Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support

Thrive With Holistic Dementia Treatments. Beyond Medication: Exploring Holistic Approaches to Dementia Care Dementia is a progressive condition impacting millions globally.While there's currently no cure,there are ways to manage symptoms,improve quality of life for those living with dementia,and offer invaluable support to caregivers. Care goes beyond medication. This episode dives into the world of holistic treatments that support the overall well-being of individuals with dementia. Learn how: Cannabis and CBD offer potential relief:Discover the emerging research on using these substances to manage specific dementia symptoms, while understanding the importance of professional guidance. Natural therapies empower your loved one:Explore the benefits of cognitive stimulation therapy, exercise, and creative outlets like music or art therapy. Nutrition plays a vital role:Learn how dietary choices and supplements like omega-3s and antioxidants can contribute to cognitive health. Personalized care matters most:Discover how tailoring these holistic approaches to your loved one's unique needs can optimize their well-being. Join us as we explore the power of holistic dementia care and empower you to create a more comprehensive support system for your loved one. Our Guest: Megan Mbengue is the founder of TrustedCannaNurse.com. They are here to help guide you through nurse formulated CBD products, cannabis consultations, and microdosing programs. Megan is part of the podcast because she wanted to inform you of what's available, the best ways to use holistic and plant based medicines, and dispel the myths and stigma behind plant based treatments. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Brain Protection with Micro-dosing THC? Before There’s a Cure – CBD? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offersconfidential supportdelivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, theirexpert-guidedtexts providepersonalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly textstailored to your situation Actionable strategiesto cope and move forward Support for those who care about you(optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order. With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Navigate & Overcome Caregiver Guilt. Feeling Guilty as a Caregiver? You're Not Alone. Here's How to Move Forward. Do feelings of guilt weigh heavily on you as you care for your loved one with dementia? You're not alone. This episode offers practical strategies to manage caregiver guilt and find peace of mind. We'll explore: Why guilt is common:Understanding the underlying causes of caregiver guilt. Letting go of perfection:Learn to prioritize your well-being and accept that doing your best is enough. The power of self-care:Discover techniques to recharge and manage caregiver stress. Building a support network:Learn how joining support groups or talking to a counselor can make a difference. Celebrating your victories:Shift your focus to acknowledge your successes, big or small. Recognizing your dedication:Accept that your hard work and love are invaluable, even if you experience guilt. Join us as we break down the cycle of caregiver guilt and empower you to navigate this challenging journey with greater self-compassion and resilience. Our Guest Darlene Fuchs is the author of Get In The Boat a memoir, based on the journals of hr father, Richard Sonnichsen. Get In The Boat is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring exploration of the enduring power of love, faith, and resilience in the face of life's most difficult challenges. Darlene has also been a caregiver in every possible manner. She is very familiar with all the emotions intertwined with caregiving. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Caregiver Guilt – Before, During & After Caring for the Caregivers: A Self-Care Revolution ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please Support Our Sponsors So We Can Continue To Bring The Show to You For Free ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

