Hope Floats: Navigating Caregiving in Dementia

Rachel Coady + Shoshawna Rainwater

A podcast for people who are navigating the challenges of caring for a person with Dementia.  A place where your well-being matters, where community and support can be found, and where hope on this journey exists.  We are in this together.

  1. 2d ago

    Understanding Long-Term Care Options in Oregon with Dr. Ann McQueen (Part 2)

    Shoshawna Rainwater and gerontologist Dr. Ann McQueen discuss the complexities of choosing long-term care settings for dementia patients. They emphasize balancing past wishes with current needs and highlight the importance of environment, staffing ratios, and personalized care. Ann advises visiting facilities unannounced, talking to direct care staff. And they stress the need for caregivers to advocate for high standards and not settle for mediocre care.   Resources & Links: ●      Oregon Department of Human Services Long-Term Care Licensing ●      Oregon Licensing Complaint and Enforcement ●      Oregon Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman ●      The Art of Visiting Memory Care: Tips for Families   Guest: Dr. Ann McQueen has worked with and on behalf of older adults for the past 30 years. Her experience includes working in long-term care facilities and administration, designing and facilitating training, contributing to academic research and teaching at the college level, and managing policy and programs for both local and state government agencies. With specific expertise in adult protective services, long-term care facility licensing and regulatory oversight, Older Americans Act programs and services, and dementia care, Ann is especially interested in the subjective experiences of people experiencing dementia and in helping to create a world that affords them the safety, respect, dignity, and companionship that all human beings deserve. She has presented at various conferences, both locally and nationally, on topics related to safety and protection, dementia and communication, and the role of humor in the lives of older people and care partners. Ann has a BFA in musical theater, an MS in Communication Studies, and a PhD in Gerontology. She lives with her terrific 19-year-old daughter, two co-dependent dogs, and an aloof cat. Her favorite things include Carol Burnett re-runs, chocolate chip cookie dough, and snow skiing. Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! Support the show Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast

  2. Jul 28

    Understanding Long-Term Care Options in Oregon with Dr. Ann McQueen (Part 1)

    Part 1 of this Oregon-centric conversation features insights on choosing the right dementia care environment, understanding resident needs, and advocating for quality care. Hope Floats host Shoshawna Rainwater speaks with Gerontologist and older adult advocate Ann McQueen about practical tips for families navigating memory care options and how to make informed decisions that prioritize comfort, safety, and dignity. Resources & Links: ●      Oregon’s Long Term Care Facility Licensing Search Tool ●      Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)  ●      ADRC Facility-based services and supports page ●      A Guide to Oregon Adult Foster Homes ●      Oregon Care Partners (education site for caregivers) Connect with Ann McQueen: ●      LinkedIn The content of this podcast is provided for general information and educational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional about your specific situation.  Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! Support the show Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast

  3. Jun 16

    A Tapestry of Hope: Living Well with MCI

    Guest Lynn Ross shares her personal journey with mild cognitive impairment, her professional insights as a social worker, and practical tools for supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Her conversation with Hope Floats host Shoshawna Rainwater offers hope, strategies for adaptation, and ways to foster meaningful connections despite cognitive changes.   Links Dementia Spotlight Foundation - https://dementiaspotlight.org Dementia Together - https://dementiatogether.org Contented Dementia by Oliver James   SPECAL Method- https://contenteddementiatrust.org/what-is-the-specal-method/  In this episode, Shoshawna mentions the Physiological Sigh—a fast, free, and scientifically proven breathing tool you can use to lower anxiety and calm your nervous system in real time. To do it, take two deep inhales through your nose (one deep breath, followed by a quick "top-off" inhale), and then let out one long, slow exhale through your mouth. Repeating this just a few times immediately slows your heart rate and releases stress. Want to dive deeper into the research? Check out these credible resources: Read the Stanford Article: Learn how this breathwork triggers immediate relaxation in this listener-friendly breakdown from Stanford Medicine News.See the Data: Check out the official 2023 Stanford University study published in Cell Reports Medicine via PubMed. It proves that 5 minutes of daily "cyclic sighing" improves mood and reduces anxiety better than standard mindfulness meditation!The Brain Biology: Curious about how our brains naturally use this tool? Read how UCLA neuroscientists discovered the exact brain cells responsible for this reflex in the UCLA Newsroom. Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! Support the show Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast

