Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support

Jennifer Fink
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
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Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support Podcast

Dementia caregiving got you down? Feeling lost caring for a loved one with memory loss? Fading Memories is your compassionate guide, offering practical tips, expert insights, and heartwarming stories. We navigate the journey together, from understanding dementia's impact to self-care for caregivers. Join our supportive community and find strength in shared experiences. Fading Memories: More than memories, it's about living well.

  1. Dementia Caregiver - Protect Your Mental Health

    5 HR. AGO

    Dementia Caregiver - Protect Your Mental Health

    Caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment is demanding and can take a toll on your own mental health. It's essential to prioritize your well-being. Creyos is a new tool designed to help protect your mental health by providing a clear picture of your stress levels and coping mechanisms. By understanding your own needs, you can better support both yourself and your loved one. Early identification of caregiver stress allows for timely intervention and support, ensuring you're equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Creyos was officially founded in 2015 when world-renowned neuroscientist, Professor Adrian Owen met Marc Lipton, a business leader with a proven track record of driving success and innovation, with a personal passion for advancing healthcare’s approach to cognitive care.  Prof. Owen and Marc were excited about the opportunity to use Prof. Owen’s research and digitized cognitive tasks to transform how clinicians and researchers measured brain health.  Together, they assembled an experienced team of scientists, product designers and software architects to build the Creyos platform, helping to deliver scientifically-validated brain health insights to the healthcare community in a modern and accessible way. Our Guest: Prof. Adrian Owen ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Beat Burnout - 52 Weeks of Self Care Caring for the Caregivers: A Self-Care Revolution ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order. 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 Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

    48 min
  2. Becoming a Savvy Caregiver

    3 DAYS AGO

    Becoming a Savvy Caregiver

    The Savvy Caregiver Program is a training program for caregivers like you. Caregiving is a role far different from being a spouse or child.  Those terms describe relationships. Assisting and guiding someone who is living with a chronic illness is the definition of caregiving. It is work. The caregiving role has a “job description”. Putting together the tasks, the helping, the cleaning up, watching, worrying, everything make up the caregivers job description. Hiring someone to do what you do isn't truly possible. With enough money you can hire people to do many of your caregiving tasks. However, the caregiver role is more than one person can handle. Caregiving is a job most of us never expected to have and are untrained to do properly. Lacking proper training leads to stress, frustration and sometimes injuries. Taking care of a person living with a demanding illness like Alzheimer's is specialized work. Doing this work successfully requires special skills and knowledge,  You also need an outlet and attitude that helps you look after yourself. Why Do I Need Caregiver Training? Being unprepared for the role of caregiver is common. Lacking awareness of available training or even the need for training is also common. Many family caregivers tackle their role as a caregiver in a way similar to raising children. Unfortunately, this method leads to a lot of stress, frustration and tears. Consider the situation you've found yourself in. Caregiving is likely very different from any other role you have experienced. Seeing, recognizing and understanding that difference are important first steps in appreciating the work you have undertaken as a caregiver. Most importantly, the Savvy Caregiver Program teaches you how to be a great caregiver. I attended the accelerated version (3 weeks vs 6) this past May. Learning how to be a better care partner to my Mom was a blessing. Taking this training earlier on the disease would have been a huge benefit to my Dad. Between his chronic illnesses and caring for Mom, he had too much on his plate. What Types of Things Will I Learn In This Training? Firstly, you'll learn about providing contented involvement.  In other words, successful caregiving comes down to helping the person be as comfortable & involved & happy as possible. Keeping in mind that a person living with a demanding disorder can still: zero in on a task or activitystay with it for some timehave a pleasant time doing it Keeping the person involved and content may help lessen confusion and reduce the chances of distress and difficult behaviors. Determining contented involvement takes practice. For instance, think of Goldilocks trying to find a balance between too much and too little. That is to say, a just right amount. As a result of taking the training program I learned new ways to approach caring for Mom as she declines further.  Learning that we, as caregivers, are more in charge than we thought was huge.  While we can't control the disease, we can control our reactions. For example. reacting in calm, more understanding ways helps our loved one stay calm. Anyone dealing with someone with Alzheimer's knows that being calm can be a challenge. Changing our behavior, reactions will change the outcomes of many of our interactions. That's the benefit of becoming a Savvy Caregiver. As a result, our journey as caregivers can be a lot easier. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RELATED EPISODES: What Is Death Positivity? The Heart of Caring - Dementia & Hospice ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message.

    51 min
  3. Dementia & Parents Health: Essential Conversations

    6 DAYS AGO

    Dementia & Parents Health: Essential Conversations

    Dementia and parents' health necessitate essential conversations. Discussing their care preferences, financial management,and desired living arrangements is crucial. Addressing potential cognitive impairment, healthcare needs, and financial decisions empowers both you and your parents. Openly exploring options like assisted living or in-home care ensures preparedness and peace of mind. These conversations, while challenging, foster a deeper understanding and strengthen your bond. Our Guest: Ashwini Bapat Dr. Ashwini C. Bapat is a palliative care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is also the co-founder of Epione- Caregiver Coaching. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Dementia Care Conversations: Unveiling the Four Essentials Speaking from the Heart: End-of-Life Conversations ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order. 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 Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

    56 min
  4. The Heart of Caregiving: From Denial to Self-Care and Fulfillment

    AUG 30

    The Heart of Caregiving: From Denial to Self-Care and Fulfillment

    Patricia Boswell The Heart of Caregiving: From Denial to Self-Care and Fulfillment. Navigating the intricate journey of dementia caregiving involves a transformative shift from denial to embracing self-care and finding fulfillment. This metamorphosis captures the essence of "The Heart of Caregiving," where caregivers confront the challenges with resilience. From acknowledging the harsh reality of dementia to prioritizing their own well-being, caregivers embark on a profound voyage that not only benefits those they care for but also nurtures their own emotional and physical health It's the exception when I have the pleasure of chatting with someone who has been in the caregiving game longer than I have. My Mom had Alzheimer's from the late 1990s till 2020, but my guest, Patricia A. