The Caregiver's Journey

Do you know what you need to do immediately after your loved one passes? Many caregivers don't. Are you worried about missing important tasks or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of administrative, financial, and legal responsibilities? We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've navigated the challenging process of...

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to care for aging parents while raising children? Do you find yourself stretched thin between different generations, each with their own unique needs? My name is Sue Ryan. As a caregiver for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, I understand the unique challenges faced by those in the sandwich generations. I recently spoke with Christy Byrne Ya...

Have you noticed yourself feeling sad when your loved one can't remember their phone number? Do you find yourself withdrawing from friends or losing patience more easily? These feelings might be grief—and you may not even realize it's happening. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that grief doesn't only c...

Have you reached the point where you're now fully responsible for your loved one's care and safety? Do you find yourself guiding others or managing all aspects of their daily needs? You've entered what we call "later on"—the final stage of the caregiving journey, and while some aspects may feel more manageable, new challenges and emotions emerge that require specific attention and planning. This f...

Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/ Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/ , https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@th...

Have you completed the first six essential steps of the comprehensive 20-step caregiving journey roadmap guide Navigating Dementia Caregiving: Your Resource Roadmap for Every Stage ? Are ready to take on more? Do you find yourself wanting to learn faster and more easily than trying to figure everything out on your own? If you answered ‘Yes’, you’re in the right place for the next phase of the deme...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed because you don’t know what information you need, can’t find reliable sources, or feel frustrated by too much conflicting advice? We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned having a step-by-step roadmap is crucial for navigating the beginning of your caregiving journey. We recently...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of dementia care? Do you find yourself wishing you had more support navigating medical decisions and planning for the future? You’re not alone - and there’s specialized help available that many caregivers don’t fully understand. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we both wi...

Have you ever thought, "I wish I knew how to have a constructive conversation with my manager about how to align my work responsibilities and my caregiving responsibilities?" Today we're sharing strategies to help working family caregivers thrive at both work and at home. We're sharing four tips. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types...

“In the marathon that is caregiving, the difference between exhaustion and endurance isn’t willpower, it’s the strength of the support network we build around us.” Sue Ryan Are you feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving? Do you find yourself thinking, “I don’t have time to get everything done.” or “I should be able to do this myself.”? You’re not alone, and there’s a better way...

Is the Medicare GUIDE Program for you? Today Nancy and I are sharing insights from Amy Imes of Emory's Integrated Memory Care about the new Medicare Program GUIDE. We're going to help you understand what it is and how to know if you can leverage it. We're sharing three tips. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we are so...

Do you wish you could get a good night’s sleep? We do too! We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we appreciate the insights Dr. Glenna Brewster, PhD, RN, FNP-BC , Assistant Professor at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University , shared for all of us about her sleep study titled SLEEPMATE, and how we can...

"When it comes to caregiving, the assumption about being able to take what we've learned and just naturally grow is not always going to be true." How do you think you would feel if you were caregiving for a second or third person living with dementia? Would you feel more prepared because of your previous experience? If you answered "yes," you might be surprised by what research is revealing about...

“An educated and confident family caregiver who knows what to do in their role is really the absolute best medicine for the care receiver.” Dr. Carolyn Clevenger Do you know extensive research specifically focused on dementia caregivers is being conducted? Are you aware of innovative studies designed to equip family caregivers with navigation skills? Now you will, and you’ll be learning about valu...

Is your loved one in a memory care community, or are you considering moving them into one? Understanding how to build a collaborative relationship with the care team is crucial for ensuring the best outcomes for your loved one. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that creating a true partnership with care...

Adding a new caregiver to your support team can be a challenging transition, whether they're coming into your home, assisting your loved one who lives alone, or joining the care team in a memory care community. This transition can be particularly difficult for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia, as changes in routine can cause confusion and resistance. If your loved one doesn...

Are you prepared for others to take care of your loved one? Do you have a care plan in place? Having a comprehensive care plan is one of the most important tools a caregiver can create — not just for emergencies, but for everyday peace of mind. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned the importance of creating...

When the time comes to bring professional caregiving support into your loved one’s life, the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hiring a caregiver for home care or to complement care in a community setting, understanding how to find, evaluate, and select the right person is crucial for both your peace of mind and your loved one’s well being. We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, we’ve dev...

We don't know what we don't know. But elder law attorneys do, and their expertise can be transformational for families facing aging-related challenges. Whether you're dealing with a recent diagnosis, planning for potential long-term care needs, or simply trying to prepare for the future, understanding how and when to work with an elder law attorney can make all the difference in your journey. In t...

When you’re grieving, the last thing you need to be doing is planning a service. Pre-planning allows you to make only two decisions when death occurs: what day and what time the service will be held. Everything else can be arranged in advance, giving you the space to honor your loved one while processing your grief. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, and we recently spoke with Greg Cannon , who h...

As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that there are many misconceptions about hospice care. Today, we're joined by hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire to help clarify what hospice really is and when to consider it. Through their extensive experience, they've developed four essential tips to help you navigate this important transi...

As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we often face the challenging question: "Is it time to change my care receiver's living situation?" We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, and through our experiences, we've developed five essential tips to help you navigate this complex decision-making process. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https:// www.th...

When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or other type of dementia, you’ve probably heard countless times: “Don’t forget to take care of yourself.” While well-intentioned, this advice can feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling multiple responsibilities! Through our conversation with Elizabeth Miller, we’ve learned that effective self-care is about more than just general advi...

When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, worries can keep you up at night — but they don’t help you . Through our conversation with Denise Brown, we’ve learned having a solid emergency plan helps calm your worries, reduce your fears, and provide you with peace of mind. Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.com/are-you-ready-for-an-emergency-get-a-...