Let's Talk Dementia

When a person says something offensive to us, we might not respond kindly. If that someone has dementia, HOW we respond will set the tone for the next few hours. Let's look at how we might respond to YOU LOOK FAT, and other not so happy comments. Lastly, I share the feelings I've had lately that are affecting me not so pleasantly. Life is changing on me. Hmmm.... that can be difficult.

Organization can relieve stress, decrease frustration, and even save you money. It can make your home safer and your loved one safer. All these are GOOD THINGS!

  Even the best caregivers on the planet will hear the words, "Don't you remember" roll from their lips. No matter how hard we try, it is a phrase we will use. Relax. You are not alone!

Is there ever a perfect moment to make the move to assisted living or memory care? Let's talk about that on today's episode. Thanks to Alzheimer's Today magazine for an article on this subject.

Uncle Ernie has dementia from exposure to Agent Orange. His dementia is advancing rapidly, and he is fixated on numbers. He especially likes to talk about how much things weigh. How do you handle this situation without going a bit bonkers listening?

I'm not feeling like myself these last couple days. Then I noticed there was a full moon. I began to wonder if there was a connection between my feeling yucky and the beautiful full moon. Do our folks with dementia feel similar effects from the full moon? Hmmmm.... let's talk about that.

  Kidney disease is common among Vietnam veterans. Today we will talk about that and how to get benefits for your veterans. I recommend calling National Association of Veterans and Families - 800-352-2919 or www.navf.org. THEY ARE WONDERFUL!

No matter what community you choose for care, on the entire planet, you will eventually have a situation arise that needs the attention of staff. How do you go about handling this situation in the most productive and efficient manner? That is the topic of today's show.

  Assisted living and memory care communities price the care your loved one will need based on two general options - a la carte pricing or all-inclusive pricing. Today we will talk about the differences and which I like best.

  Perseverance is a trait all the football players in the Super Bowl have in common. You are more like those football players thank you think. You are persevering through the challenges of caregiving. My hat is off to you!

What does cauliflower have to do with the brain? And are female brains bigger or smaller than male brains? Good questions! Watch today's episode for answers.

Accepting life and its many facets is difficult for most folks, and it can be very difficult when caregiving. Today we will discuss The Serenity Prayer and the impact it had on me at church yesterday. I hope you are encouraged.

            As a caregiver, you need to take time to care for yourself. Checking your blood pressure and blood sugar levels are easy to do at home. Let's talk about this!  

"Fight or Flight" is a term referring to the body's response to a stressful or frightening experience. Instead of living in the "fight or flight" mode of life, let's live in the "rest and digest" mode. Ahh... that feels much better!

Early, Mid, and Late are the three stages of Alzheimer's I use to work with my clients. Which stage is your LO?

      I had a conversation with a lady whose dad was afraid his daughters would move him to "foster care." That struck me sorta funny, as I have never thought of assisted living or memory care as "foster care." But his concerns were valid, and that is the topic of today's episode.  

Music is good for the brain. Dancing is good for the brain. When you combine dancing (or any movement) and music, you have a win-win situation.

Want to reduce anxiety and depression while increasing healthy sleep? Want to make those around you feel better while also making yourself feel better? Be grateful! It is truly CONTAGIOUS.

Our folks who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's often experience stigmas from the moment of their diagnosis. Let's look at that and see how we can make life better for them. And... there are stigmas attached to being a dementia caregiver!

Bank of America is doing some wonderful things for their employees who are caregiving. Today's episode is an interview with Surya Kolluri, Managing Director at Bank of America. I hope this interview gives you hope!

I facilitate worship for folks with dementia. Some Sundays are - well - they are just INTERESTING. I hope this episode makes you giggle.

This is a picture of a shoulder pad with the words "Please call the police" written on it. It also says, "They are holding me captive." It is a sad story of advanced dementia, but it is an important story.

MCI - It used to be the initials of a telephone company. But today we are talking about Mild Cognitive Impairment. Is it the same as dementia? Let's learn about it on today's episode. (I recommend you order the free magazine called " Alzheimer's Today"  - https://alzfdn.org/media-center/alzheimerstoday/ -  It is produced by Alzheimer's Foundation of America. I am using an article from their curren...

It won't be a Norman Rockwell Christmas because they don't exist.  You didn't have one before your loved one had dementia, and you won't have one now.  BUT, and here is the good news, you CAN have a meaningful Christmas.  What are you setting your mind on?  That will determine your outcome.  Hope this episode helps.

It is important for our loved ones to look their best. Helping them look good requires respecting their dignity. Today's episode will give you some tips on accomplishing this.