Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act

Kelly A Bertenshaw, MA CCC SLP ECDCS
  • 5.0 (15)
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  • Updated Biweekly

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, family members can feel completely overwhelmed. You're now trying to juggle managing your loved one's increasing need for care while also tending to your own family, career and life. It can truly feel like a balancing act. I'm Kelly Bertenshaw, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and certified Dementia Care Specialist. I have worked with those affected by dementia and their families for more than 20 years. I started this podcast to help you, the family members, as you navigate this journey. My goal is to provide you with proven strategies, relevant information and research, as well as actionable steps you can take today . Together, we'll find the answers. Because no one should walk this journey alone. RSSVERIFY

  1. Sep 2

    Dementia and Eating Safely: When Swallowing Changes

    In this episode, Kelly explains how dementia affects swallowing and increases the risk for pneumonia. She simplifies the process involved for listeners by breaking it into three phases, and offers guidance on balancing safety, nutrition, and a loved one's dignity when facing feeding refusals or diet modifications. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or to set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss Resources Swallow Management https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/management-of-swallowing-difficulties-in-adults-who-are-at-risk-of-aspiration/ Caregiver Guide https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/caregivers-guide-dysphagia-dementia/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=102699069&gbraid=0AAAAADtQfMv-JqHptnoQUOcYhaKiQEaPV&gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka0ttVrj8dz6lf-d3jFk9nwuUXTnVddFULZCjF0CE58yTeocWmGF3aYaAoLXEALw_wcB Swallow Evaluation https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dysphagia-tests/ IDDS Dietary Modification Levels https://pspawareness.com/blogs/psp-q-a/the-international-dysphagia-diet-standardisation-initiative-iddsi?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22793832213&gbraid=0AAAAA97ERqIYhyGDMhfP5oeiVAZB98l_j&gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka2pn6z6w2yzDE9V54nnI4UXKFv414fSh4ZuQfV7aOSHajQjxDBFuQAaAuZ2EALw_wcB The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

    Dementia and Eating Safely: When Swallowing Changes

  2. Aug 19

    The Dementia Whiplash: Good Day, or Bad One?

    This episode of A Balancing Act tackles the "whiplash" of sudden ups and downs in dementia caregiving. Why abilities seem to flicker day to day, when a sudden change warrants a call to the doctor, and how to become a detective when there's no clear medical cause. Kelly offers practical ways to respond with curiosity and flexibility instead of fear when a loved one's condition unexpectedly shifts. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss RESOURCES: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/behaviour/ https://theconversation.com/why-is-my-loved-one-with-dementia-sometimes-there-and-sometimes-not-200439 The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

    The Dementia Whiplash: Good Day, or Bad One?

  3. Aug 5

    Keeping The Brain Connected: Hearing Aids, Glasses and Dementia

    Could untreated hearing or vision loss be putting the brain at greater risk? In this episode, Kelly discusses how sensory loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, and why glasses and hearing aids may play an important role in keeping the brain working and connected. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss Resources https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/well/mind/hearing-vision-dementia-risk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.21A.GP4j.SN3JhrRi0gLQ&smid=url-share https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/hearing-aid-reasons/ The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

    Keeping The Brain Connected: Hearing Aids, Glasses and Dementia

  4. Jul 22

    Dementia & Family Reunions: When Remembering Becomes A Test

    Family reunions can be overwhelming for a loved one with dementia. The noise, the chaos, and everpresent fear of the question: "Do you remember?'. In this episode, Kelly explains why this can happen, ways to lower your loved one's stress and simple conversational techniques that meet your loved one at a level they can succeed. Success isn't about what they remember. It's about feeling included and loved. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss Resources: "6 Tips For Dementia-FriendlyFamily Gatherings" https://www.amica.ca/conversations/six-expert-tips-for-dementia-friendly-family-gatherings "How to Successfully Include Loved Ones with Dementia in Family Gatherings" https://familymattershc.com/including-loved-ones-with-dementia/ The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

    Dementia & Family Reunions: When Remembering Becomes A Test

  5. Jul 8

    "My Memory Has Changed. Now What?"

    Your memory feels different, but your cognitive tests are normal. So now what? In this episode, Kelly explores what Subjective Cognitive Decline really means, why it happens and how it's different from Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Finally, she explains why normal cognitive test results don't always end the conversation. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss Resources THE CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBJECT COGNITIVE DECLINE https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7062546/ SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE: A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging-data/media/pdfs/subjective-cognitive-decline-508.pdf MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1073831728&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_Nhi5s2Nr6FfrmNmjHxNvG30P&gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocpr6yPdFAyE1Hdon6k2j9JEtzM91efnNKvu-OAQ0H64U-JD_tnBYN_BoCFFkQAvD_BwE The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

    "My Memory Has Changed. Now What?"

  6. Jun 24

    Dementia and Decoding Repetitive Behaviors

    In this episode, Kelly explores why repetition develops in a brain affected by dementia, what it reveals about your loved one's inner experience, and how shifting your perspective can transform frustration into insight. Because understanding the why behind these behaviors is the first step to responding with more confidence and less stress. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss Resources Behavior Management Strategies – Understanding Dementia Behaviors: Repetitive Speech or Actions (Perseveration) https://www.caregivercalifornia.org/2023/04/21/behavior-management-strategies-understanding-dementia-behaviors-repetitive-speech-or-actions-perseveration/ Managing Repetition in Alzheimer’s Behavior: Caregiver Tips https://www.alzra.org/alzheimers-behavior-issues/repetition/ The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

    Dementia and Decoding Repetitive Behaviors

  7. Jun 10

    When Dementia Care Need Change Fast

    Don't wait for a crisis. If someone you love is showing early signs of memory loss, the time to plan is now. In this episode, Kelly walks you through how to build a simple, realistic three-year care roadmap before urgency makes the decisions for you. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss Resources https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planning https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planning The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

    When Dementia Care Need Change Fast

  8. May 27

    Dementia and Hoarding: Fear of the Void

    This episode explores dementia-related hoarding, why it happens, what it means, and how families can respond with compassion. Kelly reframes hoarding not as stubbornness or manipulation, but as the brain's way of coping with memory loss. As dementia progresses, people anchor their sense of identity, security, and memory to physical objects, making removal feel threatening and distressing. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss Resources https://www.agingcare.com/articles/how-to-handle-hoarding-behaviors-in-dementia-patients-133679.htm https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/stages-and-symptoms/dementia-symptoms/hiding-hoarding-losing https://alzfdn.org/alzheimers-today-volume-17-number-3/hoarding-and-dementia/ The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

    Dementia and Hoarding: Fear of the Void
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About

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, family members can feel completely overwhelmed. You're now trying to juggle managing your loved one's increasing need for care while also tending to your own family, career and life. It can truly feel like a balancing act. I'm Kelly Bertenshaw, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and certified Dementia Care Specialist. I have worked with those affected by dementia and their families for more than 20 years. I started this podcast to help you, the family members, as you navigate this journey. My goal is to provide you with proven strategies, relevant information and research, as well as actionable steps you can take today . Together, we'll find the answers. Because no one should walk this journey alone. RSSVERIFY

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