The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area (AAACAP) joined another local interviewee on new national podcast series launched to explore one of the most pressing, and often overlooked, issues shaping today’s workforce and economy — unpaid family caregivers. Their featured episode discussed the need for caregivers to understand the importance of legal planning.
Shirley Trapani, AAACAP’s special projects manager, shared the microphone with Austin elder law attorney, Terry Garrett — a regular speaker and advocate for older adults and caregivers to understand their legal needs. The pair discussed essential legal documents, benefits, and finance protections for caregivers and their loved ones. They also discussed how organizations, such as AAACAP, can assist caregivers in navigating financial and legal challenges.
“It’s invaluable to participate in opportunities to educate others,” said Trapani about being on the podcast. “Helping caregivers is something I deeply believe in, and by giving them information on difficult topics like financial strains or advanced care planning, hopefully we came make a positive impact or at least alleviate some stressors.”
The duo is featured in episode four of The Care Economy: Practical Approaches to Family Caregiving and Financial Well-Being, which launched in April. It was created by the University of Southern California’s Center for Advancing Family Caregiver Financial and Workplace Security and funded by an Administration for Community Living, American Community Living Grant. The podcast examines how systems can better protect family caregivers’ financial stability while strengthening workforce participation and community resilience.
“The goal of The Care Economy is to make sense of caregiving’s financial realities — not just for families, but for employers and policymakers as well,” said Maureen Feldman, the podcast’s host and producer who is a former family caregiver and longtime leader in aging, caregiving, and social connection initiatives. “Caregiving doesn’t happen in isolation. It affects financial security, workforce stability, and long-term economic health.”
Each episode offers practical insights and real-world perspectives, highlighting innovative approaches, emerging models, and actionable strategies that can support caregivers — and the professionals who serve them — at every level.
Listen or Watch the episode four of The Care Economy, Understanding the Legal Landscape of Care.
