Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support Alzheimer's Caregivers

Unlock the Power of Reading for Your Loved One with Dementia! Struggling to find activities that engage your loved one with dementia? Look no further than the power of reading!** In this episode, we'll explore how reading can be a powerful tool to:









Maintain cognitive function: Stimulate memory recall and preserve language skills.







Promote communication: Engage in conversations around stories and characters.







Reduce caregiver burden: Provide a calming activity for your loved one while offering you a well-deserved break.







Strengthen your bond: Share the joy of reading together and create lasting memories.









We'll share practical tips for choosing the right reading materials and adapting activities for individuals with dementia. Discover how reading can become a source of comfort, connection, and enjoyment for both you and your loved one.















Susan Ostrowski is a speech pathologist and co-president of Reading2Connect. She entered senior care in her late 40s and was appalled at what she saw. Residents were simultaneously being under stimulated and over stimulated. The excessive noise and movement around them was often meaningless and of no value to them. At that moment she was determined to contribute something to help change the culture of aging.







Reading2Connect







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Related Episodes:







Alzheimer’s Trippin’ With George







Bonus – Alzheimer’s Cruising







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Planning a life-changing adventure? Don't let caregiving hold you back! This episode explores the powerful impact of caregiver experiences. Join us as Kari Loya shares his inspiring story of cycling across the country with his father, who has Alzheimer's. Discover how this transformative journey strengthened their bond and offered unexpected moments of joy. Learn why Kari considers this trip one of the best decisions he ever made as a caregiver. You'll be encouraged to see the potential for positive experiences, even amidst the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.















Kari Loya is an educational leader, executive coach, storyteller, and adventurer. He has worked nearly three decades at a range of innovative educational institutions, beginning with Teach For America in 1993 and serving most recently as headmaster at the Good Hope Country Day School in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He is also an Emmy-winning bilingual voice talent Kari Loyle, musical artist (https://kariloya.bandcamp.com), and author (Conversations Across America; My Top 40 at 40). Kari spoke at TEDx UC Davis in April 2022 on the theme of “Metamorphosis.” He holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Columbia University. He currently lives with his wife and daughter in Sugar Land, Texas.







Grab The Book Here







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Related episodes:







Running All Over The World







Dementia Advocate - Using Cycling To Remove Stigma







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Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp.







Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.







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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan







Relevate from NeuroReserve







With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.







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Join Fading Memories On Social Media!







If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.







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Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com







Or learn more at Our Website

Manage Caregiver Grief.







They Don't Remember Their Loss? How to Manage When a Loved One Forgets Death







Caring for someone with dementia who doesn't remember a loved one's death can feel overwhelming. This episode offers practical strategies to manage the unique challenges you face, including:









Balancing honesty and emotional protection: Learn how to navigate telling the truth while safeguarding your loved one from repeated grief.







Coping with their confusion and distress: Discover techniques to offer comfort and reassurance without causing undue emotional strain.







Maintaining dignity and autonomy: Learn how to respect their feelings while providing the support they need.









We'll explore solutions like:









Gently redirecting conversations: Discover tools to guide discussions away from the deceased without causing frustration.







Creating a comforting routine: Learn how familiar activities can bring joy and stability.







Building a support network: Explore the benefits of connecting with healthcare professionals, support groups, and family members.







Prioritizing self-care: Discover techniques for managing your own grief and maintaining your well-being.









Join us as we empower you to navigate this challenging situation with compassion and resilience.







Our Guest







Carlos Olivas is caring for his Dad, Carlos Olivas, Jr. aka Charlie Robot. Carlos got this name from a family friend who was impressed by his tireless and achieving efforts. "Charlie" has been on a creative journey his entire life.







While managing the struggles of day-to-day dementia care, Carlos has to manage the emotions present since the death of his brother. Dad doesn't remember his other son is gone, making the emotional juggling act harder.







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Related episodes:







Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support







Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel







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Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.







Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp.







Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan







Relevate from NeuroReserve







With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Join Fading Memories On Social Media!







If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.







Instagram







Twitter







LinkedIn 







Facebook







Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com







Or learn more at Our Website

Travel with Dementia: Creating Unforgettable Moments, One Journey at a Time







Traveling with a loved one with dementia can feel daunting. But what if it could be more? This episode explores the transformative power of travel for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.







Discover how travel can:









Spark Joy and Break Routines: Escape the daily routine and create a sense of adventure for your loved one.







Rekindle Memories: Familiar sights, sounds, and activities can trigger treasured memories and light up their face.







Strengthen Your Bond: Shared experiences create lasting connections and deepen your relationship.







Combat Isolation: Explore new places together and feel a sense of connection to the world.









We'll delve into practical tips for planning dementia-friendly trips, from choosing destinations to managing challenges along the way. Learn how travel can become a powerful tool to create precious memories and enrich the lives of both you and your loved one.















