Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving

In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving we are digging deep into the dementia 'yo-yo'. Sharing my personal journey, I highlight the ups and downs of caring for a loved one with dementia, and shine a light on the importance of self-care amidst managing demanding responsibilities and the substantial role medications play in the lives of those battling dementia. Tune in to hear compelling...

Join me on this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving as we delve into the intricate balance between being a caregiver and a loved one for someone with dementia. Discover the importance of self-care, understanding your roles, and embracing emotional connections. Explore how wearing the caregiver hat and the loved one hat can bring harmony, energy, and fulfillment to your caregiving journey....

In this video we into the complex world of medications in dementia care, exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly. Join me as I share my personal experiences and invaluable insights on how to navigate the challenges of medications while providing mindful caregiving. Stay tuned for expert advice, touching stories, and practical tips on managing symptoms, advocating for your loved one, and finding...

Balance, joy, and self-care amidst the overwhelming responsibilities of caregiving - This is Lewy Body and Mind: What Caregiving? I'm your host, Krystal Schakowsky, and in this intriguing episode, we dive into finding harmony amidst chaos by adding a dash of joy and fun to your life. Say "yes" to self-care, learn a new skill, maybe take up pickleball like I did, or even learn to play a viola! I sh...

This week we delves= into the crucial differences between palliative care and hospice care. Join her as she shares personal insights on navigating these care options and emphasizes the importance of self-care along the caregiving journey. Tune in to gain clarity on these essential topics and discover how to best support your loved ones. Stay informed and supported on your caregiving path with Krys...

Dive deep into the heart of caregiving with us in this raw, emotional episode. Join me as I navigate the turbulent waters of providing care for someone with Lewy Body dementia, unmasking the unseen struggles and sharing the reality of how quickly things can shift. This intensely personal episode reveals the highs and lows, the strength, and struggles of caregiving, offering an honest look at the d...

In today's episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I will be debunking common myths and sharing essential facts about dementia. Covering topics from self-care to the different types of dementia and common misconceptions around them, this episode is packed with crucial information to help you be a more informed and mindful caregiver. We also discuss the importance of understanding that dementi...

In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I dive deep into the intricacies of this often misunderstood form of dementia. From understanding the symptoms to navigating through treatment options, join me on this journey of knowledge and empowerment. Don't miss out on valuable insights and tips to help you and your loved ones through this journey. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? H...

In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I delve deep into the often overlooked yet vital topic of end of life planning. With great passion and urge, I encourage everyone to make these life plans as early as possible - because passing can occur without warning, catching loved ones off guard. Our discussion takes a closer look at 'big picture' decisions such as where you want your posse...

In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, we discusses the concept of 'the long goodbye' in relation to caring for loved ones with forms of dementia. While it is undoubtedly a difficult journey, it also provides an opportunity to preserve shared experiences, record beloved phrases or conversations, and learn unique nuances of the person being cared for. _______________________ FIRST TIM...

Join me for the journey through the Caregiver Arc. Understand what the caregiver arc is, where you might be in it, and how it can manifest in anxiety, depression, and eventually proficient care. Learn about self-care strategies and the importance of looking after your own mental and physical health as you navigate your new role as a caregiver. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I...

In this episode of our podcast, we delve deep into the essential topic of self-care while navigating the challenges of Lewy Body Dementia caregiving. As a caregiver, I share my personal experiences, discussing the paradoxes of self-care and the importance of mindfulness, intention, and personal needs. Aiming to be both informative and supportive, this episode aims to provide you with practical str...

In this episode shares intimate details of a recent family gathering planned to spend meaningful time with her mom who has been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Krystal explains how she navigated the gathering, ensuring her mom didn't get overstimulated, while also taking care of her own self. This episode illustrates the power of setting clear boundaries, preparing in advance, and caring for bo...

Join me as I share the journey of my mother's struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. From moving her to Colorado in 2018 to her diagnosis, I've been her caregiver. On this episode, we discuss the challenges, changes, and lessons learned as her world continues to shrink in ways we never anticipated. The rollercoaster of life is relentless, but there's so much to learn from all its twists and turns. Let'...

When it comes to caregiving, it's essential not to take things personally, especially any criticism or judgment from outsiders who aren't familiar with the full context of your situation. While it's difficult to ignore the opinions of others, it's crucial to remember that such individuals often lack a comprehensive understanding of the caregiver's daily challenges. Therefore, their judgments shoul...

In the latest episode of my podcast, I delve into the complexities of processing emotional battles and self-care in the journey of caregiving. Join me as I confess my struggle with personal guilt and emotional upheaval while caring for my loved one. Learn how I navigated these choppy waters and discovered a profound understanding of love and compassion that I never thought was possible. If you've...

Join me for this episode that revolves around adjusting to the role of caregiving for a loved one with terminal illness. Just remember, the importance and necessity of practicing self-care during this process to avoid complete burnout. And remember when it comes to grief, allow yourself the necessary time, around a year, to adjust and process these substantial changes in life. ____________________...

Hello everyone, and welcome back to our podcast channel, Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving. I am your host Krystal Jakosky. In this episode, we delve into the challenging dimensions of caregiving, mirroring self-awareness, and finding wisdom behind it all. The message of this podcast is about the power of introspection, transformation, and healing while navigating the challenging path of caregiving...

Hello and welcome back to Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving. I'm your host, Krystal Jakosky, and in this episode, I share my recent self-care journey during a family vacation. Packed with activities and surrounded by loved ones, I decided to consciously set aside time for rest and self-nourishment, a decision that eventually led to me feeling rejuvenated and more connected with my family. The key t...

In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I delve into understanding acceptance, grief, and self-care amidst conflicts. I reveal why it's so challenging to sustain a state of acceptance and juxtapose this emotional state with grief; they are two sides of the same coin. From detailing daily life struggles to sharing common emotions such as anger and denial, this episode uncovers the true...

In today's episode, we’re venturing into the often difficult but very necessary conversation about end-of-life care for our loved ones with dementia. We'll explore the tough decisions caregivers have to make, from defining comfort care to having those tough discussions with our loved ones, and even ourselves, about 'The End'. This is a very personal journey for me, as my mother suffers from Lewy B...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I am Krystal Jakosky, your guide through this journey of caring for a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia. Today, we delve into the importance of self-care, tough conversations, and the decisions that come with caregiving. I share my personal experiences and insights around extending life versus extending the quality of lif...

In this emotional roller-coaster of an episode, we navigate the turbulent journey of caregiving for a loved one with Lewy Body dementia. Sharing personal experiences, she explores the struggle to maintain her own identity while shouldering the overwhelming responsibility of caregiving. I opens up about my fears, frustrations, and the small victories that keep her afloat, offering valuable insights...

In this deeply personal episode of "Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving", I tackle the realities and complexities of caring for my mom who is battling Lewy Body dementia. I take you on a journey that confronts the often-unspoken truth about managing the disease's decline and the unpredictability of what finally leads to the end of life. I recount my struggles with balancing the pursuits of prolonging...

In this deeply personal episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I share my ongoing journey as a caregiver for my mother, who's battling Lewy Body dementia. I delve into the emotions, challenges, and unexpected gifts that this journey has brought me. I share my experience with self-care— getting lost in the world of the Highlander series— and how this simple act serves as a much-deserved break...