The Alzheimer's Caregiver Podcast

Caregivers are often surprised by how their loved one's clothing choices change as Alzheimer's progresses. In this episode, we look at potential changes you may face and how to accommodate your loved one's new fashion desires.

Caregivers often confess the one thing they wish they had more of is patience. Sadly, there is no pill or cure for this. In this episode, we hope to give you a better understanding and bring you practical tips to help you increase your patience when caring for your loved one.

Whenever we go through a difficult time, it's always nice to hear a sympathetic comment from someone. But someone with Alzheimer's may no longer be able to express sympathy, compassion and understanding.

In our caregiver support group meetings and workshops, I am often asked legal and financial questions. In this episode, we continue the discussion from last week's topic and answer common questions asked by caregivers.  

One of the most important things caregivers should do early is speak with an elder law attorney and get specific legal documents completed. In this episode, we look at two of the most essential documents and answer common questions about legal and financial concerns.

There are many activities you can do to engage someone with Alzheimer's that increase their quality of life by keeping them busy, stimulated, and calm. In this episode, we look at specific emotional-based therapies and their benefits for your loved one.

It is not uncommon for caregivers to feel guilty about the things they have done or didn't do for their loved ones with Alzheimer's. In this episode, we discuss some of the reasons caregivers feel guilty and provide a fresh perspective to help ease the guilt.  

In part two of this series, we continue to examine ways you can identify and modify triggers that can cause negative behaviors in your loved one with Alzheimer's.  

Just as there are triggers that make us annoyed, frustrated or upset, there are also triggers that can have the same effect on a person with Alzheimer's. In this episode, we look at common triggers and how you can modify them to reduce negative behaviors.  

As comprehension and processing speed diminish, the normal pace of daily life can often be very difficult for a person with Alzheimer's. In this episode, we look at the importance of slowing down and how it can benefit your loved one.  

Summertime can be a welcome relief from the cold of winter. But for someone with Alzheimer's, summer can pose some serious issues caregivers need to be aware of. In this episode, we examine some of these concerns and how the hot summer weather can affect your loved one.

Managing your loved one's medications is one of the most important topics for caregivers to be aware of as Alzheimer's progresses and their memory fades away. In this episode series, we discuss ways to avoid medication issues with a pharmacy professional.

Managing your loved one's medications is one of the most important topics for caregivers to be aware of as Alzheimer's progresses and their memory fades away. In this episode series, we discuss ways to avoid medication issues with a pharmacy professional.  

Does your loved one with Alzheimer's need to know they have the disease? Will the knowledge improve their happiness, safety and lifestyle? In this episode, we discuss the issues surrounding this in order to help you make the right decision.

Caregivers are often surprised that their loved one no longer remembers their health and medical condition. In this episode, we look at the issues that arise when they cannot manage their own health care and treatments.

Caregivers often comment that their loved one with Alzheimer's doesn't do anything anymore. They find it surprising that a once active person now spends their time doing nothing - or very little. This episode looks at apathy and provides you with insight to help you help your loved one.

In this episode, we look at ten helpful and very important tips for caregivers. Since many "tips" resources focus on the Alzheimer's person, I thought it would be helpful to look at ways to provide important information to YOU, the caregiver.

Caregivers often approach caregiving on a day-to-day basis. But as Alzheimer's progresses, planning for the inevitable future becomes increasingly important. This episode looks at things caregivers should plan for earlier rather than later.

This episode is a personal note to you, the caregiver. After speaking with thousands of caregivers over the years, I wanted to share my thoughts, observations, and reflections on caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

When you communicate with someone with Alzheimer's, you will need to change and adapt your communications to the reality of that person not to cause agitation. This episode looks at typical situations where you must go to THEIR reality and not yours.

As your loved one experiences cognitive decline, they may have difficulty understanding and recognizing everyday household items. This episode focuses on items that may look like food and provide tips to prevent safety problems.

As a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's, your goal is to provide them with the best and safest quality of life. This episode focuses on some of the most important things caregivers SHOULD do for their loved ones.

If your loved one has Alzheimer's, you will need to take an active role in overseeing and managing their health and medical care. This episode will provide information and tips to help you make the proper medical decisions for your loved one.

When your loved one begins losing their short-term memory, a typical response is to be surprised, followed by trying to get them to remember. This episode examines why they don't need to remember and ways you can respond when they don't.  

Caregivers often ask for suggestions for activities, meals, and things to keep them occupied. But it is not uncommon for caregivers to comment "my loved one would never do that." As Alzheimer's progresses, your loved one's preferences change. And things they never did, ate, or loved could become favorites.