Part 2 with Dr. Lyn Weinberg, geriatrician at Allegheny Health Network.

When someone gets diagnosed with cancer, they're surrounded by resources. Dementia? "Here's your prescription, good luck."

Dr. Weinberg gets it because she's fighting to change it. She shares why families are left to figure this out alone, what happened during Darah and Alana's two-day hospital vigil with their dad, and the programs proving that dementia care doesn't have to be this hard.

This is about more than medical terms. It's about families who deserve better.

Dr. Lyn Weinberg has been a geriatrician with Allegheny Health Network since 2013 and is now director of the geriatrics division for AHN Primary Care Institute. She specializes in Geriatric Medicine and Internal Medicine, and is affiliated with West Penn Hospital, Allegheny General Hospital, Forbes Hospital, and Temple University Hospital.

• Ask a Doc: Dementia and Caregiving

• Pennsylvania Department of Aging: pa.gov/agencies/aging
• Local Resources: pa.gov/agencies/aging/local-resources

• Website: alz.org
• 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900

• Aging Brain Care Program | AHN
• Dr. Malaz Boustani
• GUIDE Model (Medicare)
• Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
• AHN HELP Program Recognition

This is the woman who answered when we didn't know who else to call. Dr. Lyn Weinberg—Lloyd's gerontologist, the reason we got to speak at the AHN Aging Brain Caregiver Conference, and honestly, one of the most important people in our caregiving journey.

We found her by accident. We were desperate, calling doctors who no longer existed, until someone at AHN listened to us fall apart on the phone and connected us to Dr. Weinberg. And from that first appointment, we knew: this is what good care looks like.

In Part 1 of 3 conversation, Dr. Weinberg gets real about why she chose geriatrics (spoiler: it started with painting nails in nursing homes as a kid), why there are only a handful of geriatricians for an entire region of aging adults, and what happens when you're a doctor who feels everything your patients' families are going through because you know it's coming for you too. She also shares how she takes care of herself so she can keep showing up for families like ours, and offers advice for caregivers who are struggling to find the specialized care their loved ones need.

In Part 2 we dive into the programs and resources Dr. Weinberg is championing some national, some right here in Pittsburgh for people living with dementia and Alzheimer's. If you've ever felt lost in the healthcare system, this episode is for you.

Alana and Darah are ditching "new year, new you" and getting real about setting goals that actually work when you're a caregiver. From derailed travel dreams to delayed doctor appointments, they're sharing how caregiving impacts your plans and what to do about it.

In this continuation with Pastor Melanie Davis, we dive deeper into the realities of walking alongside family members through ALS diagnoses.

Melanie shares how her faith has been both tested and strengthened through caregiving, the tension between her pastoral calling and family care demands, and finding grace in the hardest moments. This episode is for anyone torn between their calling and caregiving responsibilities, or searching for hope in impossible circumstances

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of grief, death, and loss that may be difficult for some listeners. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 | Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

The holidays can be the hardest time for caregivers and those grieving loved ones. Darah and Alana are joined by their cousin, Pastor Melanie, who shares how she honors her parents through Reese's Cup ornaments, generous giving, and creating joy even in hospital rooms.

This honest conversation explores the balance of acknowledging grief while still celebrating, from crying while making potatoes on Christmas Eve to having seafood boils instead of traditional dinners. You'll hear about singing Christmas carols at funerals, celebrating holidays early when time is limited, and why it's okay to say "I can't do it this year."

For caregivers and anyone navigating loss during the holidays, this episode reminds us that joy and sorrow can coexist, and the best way to honor those we've lost is to keep living.

Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Alana and Darah sit down with their cousin Pastor Melanie Davis to discuss her lifelong caregiving journey, from caring for their grandmother as a teenager to walking three family members through genetic ALS, including her own mother.

Melanie shares the emotional reality of fatal diagnoses, the battle between faith and fear, and why she considers eulogizing both her parents within three months of each other the greatest honor of her life. A powerful conversation about finding God in grief and the sacred work of being present for those we love.

This is part 1 of 2

Trigger Warning: Terminal illness, death, and grief.

In this raw and emotional episode, Darah and Alana share the painful reality of watching their father Lloyd transform from a fun-loving, hug-giving dad into someone they barely recognize. They discuss the anxiety, guilt, and grief of caregiving when dementia changes everything from inappropriate behaviors to forgotten graduations. This episode covers the complicated feelings of visiting a parent who sometimes calls you the wrong name, the financial strain of caregiving, and why they still try to create joyful moments despite it all.

A necessary conversation for anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia tissue warning advised.

Topics: Alzheimer's caregiving, dementia, parental care, caregiver guilt, behavioral changes, memory care facilities

Part