  4. May 19

    Supporting Families Navigating Dementia: Insights from Dr. Allison Lindauer

    Navigating the journey of dementia can be fraught with challenges and emotional complexities. In this episode of Hope Floats, host Shoshawna Rainwater delves into expert insights shared by Dr. Allison Lindauer, a gerontological nurse practitioner and associate professor at OHSU. With her extensive knowledge and personal experience, Dr. Lindauer provides valuable strategies for families facing dementia. Links Dr. Lindauer’s team is now recruiting families for two studies. The first, STELLA-R, is for family caregivers for those with dementia who live in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho. Growing up in rural California, Dr. Lindauer is committed to including rural families in this telehealth-based studies. Her second study, STELLA-FTD, is a national study for caregivers for those with frontotemporal dementias, which is funded by the National Institute on Aging. Information about both studies can be found here: https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-center-for-aging-and-technology/stella-family-studies Driving Cessation Info: “How Can I Have Good Conversations About Not Driving?” - The Hartford https://higres.cloudinary.com/image/upload/crossroads_worksheet_conversation_planner.pdf “Agreement with My Family About Not Driving” https://assets.thehartford.com/image/upload/crossroads_worksheet_family_agreement.pdf Hope Floats podcast homepage https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! Support the show Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast

  5. Apr 30

    Considering Your Health Future When You Have a Parent with Dementia

    Rachel and Shoshawna explore the genetics of dementia, particularly the ApoE gene, and discuss proactive health strategies, ethical considerations, and future planning for those at risk.  We also say farewell for now to Rachel as the co-host and discuss the future of Hope Floats. Key  topics Genetics of dementia and Alzheimer's The ApoE gene and its variants Preventive strategies for brain health Ethical considerations in genetic testing End-of-life planning and medical aid in dying New chapters for Hope Floats  TOOLS:  https://www.lisamosconi.com/ https://ApoE4.co Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! Support the show Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast

  6. Mar 31

    The Role of Elder Law in Dementia Care

    This episode features elder law experts from Oregon Elder Law.  They speak to Hope Floats host Shoshawna Rainwater about planning for incapacity, legal documents, and long-term care options, emphasizing the importance of early planning and legal safeguards. Planning for incapacity and legal documentsLong-term care options and affordabilityMedicaid, estate recovery, and spousal protections To learn more go to: National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Oregon Elder Law  National Elder Law Foundation   Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! Support the show Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast

  7. Mar 10

    Empowering Caregivers- an Interview with Dementia Expert Tami Anastasia

    In this episode of the Hope Floats podcast, Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady welcome dementia care expert Tami Anastasia. They discuss the emotional landscape of caregiving, the importance of understanding personal history in dementia care, and the challenges caregivers face, including guilt and identity loss. Tami emphasizes the need for self-compassion, setting boundaries, and the transformative potential of the caregiving journey. The conversation also touches on communication strategies with loved ones experiencing dementia and the societal stigma surrounding the condition. Ultimately, the episode highlights the hope and growth that can emerge from the caregiving experience.  TAKEAWAYS: Tami Anastasia is a dementia care expert with over 30 years of experience.Understanding a loved one's personal history can improve caregiving strategies.Caregivers often struggle with guilt and self-criticism.Empowering caregivers to believe in themselves is crucial.Every person with dementia is unique, requiring tailored approaches.Setting boundaries is essential for caregiver well-being.Communication with loved ones should adapt to their cognitive changes.Societal stigma around dementia needs to be addressed and changed.Finding hope in the caregiving process is vital for emotional health.Caregiving can lead to personal growth and deeper connections. Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! Support the show Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast

  8. 12/02/2025

    Adjusting to New Caregiver Experiences

    This episode of Hope Floats delves into the behaviors exhibited by individuals with dementia in advanced and memory care settings. We discuss building new relationships with caregiving staff, managing care expectations, and learning about typical behaviors that come with joining a new environment- particularly focusing on dementia patients’ tendency to explore others' personal spaces and the implications this has for families. It highlights the importance of understanding these behaviors as a natural part of dementia rather than as malicious actions. It also covers steps you can take to care for yourself as a family member and caregiver during this transition. Takeaways Moving to a higher care level involves changes for everyone.Families should be prepared for unexpected actions.Communication with staff can clarify these behaviors.Understanding these behaviors can help families cope better.Families may be surprised by their loved ones' behaviors.Memory care facilities often have shared spaces.Dementia can lead to confusion about ownership of items.Empathy is crucial in dealing with dementia-related behaviors.In this transition, family members who were the primary caregiver can also reclaim some of their time and social support, since the loved one now has other care.Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! Support the show Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast

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A podcast for people who are navigating the challenges of caring for a person with Dementia.  A place where your well-being matters, where community and support can be found, and where hope on this journey exists.  We are in this together.

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