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 about their own care? Advance directives: A voice for the future:Can these documents truly reflect a person's wishes in the later stages of dementia? Balancing autonomy and compassion:How do we navigate the ethical considerations of respecting a patient's choices while ensuring a humane and dignified death? Discover practical strategies to facilitate open communication with loved ones about end-of-life wishes. Join us as we delve into the medical, legal, and ethical complexities surrounding death with dignity and dementia. Our Guest: D. Liebhart is a nurse and writer. She writes (and sometimes lives) stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, where they learn that life is rarely predictable and answers to life’s most complex questions are almost never black and white. House on Fire, her debut novel, was long-listed for the 2022 Petrichor Prize. Her essay Thalassophobia (a true account of a very out-of-the-ordinary honeymoon) won the 2021 Linda Julian Creative Nonfiction Prize from Emrys Journal and is now available on her website. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: What Is Death Positivity? The Heart of Caring - Dementia & Hospice ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please Support Our Sponsors So We Can Continue To Bring The Show to You For Free ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Relationship Challenges & Caregiving. Feeling Strained in Your Caregiving Role? Rebuild a Stronger Relationship! Caring for a loved one with a challenging personality can be emotionally draining. This episode offers practical strategies to navigate these complexities and build a more positive caregiving dynamic. Learn how to: Develop empathy and understanding:Discover techniques to see things from your loved one's perspective and address the root causes of difficult behaviors. Set healthy boundaries:Learn how to prioritize your own well-being while effectively caring for your loved one's needs. Communicate openly and compassionately:Develop stronger communication skills to foster a more respectful and supportive relationship. We'll share the inspiring story of a daughter who transformed her caregiving experience by shifting her perspective and prioritizing self-care. Discover how you too can create a healthier relationship dynamic and navigate the challenges of caregiving with greater confidence. Our Guest: Sherri Yarborough is caring for her 93 year old mother. She also started Praxis Senior Caregiving Solutions. She realized that to survive caring for her Mom, she was going to have to rectify their past relationship struggles. This episode, she shares how she made that happen.. She earned herPh.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her education as a policy analyst was an invaluable tool for managing the interpersonal changes to the relationship with her mother. Dr. Yarbrough's decade long experience as a family care-giver has taught Dr. Yarbrough the importance of including herself and her needs in the care journey with her mother.Dr. Yarbrough’s ability to view a circumstance from multiple perspectives became the genesis for her Praxis for Care. The Praxis for Care is a strategy that helps family care-givers identify what they need in order to meet the needs of a loved one. The Praxis for Care is the foundation for her motto: care-giving is what you do for your loved one; giving-care is what you do for both of you.She created her business to give family care-givers a resource for navigating the demands of caring for a loved one. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Time Out Caregiver: Resilience, Compassion & Self-Care Accepting Care - A Caregivers Perspective ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please Support Our Sponsors So We Can Continue To Bring The Show to You For Free ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Unlock the Power of Reading for Your Loved One with Dementia! Struggling to find activities that engage your loved one with dementia? Look no further than the power of reading!** In this episode, we'll explore how reading can be a powerful tool to: Maintain cognitive function:Stimulate memory recall and preserve language skills. Promote communication:Engage in conversations around stories and characters. Reduce caregiver burden:Provide a calming activity for your loved one while offering you a well-deserved break. Strengthen your bond:Share the joy of reading together and create lasting memories. We'll share practical tips for choosing the right reading materials and adapting activities for individuals with dementia. Discover how reading can become a source of comfort, connection, and enjoyment for both you and your loved one. Susan Ostrowski is a speech pathologist and co-president of Reading2Connect. She entered senior care in her late 40s and was appalled at what she saw. Residents were simultaneously being under stimulated and over stimulated. The excessive noise and movement around them was often meaningless and of no value to them. At that moment she was determined to contributesomethingto help change the culture of aging. Reading2Connect ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Alzheimer’s Trippin’ With George Bonus – Alzheimer’s Cruising ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please Support Our Sponsors So We Can Continue To Bring The Show to You For Free ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Alzheimer's Across America - Caregiver Experiences. During a concentrated period spent with a loved one who is living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, there is much to be learned. Kari Loya embarked on a long-held dream to cycle cross country with his father, despite the challenges posed by his father's Alzheimer's condition. Over a span of more than two months in close quarters with his father, Kari experienced a transformative journey. Discover the story of his cross-country trip and why it proved to be one of the most intelligent decisions he could have made. Caregiver experiences done right can make the journey much happier for all. Our Guest Kari Loya is an educational leader, executive coach, storyteller, and adventurer. He has worked nearly three decades at a range of innovative educational institutions, beginning with Teach For America in 1993 and serving most recently as headmaster at the Good Hope Country Day School in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He is also an Emmy-winning bilingual voice talent Kari Loyle, musical artist (https://kariloya.bandcamp.com), and author (Conversations Across America; My Top 40 at 40). Kari spoke at TEDx UC Davis in April 2022 on the theme of “Metamorphosis.” He holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Columbia University. He currently lives with his wife and daughter in Sugar Land, Texas. Grab The Book Here ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related episodes: Running All Over The World Dementia Advocate - Using Cycling To Remove Stigma ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp. Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] Or learn more at Our Website

Manage Caregiver Grief. My Mom didn’t remember her husband had died. Since she thought I was her best friend, it was hard not to be able to share Dad memories with her.Caring for someone who doesn't remember the death of a loved one presents unique emotional and practical challenges. The caregiver must navigate the delicate balance between honesty and protecting their loved one from the pain of loss repeatedly. Witnessing their confusion and distress can be emotionally draining. It's essential to offer reassurance and comfort while maintaining their dignity and sense of autonomy. Potential solutions include redirecting conversations away from the topic of the deceased, engaging in activities that bring joy and distraction, and creating a supportive environment with familiar routines. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and family members can also provide much-needed emotional support for both the caregiver and their loved one. Additionally, practicing self-care and acknowledging one's own grief is crucial in maintaining resilience while providing care in such challenging circumstances. Our Guest Carlos Olivas is caring for his Dad, Carlos Olivas, Jr. aka Charlie Robot. Carlos got this name from a family friend who was impressed by his tireless and achieving efforts. "Charlie" has been on a creative journey his entire life. While managing the struggles of day-to-day dementia care, Carlos has to manage the emotions present since the death of his brother. Dad doesn't remember his other son is gone, making the emotional juggling act harder. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related episodes: Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp. Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] Or learn more at Our Website