About Our Guest







Lizette Cloete, an Occupational Therapist and a daughter on this unique journey with you. She has just returned from an Elite Cruises & Vacation where she was part of the support staff for caregivers. With over 30 years as an Occupational Therapist, Lizette has been the “navigator” in many caregiving journeys, guiding 1000’s families through their often turbulent journey into calmer skies while dementia caregiving. Today she's telling you how to make vacation memories a reality.







Think Different Dementia Website







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Related episodes:







Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support







Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel







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Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.







Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp.







Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan







Relevate from NeuroReserve







With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Join Fading Memories On Social Media!







If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.







Instagram







Twitter







LinkedIn 







Facebook







Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com







Or learn more at Our Website

Essential Caregiver Knowledge = Zen From Zero







Caregiving can feel overwhelming, with endless decisions and heavy burdens. But what if you had the knowledge to navigate with confidence? This week's guest, Alex, is a caregiver powerhouse! She shares invaluable insights gained from caring for both her parents, offering expertise in:









Legal complexities: Learn how to navigate legal matters related to caregiving with clarity.







Financial burdens: Gain strategies to manage the financial realities of care.







Medical care intricacies: Become empowered to understand and advocate for your loved one's medical needs.









By investing in knowledge, you can:









Face challenges with confidence: Arm yourself with the information you need to make informed decisions.







Protect your loved one: Gain peace of mind knowing you're providing the best possible care.







Reduce stress and empower yourself: Feel less overwhelmed and more in control of the caregiving journey.









Alex's wisdom provides a lifeline, offering:









Security: Gain confidence in your ability to navigate complex situations.







Peace of mind: Reduce stress and worry by knowing you're well-informed.







Connection: Feel supported and understood by a fellow caregiver who's been there.









Join us as Alex equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive as a caregiver.















About Our Guest - Alexandra Free







Having spent twenty years working in live television I had become a pro at putting out fires when they popped up. No matter how much you may have rehearsed for a show, when the cameras start rolling, you just never know what can happen. Your brain learns to problem solve at warp speed, so that if a situation does arise, you’re usually ready for it.







Although, no amount of prepping could have prepared me for what laid ahead with my mother, I knew I needed a plan. A plan on how I was going to care for her. A plan on how I was going to afford that care. And a plan on how to navigate this new and final chapter of our lives. So, I packed up my life and my TV career in Los Angeles and moved back to the east coast to be closer to her, and to the rest of my family.







Through trial and error and a lot of research, I managed to navigate the next decade of my mother’s care with fortitude and grace. Avoiding being crushed both financially and mentally by the situation, and actually becoming a better and stronger person because of it.







I truly wish you didn’t have to be here. I honestly wish I had never been there myself. But if everything my mother and I went through means that I can help you in some way, shape, or form, then at least it all wouldn’t have been in vain.







xo, Lex







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Related episodes:







Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support







Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.







Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp.







Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week?

Empowering You: Lifestyle Changes for Better Living with Alzheimer's







An Alzheimer's diagnosis can feel daunting, but there is hope! This episode explores the power of lifestyle changes in managing Alzheimer's and improving quality of life.







Discover how incorporating these strategies can benefit your loved one:









Regular Exercise: Learn how physical activity can boost cognitive function and overall well-being.







Brain-healthy Diet: Explore the benefits of a balanced diet rich in specific nutrients.







Mental Stimulation: Uncover the power of puzzles, learning new skills, and staying mentally active.







Social Connection: Learn why social interaction is crucial for cognitive health.







Stress Management: Discover techniques to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.









While these changes may not stop the progression of Alzheimer's, they can significantly:









Delay the onset of symptoms







Improve cognitive function







Enhance your loved one's quality of life









Join us as we empower you to take charge and create a more positive caregiving journey for yourself and your loved one.















About Our Guest







Alzheimer's is scary. But you can still find ways to be you after the diagnosis.







Rebecca Chopp never expected a routine annual checkup to uncover symptoms that ultimately revealed she has early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The news was devastating. 







After recovering from the shock and grappling with the changes Alzheimer's meant for her life plans, Rebecca knew the next steps: retire from her stressful job leading the University of Denver, hold on to the core of herself for as long as possible, and find ways each day to live well so that her remaining time with her family and friends can be as rich and meaningful as possible.







This honest and hope-filled book--Still Me--chronicles Rebecca's efforts, with the help of her family, friends, and medical team, to reshape her life for a healthy and vibrant approach to living with Alzheimer's, showing that an illness does not define us. Rebecca also provides thoughtful questions, encouragement, and suggestions for those living with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, and those who fear the diagnosis.







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Related episodes:







Dementia Patients Can Remember: Joy Ride to Past Lives







Yes, And: Experience Comedy in Dementia Caregiving







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Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.







Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp.







Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan







Relevate from NeuroReserve







With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.







++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++







Join Fading Memories On Social Media!