Dementia Spotlight Podcast

On Wednesday, February 28th, Ms. Sara McCunnie, who is registered architect in both New Zealand and Australia, talks to Bobbi and Mike about some strategies where color and patterns can play a role in dementia caregiving.  Stop back on the 28th for Sara's full episode. To follow us on Twitter - @bobbicarducci2  -and-  @michaelcarducc4 (c) 2023-2025 Carducci Caregiving Consulting

"Having your mother turn on you, looking at you with an evil expression and rant at you like you’re an idiot while making no sense herself, is maddening and breaking my spirit. Saying, she can’t help it” does not make it hurt less. I’m so sad." The emotional "roller coaster" is very real and takes a severe toll on caregivers.  Bobbi and Mike provide some helpful insights on tod...

On Wednesday, February 28th, Ms. Sara McCunnie, who is registered architect in both New Zealand and Australia, talks to Bobbi and Mike about some strategies where color and patterns can play a role in dementia caregiving.  Stop back on the 28th for Sara's full episode. To follow us on Twitter - @bobbicarducci2  -and-  @michaelcarducc4 (c) 2023-2025 Carducci Caregiving Consulting

Bobbi and Mike talk to Ms. Kay Bransford about Powers of Attorney, Money Manager vs. Financial Advisor, and taking care of the financial aspects of your loved ones. Kay took care of her parents’ finances when they were diagnosed with dementia and that experience led her to pursue a passion of helping other families prepare for the financial aspects of caregiving.  She has an award-winning blog cal...

On Wednesday, February 14th, Ms. Kay Bransford talks to Bobbi and Mike about Powers of Attorney, Money Manager vs. Financial Advisor among other items dealing with the finances for your loved ones.  Stop back on the 14th for Kay's full episode. To follow us on Twitter - @bobbicarducci2  -and-  @michaelcarducc4 Click here to follow the Dementia Spotlight Facebook Page (c) 2023-2025 Carducci Ca...

Bobbi and Mike provide some helpful insights for the following caregiver's issue on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk: "I Can’t get my LO to change. Mother had been wearing the same outfit for months. They are filthy and torn. We can’t find similar clothes as she bought them over 10 years ago. When we try to get her to wear something new, she throws a fit.  She does...

Coming Attraction :  On February 14th, Ms. Kay Bransford talks to Bobbi and Mike about Powers of Attorney, Money Manager vs. Financial Advisor among other items dealing with the finances for your loved ones.  Stop back on the 14th. (c) 2023-2025 Carducci Caregiving Consulting

This type of frustration is very real and very common among caregivers.    Bobbi and Mike provide some insights and tips to help ease the frustration for both the caregiver and the person with dementia on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk. Interesting and informative guests will join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.  On the opposite Wednesdays, we will provide...

In this episode, Bobbi and Mike talk with caregiver, author, and educator Donna Thomson about the possibility of 2024 being the year of the caregiver, caregiving as project management, caring across generations, and caregiving essentials. Donna is Director and co-designer of the Family Engagement in Research Courses and Program and facilitates the Caregiving Essentials Cours at McMaster University...

Great Question!  Bobbi and Mike provide a very basic understanding between Power of Attorney and Guardianship on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk.  It is in everyone's best interest to consult with an elder law attorney to get these documents in place BEFORE you need them . Interesting and informative guests will join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.  On...

Speaking of controversial issues others tend to avoid, Bobbi and Mike discuss their feeling on these new drugs that are very dangerous, and the FDA which is "fast track" approving these drugs...and why! *** REXULTI (brexpiprazole) · Cerebrovascular Disease · Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome · Tardive Dyskinesia · Hyperglycemia · LDL and HDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides ·Low white blood ce...

