Episodes

Caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming. But imagine a world where stress melts away, and moments of tranquility are within reach. Discover relaxation techniques tailored for caregivers, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and guided imagery. Learn how these practices can nurture your mind and body, and help you find peace even in the most challenging times. Join us as we explore the science behind relaxation and discover how to incorporate these techniques into your daily routin...

Facing a Difficult Choice: Death with Dignity and Dementia Death with dignity, also known as medical aid in dying, offers terminally ill individuals the right to control their end-of-life decisions. But what happens when dementia enters the equation? This episode tackles the complex ethical and legal challenges surrounding death with dignity for individuals with dementia. We'll explore: The challenges of cognitive decline: How does dementia impact a person's ability to make informed decisions...

Discover the power of fun and engaging activities for individuals living with dementia. Learn how these activities can improve mood, stimulate cognitive function, and foster meaningful connections. Explore a variety of ideas, from simple crafts to outdoor adventures, and find the perfect activities to match your loved one's interests. Learn tips for making these experiences fun and enjoyable for both you and your loved one. Fun and engaging activities are an essential tool for caregivers. Our l...

Offering something everyone on the Alzheimer's path needs, knowledge, is one of the benefits of adding an Alzheimer's cruise to your vacation list. This one-of-a-kind cruise is a unique experience for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's and their care partners. Cruising together you'll gain valuable knowledge, important friendships, and happy memories. In this podcast episode, I talk to Lisa Marie Chirco, the woman behind this cruise. With an extensive background in event planning as well...

Caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment is demanding and can take a toll on your own mental health. It's essential to prioritize your well-being. Creyos is a new tool designed to help protect your mental health by providing a clear picture of your stress levels and coping mechanisms. By understanding your own needs, you can better support both yourself and your loved one. Early identification of caregiver stress allows for timely intervention and support, ensuring you're equipped to han...

The Savvy Caregiver Program is a training program for caregivers like you. Caregiving is a role far different from being a spouse or child. Those terms describe relationships. Assisting and guiding someone who is living with a chronic illness is the definition of caregiving. It is work. The caregiving role has a “job description”. Putting together the tasks, the helping, the cleaning up, watching, worrying, everything make up the caregivers job description. Hiring someone to do what you do isn'...

Dementia and parents' health necessitate essential conversations. Discussing their care preferences, financial management,and desired living arrangements is crucial. Addressing potential cognitive impairment, healthcare needs, and financial decisions empowers both you and your parents. Openly exploring options like assisted living or in-home care ensures preparedness and peace of mind. These conversations, while challenging, foster a deeper understanding and strengthen your bond. Our Guest: Ash...

Patricia Boswell The Heart of Caregiving: From Denial to Self-Care and Fulfillment. Navigating the intricate journey of dementia caregiving involves a transformative shift from denial to embracing self-care and finding fulfillment. This metamorphosis captures the essence of "The Heart of Caregiving," where caregivers confront the challenges with resilience. From acknowledging the harsh reality of dementia to prioritizing their own well-being, caregivers embark on a profound voyage that not only...

The transformative power of creativity can be a balm for both individuals living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. For caregivers, engaging in artistic endeavors provides a much-needed respite from the demands of caregiving, offering a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect with their own creative spirit. This self-care is essential to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being. For the person with cognitive impairment, creative expression offers a unique avenue for communi...

Exhausted from caring for someone with dementia? You're not alone. This episode, More Caring for the Caregiver dives deep into practical self-care strategies specifically for dementia caregivers. Learn how to prioritize your own well-being,manage stress, and avoid burnout. We'll explore tips for finding pockets of time for yourself, setting boundaries, and fostering a support network. Discover how caring for yourself can actually make you a better caregiver for your loved one. ++++++++++++++++...

When a family gets a diagnosis of a dementia causing disease, it's normal to want to shield kids and even teens from the news. However, with the right support, they can be an invaluable supportive caregiver to their loved one. Here are some tips on how to help them navigate that role. Open Communication: Talk Honestly: Explain dementia in an age-appropriate way. Address their fears and frustrations openly. Listen Actively: Validate their feelings. Let them know it's okay to feel sad, angry, o...

Time Out Caregiver: Resilience, Compassion & Self-Care. Seventy percent of us will need care before we die. When you're already living with a challenging disease, taking on the role of caregiving is hard. We do it anyway and rarely think of the consequences to ourselves. What happens when you can no longer manage the day-to-day responsibility? "One thing that has become increasingly evident to me is the unexpected outcome of providing exceptional care: the continuation of life. It makes me ques...

