Dementia Caregiver’s Corner

Juliah Ratladi

The journey of caring for a loved one with dementia can be deeply challenging. Juliah Ratladi, an MSc Dementia Care Specialist and experienced dementia care professional, is uniquely positioned to share her observations, experiences, knowledge, and insights on various aspects of dementia care. Together with other dementia experts and caregivers, she raises awareness, offers encouragement, and provides hope. Through meaningful discussions, they shed light on key dementia-related issues, helping to educate and support those affected by the condition. Dementia care: How deep is your love?

  1. Painting Through Alzheimer’s: The Art That Held a Mother–Daughter Bond Together

    17H AGO

    Painting Through Alzheimer’s: The Art That Held a Mother–Daughter Bond Together

    Episode Title: Painting Through Alzheimer’s: The Art That Held a Mother–Daughter Bond Together   When we get Alzheimer’s, walk away.” Those were the words Marilyn Raichle’s mother once shared with her, long before both of Marilyn’s parents were diagnosed.   In this moving episode, Marilyn shares how introducing her mother to painting transformed their Alzheimer’s journey from fear and resistance to creativity, connection, and joy. What began as a simple art class led to international recognition, an Emmy Award–winning documentary, and the founding of The Art of Alzheimer’s.   We explore the power of language—“living with” vs “suffering from” dementia—care partner vs caregiver, the ethics of sharing a loved one’s story, and how creativity can preserve dignity and identity   3 clear main takeaways from this episode:   Creativity Can Unlock Connection Even after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Marilyn’s mother discovered a new voice through painting. Art became a bridge, restoring confidence, preserving identity, and deepening their mother–daughter bond. Language Shapes Dignity The difference between “living with” vs “suffering from” dementia and “care partner” vs “caregiver” matters. Words influence how we see people with dementia and how they see themselves. Sharing Stories Is Advocacy, Not Exploitation By sharing her mother’s artwork with the world, Marilyn helped shift perceptions of dementia from decline alone to creativity and possibility. Her work reminds us that raising awareness can honour, not diminish, a loved one’s legacy.   Resources Mentioned Marilyn Raichle’s book, Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey, is available on Amazon. https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/can-love-and-loss-be-captured-on-film-kimberley/id1710778347?i=1000734014141   Thank you so much, dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed our conversation with Marilyn, or if you’re passionate about dementia care, please consider leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps us reach more people and raise awareness about dementia-related issues.

    38 min
  2. Take Charge of Your Brain Health: Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Teryn Clarke (USA)

    FEB 4

    Take Charge of Your Brain Health: Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Teryn Clarke (USA)

    Take Charge of Your Brain Health: Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Teryn Clarke (USA) Repost: Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Teryn Clarke, a leading expert in preventive medicine and healthy aging, as we explore the power of lifestyle changes to improve long-term health outcomes. In this episode, we dive into the science-backed strategies that can help you live a longer, healthier life—starting today.   Dr. Clarke shares practical advice on three key areas:   Diet: How small tweaks to your eating habits can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Exercise: The types and amounts of physical activity that deliver the most benefits as we age. Alcohol: Understanding the impact of alcohol consumption and how moderation can play a role in maintaining health.   But that’s not all—Dr. Clarke also offers invaluable insights into managing dementia with empathy and compassion. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or working in healthcare, you’ll learn actionable tips to support individuals living with dementia while preserving their dignity and quality of life.   Tune in to discover how the choices you make today can shape your future—and how you can help others along the way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their health and make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.         Enjoyed this episode? Remember to subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit!   Dementia Caregivers` Corner Podcast streams from the following platforms, and more…   Connect with Dr Teryn Clarke   https://www.clarkeneurology.com/   https://www.instagram.com/brainhealthactionplan/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/teryn-clarke-b166a314a/     And find her book here   https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Health-Action-Plan-Science-Backed-ebook/dp/B0D79KXD7Y?ref_=ast_author_mpb   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementiacaregiverscorners-podcast/id1710778347   https://www.youtube.com/@DementiaCaregiversCorner   https://open.spotify.com/show/6JeVOQteK08zsc7PTkRNTT   https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6e17ee2-f194-4eae-b906-a854078dd530   https://feed.podbean.com/dementiacaregiverscorner/feed.xml   https://iheart.com/podcast/125013574   https://player.fm/series/3517995   https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/dementiacaregiverscorners-podc-5494017   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087493920768]     Follow and connect with Dementia Caregivers’ Corner Podcast on the following social media channels   https://www.youtube.com/@DementiaCaregiversCorner   https://instagram.com/dementiacaregiverscorner?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D   https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliah-ratladi-dementia-care-awareness/   https://twitter.com/DementiaCorner   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087493920768]   https://www.tiktok.com/@dementiacaregiverscorner?_t=ZG-8t2YpBR5llR&_r=1   Do you want to be a guest? email us on: dementiacaregiverscorner@gmail.com

