Caregiver Relief Podcast

Today we are gonna address what are the stages of dementia, the memory, and ability to think. And do routine things declines when you have a diagnosis of dementia. It does not happen all at once. And there's a progression of dementia that can be divided into seven distinct stages. And then we have these stages. The first three are considered the early parts of dementia. The next three stages are f...

Diane Carbo is joined by Alicia Huard to discuss the emotional and practical challenges caregivers face when their caregiving journey ends. Alicia shares her personal story of caregiving, which began in 2007 when her mother suffered a major heart attack. Over the years, Alicia cared for her mother, mother-in-law, and father, all while raising her own children. Her caregiving experiences eventually...

There are physical and medical issues of providing care. There is significant emotional and psychological issues that impact the caregivers themselves. Caregivers often experience a variety of complex emotions during their caregiving journey. The family caregiver is expected to adjust to changes that are expected of them, as they provide that care. The most common emotion that caregivers report is...

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a caregiver a person who provides direct care for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill. Caregiver is a general term. To me it means anyone that supports someone that needs some extra help. This could be a family caregiver, a home health aide, A respite caregiver, a travel companion, a companion or a sitter. You see, in todays world there are many...

Welcome to our deep dive into the groundbreaking book "Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head To Save Your Brain" by Dr. Mitchell Clionsky and Dr. Emily Clionsky. This podcast explores their innovative approach to reducing the risk of dementia through practical, science-backed strategies.

Attention seniors and those who care for them! Did you know that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 1 million paid care workers in the US? Our present public health crisis already puts the burden of caring for older adults and disabled children on family members and friends. Family caregivers provide over $600 billion dollars of unpaid care. These family members are providing this care at the co...

Imagine a world where caregiver robots assist human caregivers in providing personalized care for older adults, disabled individuals, and even children. The future is not far off, and it promises to revolutionize the way we approach caregiving. In today's world we are experiencing a human labor shortage. In our country, we presently have more older people than youth. The decreased birth rates and...

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes. Our movements become less steady, our vision less acute, and our reaction times slower. These changes can lead to an increased risk of falls, which can cause serious injuries and greatly impact our quality of life. But what if we told you that you could significantly reduce your risk of falling by understanding the causes and implementing some simple...

Alzheimer's, a degenerative brain disorder, can bring about subtle yet progressive changes in your thinking abilities and behavior. First signs may include memory problems or difficulty finding the right word. As the disease progresses, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships could become more challenging. Confusion and behavioral changes interfering with daily activity may a...

Dying to Know Straight Talk about Death and Dying? If you are like most people, you are not. There is a growing trend where strangers are meeting in places to discuss end of life issues. As a nurse that has worked with the aging population for most of my life, I have come to be very open about death and dying. I am very comfortable discussing end of life issues. In fact, I was fired from a world-c...

Falls among the elderly are a critical issue, often robbing them of their independence and ability to age in place. IndeeLift emerges as a groundbreaking solution, offering a safe and effective method to assist individuals in getting up from falls. This innovation is particularly significant given the alarming statistics on falls and their impact on seniors' lives. Statistics reveal that falls are...

Navigating the complexities of Medicare, especially the infamous "donut hole" in Part D, can be a daunting task for many. Understanding what the donut hole is, its implications for 2023, and exploring viable solutions like MyFreePharmacyPlan.org are essential for Medicare beneficiaries to manage their prescription drug costs effectively and enjoy savings. This episode delves into the intricacies o...

In a groundbreaking move, the FDA recently approved a new medication for major depression. Meet esketamine, a nasal spray derived from ketamine—an anesthetic that has proven astonishingly effective in treating depression. This approval was expedited because esketamine has shown promise in helping patients with treatment-resistant depression. In fact, one study found that 70 percent of patients who...

When facing a serious illness, navigating the healthcare landscape can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to understand the differences between palliative care and hospice care, two approaches that aim to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. With a fresh perspective on these types of care, we’ll explore their unique benefits, how they compare, and how to choose the right approac...

Imagine being the rock that supports others, consistently providing care and emotional support, but forgetting to care for yourself. For caregivers, the risk of neglecting self-care is all too real. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential practice of mental health self-care for caregivers and provide you with tips and resources to help maintain your well-being while caring for others. Short...

I am a mother of an army veteran that completed suicide. He was a disabled veteran with a chronic pain condition, as well as PTSD and depression. His first attempt to commit suicide was when he was in Madigan Army Medical Center. My son, Geoff had a terrible pain condition, also called the suicide disease. This pain condition, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome caused my son unrelenting pain. A slight...

Imagine having a treasure chest filled with precious memories, sentimental keepsakes, and items that tell the story of your life. Memory boxes are exactly that - a beautiful and functional way to preserve and cherish the moments and memories that make us who we are. In this audiocast, we will explore the importance of memory boxes, different types of memory boxes, and how to create one that is mea...

Have you heard of social robots? They're an autonomous robot designed to interact with humans AND other robots in a way that's socially acceptable (so no awkward robots here!). They convey their intentions in a way that's understandable to us humans, and they're even empowered to work together with their fellow teammates, whether human or robot. To make these interactions work smoothly, social rob...

Imagine a world where seniors, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, can find companionship and emotional support without the burdens of pet ownership. Robotic dogs for seniors are here to make that a reality, transforming the lives of older adults by offering comfort, mental health improvement, and a way to combat loneliness. Short Summary Robotic dogs provide seniors with companionship,...

Is drinking coffee one the the risk factors to develop dementia ? Coffee can be a great pick-me up! The caffeine in coffee is a central nervous system stimulant. With Americans coffee consumption averaging three cups of coffee per day, it's no wonder researchers are wondering how this much-loved beverage affects our brain health. News articles on the topic often report conflicting results - one mo...

It can be difficult dealing with elderly parents that struggle with making the best decisions for their situation, especially if they refuse assistance or advice. But it is possible to communicate with your aging parents effectively. As a primary caregiver it is possible to help them take charge of ensuring healthy choices are made, while still allowing autonomy and independence. Start by not fall...

Depression is a serious mental health issue that can take many forms. Feeling depressed can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. Clinical depression, also known as major depression, is not just feeling down for a few days; it's persistent sadness and lack of interest that affects how one thinks, feels, and functions on an everyday basis.

If you're caring for an elderly family member, you may be interested in becoming a paid caregiver. The good news is that all 50 states offer some kind of r family caregiver support program to become paid caregivers through a Medicaid waiver program such as "Cash and Counseling" initiative. These programs are known as "consumer-directed care" or "self-directed services", meaning the care recipient...

The journey into the golden years should be filled with joy and peace of mind, but the uncertainty surrounding long-term care expenses can cast a shadow over this anticipated period. Fear not, for there are alternatives to traditional long-term care insurance that can help you navigate the complexities of planning for the future. This audiocast will guide you through various alternatives, helping...

Are you in search of a senior-friendly smartphone that combines simplicity, functionality, and peace of mind? Look no further than the Jitterbug Smart3, a phone designed specifically for older adults who desire an easy-to-use device without sacrificing modern features. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the world of the Jitterbug Smart3, from its thoughtful design to its health and safety s...