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a dementia distinct from Alzheimer's in the brain regions affected and symptoms that arise. While memory loss is a key feature of Alzheimer's, FTD often presents with personality changes, behavioral issues,and difficulty with language. This difference significantly impacts caregiving. An FTD patient might require more assistance with managing emotions or navigating social situations compared to someone with Alzheimer's. Recognizing these unique aspects of FTD is...

A Path Revealed, Carlen Maddux Elevate your well-being and sense of accomplishment through caregiver goals, a crucial aspect of self-care. Delve into the transformative power of meditation as a self-care technique, exploring its benefits in the context of caregiving. Discover how setting goals can provide a guiding light in the challenging landscape of caregiving. Meet our guest, Carlen, as he shares a poignant journey. Just days after Martha Maddux, a spirited mother, and civic activist, turn...

Navigating modern, meaningful caregiving. When caring for someone with dementia, their past is key to their present. Understanding their life story – their passions, values, and beliefs before diagnosis – equips caregivers to navigate a more meaningful care journey. These details aren't relics of the past; they are the very essence of who your loved one is, even when memories dim. By sharing this personal narrative with healthcare professionals, you empower them to make choices that resonate wi...

Self care is more than bubble baths & wine. Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a glass of wine. Caregivers frequently hear, “you have to take care of yourself,” but they seldom hear how to make that happen. They're also rarely offered the assistance they need that would allow them time for self-care. If you want to demolish the feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and bitterness, you need to learn how to become a Warrior of Light. That is the title of my guest's book. Eileen Silverberg is a care...

Parkinson's disease advocacy is vital in the fight for a cure. Without public awareness and ongoing funding, research progress can stall. Advocacy efforts raise money for crucial research, educate the public about the disease, and create a sense of urgency. Every conversation about Parkinson's disease brings us closer to a future without this debilitating condition. Our Guest: Dr. George Ackerman Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son) is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the...

Please enjoy our last travel related rebroadcast. We hope you've been enjoying these older episodes! Travel with Dementia: Creating Unforgettable Moments, One Journey at a Time Traveling with a loved one with dementia can feel daunting. But what if it could be more? This episode explores the transformative power of travel for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Discover how travel can: Spark Joy and Break Routines: Escape the daily routine and create a sense of adventure for your...

Your questions answered & finding local support. After a dementia diagnosis, finding local support is crucial. This could include adult day care programs, which provide social activities and supervision in a safe setting. In-home care services can offer assistance with daily tasks and personal care. For families who need more intensive support, residential care facilities provide full-time care. No matter the chosen path, understanding dementia basics like communication strategies and safety pre...

Please enjoy this rebroadcast of Blue Hydrangeas. We're sharing past episodes that are about travel, or feel like travel. You'll definitely feel like you're in Cape Cod when you read the book after hearing from the author. Blue Hydrangeas is a heartwarming novel that tackles the difficult realities of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's. It delves into the emotional journey of a partner who must re-evaluate what "everything" means in the face of this disease.Through beautifully crafted charact...

This is a rebroadcast of the Humanity Unlocked podcast. I thought that you would enjoy hearing more of my story through the lens of a family just starting on this journey. Humanity Unlocked is a new, independent podcast and it's important to support independent creators like myself. In this episode we are discussing the topic of Alzheimers disease, and what life look might look like after a loved one receives this diagnosis. My guest today is Jennifer Fink. Jennifer is the host of the podcast F...

Please enjoy this "trippin" rebroadcast about a reluctant caregiver and her dementia decision. What do you do when your spouse is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease? Do you run for the hills or plan a 10,000-mile trip? Thankfully, today's guest planned the trip, blogged about it, and turned her experiences into two books! Alzheimer's Trippin' with George is a brutally honest journal of one spouse and reluctant caregiver who "ran for the hills." Of course, she took her husband George along. Wha...

Imagine a style of yoga that fosters deep acceptance and empowers individuals, regardless of their limitations. This practice combines gentle movement and mindfulness to help people with dementia reconnect with their sense of self and find purpose in the present moment. Through touch and movement, participants experience a sense of well-being and cultivate a strong foundation for living well with dementia. This episode explores the unique benefits of this approach and how it can enrich the lives...

Please enjoy this rebroadcast of an episode based in Peru. We're sharing Travel related episodes for your enjoyment this summer. How can getting eldercare for someone with Alzheimer's be better in Peru? To begin with, the cost of living is so much lower in Peru than in the United States. Instead of $600 a day, Barabra Drakes father lived like a king on $600 a month. If you're listening to this episode, you may be facing terrifying options for a loved one. The cost of care in countries like Ame...