We wish you, our listeners, a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year.  Bobbi and I will be away this week so there will not be an regular episode on Wednesday, January 10.  We will provide an episode on Saturday, January 13 and then resume our regular schedule of weekly podcasts on the following Wednesday (Jan 17th). Mike (c) 2023-2025 Carducci Caregiving Consulting

Bobbi and Mike provide some helpful insights for the following caregiver's issue on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk:  "I'm in a bit of a dilemma, my mom, who has dementia, went into the hospital last week for internal bleeding.  The hospital wants to discharge her, and I said no.  She was in ICU, intubated and restrained and now seems worse and started sundow...

Bobbi and Mike provide some helpful tips for the following caregiver's question on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk:  "My mom told me that for three nights a dog has been in the tree outside her window. He’s stretched out on a branch and holds on to it with his back feet. He is brown and white and looks at her. What can I do? " It's not uncommon for perso...

Bobbi and Mike discuss the different (5 most common) forms of dementia that fall under the dementia umbrella and provide resource information.  Having some understanding of the different forms of dementia can help access the right resources that are available. The five most common forms of dementia.  You can click on the links to find out more information and resources regarding each: Alzheimer&ap...

Bobbi and Mike provide some helpful tips for the following caregiver's issue on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk:  "Oh My God is it just me? I was helping mom put her bra on and she was having trouble adjusting it. I just couldn’t bring myself to help her with her under boob. Ugh!" Check out the episode for Bobbi and Mike's helpful tips to handle the situ...

Bobbi and Mike provide some helpful tips for the following caregiver's issue on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk:  "My dad was diagnosed last year with early onset Parkinson’s/dementia. He was fine, walking a mile a day. Then one day he had a problem and needed to have surgery. Since the surgery he’s been a different person, he’s been in the hospital a month recove...

In this episode, Bobbi and Mike talk with Darlene Fuchs who watched both of her parents struggle with dementia and shares the invaluable lessons learned along the way.  She hopes her story of their memory becomes a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges in their lives. Following her mother's (Gail) dementia diagnosis, her father (Richard) became her primary caregiver, show...

Bobbi and Mike answer the following caregiver's question on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk:  "What’s their freaking fascination with calling the police?  I have to take his phone away as he keeps calling 911." Frustrating indeed!  Check out the episode for Bobbi and Mike's recommendations. Interesting and informative guests will join us on the 2nd and 4...

In this episode, Bobbi and Mike talk with " Sharon's Son ", Dr. George Ackerman about Parkinson's Disease awareness. Dr. Ackerman, with his family created TogetherForSharon ® for the purpose of keeping his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive, and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Together For Sharon | Par...

Bobbi and Mike answer the following caregiver's question on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk:  "Has anyone’s loved one had fake pain? My mom says she has pain for a few moments then is fine. It’s been going on for a few weeks. We took her to ER and there is nothing wrong." The short answer is "yes".  Check out the episode for Bobbi and Mike's mo...

In this episode, Neurologist Dr. Daniel Potts talks with Bobbi and Mike about how people diagnosed with dementia are still living and deserve the support needed to help them live as well as possible through the trauma and losses they face.  They also discuss his father’s transformation from saw miller to watercolor artist in the throes of dementia through person-centered care and the expressive ar...

Bobbi and Mike answer the following caregiver's question on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk:  "I remind my husband constantly to put his seatbelt on, zip up his fly, wipe his nose, your shirt is buttoned crookedly, don’t eat with your fingers, etc. He yells, 'Stop picking on me.'  How can I clean up his act without him thinking I’m picking on him?  He is...

Mary Daniel talks with Bobbi and Mike about the beginning and height of COVID, when we endured months of lockdowns that caused so many to watch their loved ones deteriorate and often die through a closed window.    Mary took a job as a dishwasher for the memory care facility where her husband was a resident, which allowed her to spend time with him since family visits were restricted during the he...

Bobbi and Mike answer the following caregiver's question on today's episode of Tips, Truths, and Straight Talk:  "Can you tell me why she covers her face for a long time several times a day and then looks up so confused like she doesn’t know where she is?" Interesting question.  Check out the episode for Bobbi and Mike's answer and suggestions. Interesting and informative...