Embarking on journeys with a loved one living with dementia isn't just about moving from one place to another; it's about weaving a tapestry of unforgettable moments. Despite the hurdles, travel becomes a beacon of joy, a sanctuary from the mundane. Exploring new horizons becomes a catalyst, lighting up forgotten corners of the mind and kindling sparks of connection. Together, these shared adventures become lifelines, knitting hearts closer and dispelling the shadows of isolation. In the embrace of unfamiliar landscapes, there's a magical alchemy at play - where every smile, every whispered conversation, becomes a cherished gem in the mosaic of memories. Through travel, we defy the boundaries of circumstance, crafting experiences that transcend time, leaving an indelible mark on the journey of caregiving. About Our Guest Lizette Cloete, an Occupational Therapist and a daughter on this unique journey with you. She has just returned from an Elite Cruises & Vacation where she was part of the support staff for caregivers. With over 30 years as an Occupational Therapist, Lizette has been the “navigator” in many caregiving journeys, guiding 1000’s families through their often turbulent journey into calmer skies while dementia caregiving. Today she's telling you how to make vacation memories a reality. Think Different Dementia Website ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related episodes: Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp. Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] Or learn more at Our Website

Essential Caregiver Knowledge = Zen From Zero Navigating the relentless journey of caregiving, fraught with challenges that threaten to overwhelm, requires comprehensive knowledge. Each decision feels like a weight, each responsibility a burden too heavy to bear alone. But amidst the chaos, this week's guest offers solace and sanctuary. Alex brings a wealth of insights, understanding legal complexities, financial burdens, and medical care intricacies like no other. This knowledge was gained from caring for one parent, then the other. What she learned from caring for her Dad, she used to maintain her sanity while caring for her Mom. With her guidance, you'll find the strength to confront challenges. Legal understanding becomes a shield against uncertainty, financial literacy empowers against scarcity, and medical awareness ensures proper care. Investing in caregiver knowledge is a lifeline, promising to lift burdens and breathe new life into weary souls. So heed their wisdom, for it holds the promise of peace, security, and the comfort of knowing you're not alone in this journey. About Our Guest - Alexandra Free Having spent twenty years working in live television I had become a pro at putting out fires when they popped up. No matter how much you may have rehearsed for a show, when the cameras start rolling, you just never know what can happen. Your brain learns to problem solve at warp speed, so that if a situation does arise, you’re usually ready for it. Although, no amount of prepping could have prepared me for what laid ahead with my mother, I knew I needed a plan. A plan on how I was going to care for her. A plan on how I was going to afford that care. And a plan on how to navigate this new and final chapter of our lives. So, I packed up my life and my TV career in Los Angeles and moved back to the east coast to be closer to her, and to the rest of my family. Through trial and error and a lot of research, I managed to navigate the next decade of my mother’s care with fortitude and grace. Avoiding being crushed both financially and mentally by the situation, and actually becoming a better and stronger person because of it. I truly wish you didn’t have to be here. I honestly wish I had never been there myself. But if everything my mother and I went through means that I can help you in some way, shape, or form, then at least it all wouldn’t have been in vain. xo, Lex ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related episodes: Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp. Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] Or learn more at Our Website

Living with Alzheimer's can be challenging, but lifestyle changes play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive health. Regular physical exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, staying mentally active through puzzles or learning new skills, socializing, and managing stress can all help preserve cognitive function. These changes may not stop the progression of Alzheimer's, but they can significantly improve quality of life and potentially delay symptoms. About Our Guest Alzheimer's is scary. But you can still find ways to be you after the diagnosis. Rebecca Chopp never expected a routine annual checkup to uncover symptoms that ultimately revealed she has early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The news was devastating. After recovering from the shock and grappling with the changes Alzheimer's meant for her life plans, Rebecca knew the next steps: retire from her stressful job leading the University of Denver, hold on to the core of herself for as long as possible, and find ways each day to live well so that her remaining time with her family and friends can be as rich and meaningful as possible. This honest and hope-filled book--Still Me--chronicles Rebecca's efforts, with the help of her family, friends, and medical team, to reshape her life for a healthy and vibrant approach to living with Alzheimer's, showing that an illness does not define us. Rebecca also provides thoughtful questions, encouragement, and suggestions for those living with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, and those who fear the diagnosis. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related episodes: Dementia Patients Can Remember: Joy Ride to Past Lives Yes, And: Experience Comedy in Dementia Caregiving ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp. Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Contact Jen at [email protected] Visit our website Fading Memories Podcast