    47 min
  3. JAN 21

    Dementia Caregiving: The One Question That Helped a Mother and Daughter Reconnect with Glenna Hecht

    Episode Title: Dementia Caregiving: The One Question That Helped a Mother and Daughter Reconnect with Glenna Hecht   What if one simple question could bring laughter, connection, and joy back into life with dementia?   In this episode of Dementia Caregiver’s Corner, Juliah speaks with Glenna Hecht, two-time author, speaker, and advocate about the powerful game she created with her mother, “How Old Are You Today?” What began as a way to cope with confusion became a daily ritual that preserved identity, sparked humour, and strengthened their bond through every stage of dementia.   Glenna shares honest reflections on recognising the early signs of dementia, navigating guilt and grief as a caregiver, and why humour, repetition, and presence matter more than memory. Together, they explore how caregivers can stay connected, protect their own wellbeing, and find moments of joy, even in the hardest seasons.   A heartfelt, hopeful conversation for anyone caring for, loving, or supporting someone living with dementia.   Key Takeaways   Connection is still possible, even when memory fades Humour can be a powerful tool in dementia care Caregiving requires compassion — for others and yourself Let me take this time and Thank you, our dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode! If you enjoyed our conversation with Glenna or you are passionate about dementia care, please consider leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps us reach more people and raise awareness about dementia-related issues. Until next time, thank you for listening and bye for now! and take care—! Tara!"

    48 min
  4. The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

    JAN 7

    The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

    Repost: The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger:    The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.   In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.   Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.   Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.   3 Main Points Discussed   Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.   Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.   Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.   3 Key Takeaways   You can’t pour from an empty cup Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.   Caregiving is about presence, not perfection Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”   Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.   Resources Mentioned (Books) The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers. Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guid

    40 min
  5. It`s a wrap for 2025

    12/31/2025

    It`s a wrap for 2025

    It’s a wrap for 2025. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the guests who graced the Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast in 2025. We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for us.   Dementia Care. How Deep is Your Love?   Honouring Jennifer Josey (1944-2024): A Journey Through Mixed Dementia with her daughter, Shellie Josey, UK   Take Charge of your Brain Health and Keep it far Away from Alzheimer’s Disease with Dr. Teryn Clarke, USA     The Practical Tips for Dementia Caregivers: Communication, Challenges & Caregiver Self-Care, with Dr. Sam Toroghi, USA   Berrie Holtzhausen’s 'DNA' for Living Well with Alzheimer's Disease, Namibia     The Urgent Need for Dementia Awareness in Sub-Saharan Africa with Busani Mphathiwa, USA/Botswana   Living with Dementia: Dallas Dixon Reveals What Real Support Looks Like, USA     O.R.E.C.A.R.E Principles in Dementia Care with Isabel Baker from Australia   Barriers to Dementia Care in BAME Communities: A Conversation with Dr Hannah Hussain, UK     Rehabilitation in Dementia: A Forgotten Opportunity? with Carlo Romero, UK   Is Guided Meditation an Effective Tool for Managing Dementia-Related Behaviours? with Katie Fournier, USA     Designing for Dementia: How Smart Technology and Environments Support Sensory Changes with Professor. Andrea Tales UK   Can Technology Close the Dementia Care Gap? A Conversation with Allyson Schrier, USA     How Dementia Affects Vision and Perception – With David Knight, Advanced Clinical Practitioner & Prescribing Optometrist   Navigating the Journey: A Daughter's Tale of Love and Loss with Lynnette Lee, UK     What Happens When Memory Fades? Sharon Lukert’s Story with Mild Cognitive Impairment   What Happens When Dementia Affects the Senses? Agnes Houston’s Lived Experience     When Dementia Touches Home: A Family Story of Strength and Sensory Awareness with Donna Houston   Unseen and Devastating Challenges Faced by Children of Parents Living with Dementia in Sub Saharan Africa with Andrias Mungundu, Namibia     Rethinking Dementia Care with Dr. Éthelle Lord: Staffing, Communication, and Real Solutions   Can Love and Loss Be Captured on Film? Kimberley Littlemore on Documenting Her Parents’ Dementia     Having Compassion And Understanding for Those Living With Dementia - Nduduzo, South Africa   Early Signs of Dementia, Family Challenges, and Preparing for Memory Care with Shari Ross     I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It?   The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It this Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

    1 min
  6. The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

    12/24/2025

    The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

    The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger   The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.   In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.   Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.   Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.   3 Main Points Discussed   Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.   Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.   Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.   3 Key Takeaways   You can’t pour from an empty cup Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.   Caregiving is about presence, not perfection Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”   Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.   Resources Mentioned (Books) The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers. Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers — available for a limited time only (2 weeks).

