In this episode of Growing Up Grieving, host Cait Medugno and co-host Alyssa Shepard talk with friend and former coworker Sara Tomaselli about the realities of being a primary caregiver for her father before his passing. Sara opens up about what happens after caregiving ends—the mountain of paperwork, the endless phone calls with corporations that show little empathy, and why something as simple as getting enough death certificates can make all the difference.

This conversation goes beyond the emotional weight of grief to highlight the practical side of loss—the to-do list no one prepares you for.

Sara shares her honest experiences navigating financial and legal responsibilities, and learning how to advocate for herself during an overwhelming time.

If you’ve ever been a caregiver, or know you may be one in the future, this episode offers validation, guidance, and hard-earned insights about what it really takes to support a loved one at the end of life—and how to care for yourself in the process.