.In this episode of The Hart of It All, Teri sits down with family dynamics expert Dr. Amy D’Aprix to unpack why caregiving can turn siblings into what she calls “business partners you didn’t ask for” and how to navigate it without damaging the relationships that matter most.This episode is for you if you’re feeling frustrated with a sibling, carrying more than your share of the caregiving load, or unsure how to have conversations that don’t spiral. It’s also for you if you want to get ahead of conflict before it starts.Dr. Amy brings clarity to what can feel incredibly messy, sharing practical ways to start honest conversations, find common ground, and ask for help without resentment taking over. You’ll also hear about the “40–70 rule” for starting these conversations earlier than most families do, and why it’s never too late to begin.Because caregiving doesn’t just impact your parents. It shapes the relationship you’ll have with your siblings long after they’re gone.Resources:Download Dr. Amy's Caregiving Task Planner: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ux37Nh2tbFheByEXYTybn2S88wGR6MDM/view?usp=sharingDownload Dr. Amy's "Essential Conversation Process" Guidehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/14l0w2UKGEOl8bGD18Z-KUdIyIg3OuMIn/view?usp=sharingFollow Dr. Amy D'Aprix:Website: https://www.dramy.life/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramydaprixTo watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.-🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together.29. Celebration of Life vs Funeral: What Really Matters — with event planner Trevor Frankfort
36:18||Season 1, Ep. 29What if saying goodbye felt more like a celebration than a loss?Teri sits down with wedding and event planner Trevor Frankfort to explore how we can rethink end-of-life gatherings in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and even uplifting. Instead of defaulting to tradition, Trevor shares how a celebration of life can reflect who someone truly was, from their favourite music and meals to the stories and moments that defined them.Through real examples, including a concert-style tribute for a music lover and a backyard barbecue filled with family recipes, this conversation shows what’s possible when we shift the focus from mourning to remembering. It is not about ignoring grief, but about creating space for connection, laughter, and authenticity alongside it.Teri and Trevor also walk through the practical side of planning. What questions should you ask ahead of time? How do you structure a meaningful event? What role can things like location, speakers, or even livestreaming play in bringing people together?At its core, this episode is about intention. About asking what truly honours a life, and having the courage to do things differently.Whether you are planning ahead, supporting someone else, or simply starting to think about these conversations, this episode offers both guidance and inspiration for creating a farewell that feels as unique as the person it celebrates.Resources:Follow Trevor Frankfort:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treventsplanner/zTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@treventsplannerWebsite: https://trevents.ca/To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPodFollow The Hart Of It All:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehartofitallpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehartofitallpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehartofitallpodFollow Teri Hart:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihartCo-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 DigitalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digitalWebsite: https://www.6of1digital.com/I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.-🟡 About The Hart of it AllA podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together.