    40 min
  7. I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It?

    12/10/2025

    I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It?

    Episode Title: I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It?  Episode Summary: In this episode of the Dementia Caregiver’s Corner Podcast, we explore a lesser-known but deeply important aspect of dementia: olfactory impairment also known as the loss of smell.   My guest, Duncan Boak, co-founder and CEO of SmellTaste, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders, shares his lived experience of losing his sense of smell after a head injury. Together, we discuss the critical links between smell loss and dementia, safety concerns, emotional wellbeing, and the vital support networks available to those living with sensory changes.   Duncan also talks about his contribution to the new book A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment, shedding light on how changes in smell and taste impact older adults and people living with dementia.   3 Main Discussion Points   His Personal Journey – Duncan shares his lived experience of losing his sense of smell after a severe head injury and how it shaped his advocacy work.   Smell, Memory & Dementia – Exploring the link between olfactory impairment, taste changes, and dementia, including risks, hallucinations, and daily challenges.   Support & Advocacy – The work of Smell Taste and Duncan’s contribution to a new book highlighting sensory impairments in dementia care.   3 Key Takeaways   Smell is more than a sense – it shapes memory, emotions, safety, and quality of life.   Olfactory impairment is common in dementia but often overlooked, leading to risks like unsafe eating, missed dangers (fires, gas), or hallucinations.   Support is available – TasteSmell provides resources and advocacy for people with smell and taste disorders, including those living with dementia and their caregivers.   Resources Mentioned https://www.smelltaste.org.uk/team/duncan-boak/   A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment (a Well researched book edited by Professor. Andrea Tales, Professor. Jan Kremláček and Dr. Emma Richards

    19 min
  8. 11/26/2025

    Early Signs of Dementia, Family Challenges, and Preparing for Memory Care with Shari Ross

    Episode Title: Early Signs of Dementia, Family Challenges, and Preparing for Memory Care with Shari Ross   Episode Summary: Making decisions about senior living and memory care is one of the toughest challenges families face when supporting a loved one with dementia. In this episode, I’m joined by Shari Ross, author of Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™ and founder of the brand of the same name. Shari has guided countless families through this emotional journey, providing clear steps and compassionate advice to help them navigate caregiving, safety, and memory care choices with confidence.   We discuss how families can recognise early signs of dementia, manage safety concerns at home, navigate disagreements between siblings, and prepare both emotionally and financially for memory care. Shari also shares practical strategies for reducing caregiver burnout and explains the myths and realities of memory care communities.    Main Points Discussed   Recognising early signs of dementia and the first practical steps families should take when memory concerns appear.   When home care may no longer be enough and how to address safety risks before a crisis occurs.   Family dynamics, myths, and finances — navigating disagreements, preparing for costs, and understanding what memory care really means.   Key Takeaways   Start early — when memory lapses appear, seek assessment and make a plan rather than waiting for a crisis.   Caregiver wellbeing matters — stress and burnout are warning signs that more support is needed.   Memory care isn’t “giving up” — the right community can provide safety, engagement, and dignity for loved ones living with dementia.   Website: www.seniorlivingmadesimple.com (Listeners can also directly book Senior Living Navigation Calls here.) Book – Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™ Available on Amazon, Walmart.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Goodreads. Amazon – Book https://a.co/d/94JE1bC Amazon – Workbook https://a.co/d/94cI2sA Etsy Shop – SeniorLivingShop Downloadable checklists, toolkits, and resources: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeniorLivingShop Instagram: @seniorlivingwithshari Facebook: Facebook  www.facebook.com/SeniorLivingMadeSimple.com TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@calm_care_corner LinkedIn: (1) Shari Ross | LinkedIn  www.linkedin/sharitravels.com

    33 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The journey of caring for a loved one with dementia can be deeply challenging. Juliah Ratladi, an MSc Dementia Care Specialist and experienced dementia care professional, is uniquely positioned to share her observations, experiences, knowledge, and insights on various aspects of dementia care. Together with other dementia experts and caregivers, she raises awareness, offers encouragement, and provides hope. Through meaningful discussions, they shed light on key dementia-related issues, helping to educate and support those affected by the condition. Dementia care: How deep is your love?