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…

The transformative p…

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 communication, stimulation, and joy. Activities such as painting, music, or dance can help to re…

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 car…

When a family gets a…

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, or confused.Supportive Caregiving:Find Age-Appropriate Tasks: Let them help with simple task…

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 wit…

Frontotemporal demen…

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 crucial for providing the best care and support to both patients and their families. Our Guest:…

A Path Revealed, Carlen MadduxElevate 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-…

A Path Revealed, Car…

A Path Revealed, Carlen MadduxElevate 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, turns fifty, she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Carlen and Martha find themselves freefalling, wi…

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 diagn…

Navigating modern, m…

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 with your loved one's core identity. Imagine, for instance, a former teacher with a passion …

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…

Parkinson's disease …

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 AckermanDr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son) is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and Education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/20…

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 su…

Your questions answe…

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 precautions is essential for navigating this journey. Our Guest: Valarie DrownWhen it com…

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 he…

Please enjoy this re…

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 characters, the story reminds us that while life may not unfold as we originally planned,getting creative a…

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, …

This is a rebroadcas…

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 Fading Memories. A show focused on sharing advice, Wisdom, and hope, for caregivers and by caregivers…

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 pla…

Please enjoy this "t…

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. What challenges did Susan encounter? How can she enjoy the present - a journey across the U.S.A - whil…

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 re…

Imagine a style of y…

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 of those living with cognitive decline. Our Guest: Stacie WyattAs a yoga teacher with over 1…

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 Pe…

Please enjoy this re…

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 America, Canada & the United Kingdom can be prohibitively expensive. Many families are faced with ch…

Fixing it Together Navigating the healthcare system as a woman can be an uphill battle, with symptoms frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or attributed to psychological causes. In this eye-opening epi…

Fixing it Together N…

Fixing it Together Navigating the healthcare system as a woman can be an uphill battle, with symptoms frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or attributed to psychological causes. In this eye-opening episode, you'll learn how to advocate for yourself and receive the quality care you deserve despite the systemic gender biases that persist in medicine. Discover why women face higher rates of misdiagnosis and unexplained symptoms, and gain invaluable strategies for effectively communicating your concerns to healthcare providers. From understanding your rights as a patient to asking the right questi…

Enriching Memory Care: Meaningful Mind Stimulation for Wellbeing. Memory care is a specialized type of elder care tailored for the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other types of …

Enriching Memory Car…

Enriching Memory Care: Meaningful Mind Stimulation for Wellbeing. Memory care is a specialized type of elder care tailored for the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other types of memory issues. Deterioration of memory for those affected can often be distressing, one crucial aspect that healthcare providers and families must not overlook is the importance of engaging in activities that promote brain health. Despite the misconception that mental engagement is futile for those in memory care settings, it's essential to recognize that mental stimulation goes beyond retaining n…

"Beat Burnout - 52 Weeks of Self-Care" explores innovative ways to prevent caregiver burnout with Simon Gidney from A Mind to Care. Discover his story of creating an activity Therapy system to engage …

"Beat Burnout - 52 W…

"Beat Burnout - 52 Weeks of Self-Care" explores innovative ways to prevent caregiver burnout with Simon Gidney from A Mind to Care. Discover his story of creating an activity therapy system to engage loved ones with dementia, providing much-needed respite for caregivers. Learn how simple puzzles and games can therapeutically enhance cognitive function while evoking positive emotions. But self-care goes beyond activities - Simon shares his prompted journal designed to help caregivers prioritize their own well-being over 52 weeks. If you're at risk of burnout while caring for someone with Alzhei…

The (Not So) Subtle Secret Weapon For Healthy Eating dives into nutritious meal tips from a caregiver who embraces variety. Learn how to incorporate diverse, flavorful foods into your own Diet without…

The (Not So) Subtle …

The (Not So) Subtle Secret Weapon For Healthy Eating dives into nutritious meal tips from a caregiver who embraces variety. Learn how to incorporate diverse, flavorful foods into your own diet without feeling deprived. Healthy eating poses unique challenges when caring for someone with dementia. Our guest shares invaluable insights on encouraging safe, nutritious meals as eating difficulties arise with cognitive decline. From grocery shopping hacks to creative plate presentations, this episode equips you with strategies to make mealtime more appetizing and less stressful for both you and your …

Hearing Loss: Could It Be Affecting Your Brain Health?  Hearing loss is more than just a quiet world - it could be a risk factor for dementia. This episode explores the surprising link between heari…

Hearing Loss: Could …

Hearing Loss: Could It Be Affecting Your Brain Health?  Hearing loss is more than just a quiet world - it could be a risk factor for dementia. This episode explores the surprising link between hearing impairment (alternative keyword: deafness) and cognitive decline. Discover how:Hearing Keeps Your Brain Sharp: Learn about the role of auditory input in maintaining brain function and how hearing loss can impact cognitive processes. The Effort to Hear Takes a Toll: Explore how struggling to understand speech can strain your brain, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. Isolation Fu…

"Caring for Elderly Parents Who Live Alone : The I Am Fine Product Story" shares a son's innovative solution for monitoring his mom's wellbeing from across the country. As a tech entrepreneur, he leve…

"Caring for Elderly …

"Caring for Elderly Parents Who Live Alone : The I Am Fine Product Story" shares a son's innovative solution for monitoring his mom's wellbeing from across the country. As a tech entrepreneur, he leveraged his expertise to develop the I Am Fine system - providing peace of mind for families with elderly parents living independently. Learn how this simple daily call check-in, with customizable call times and backup alerts, can eliminate the stress of juggling your own life demands while ensuring your elderly parent is safe. Gain insights into using Technology to support Aging in place, prevent i…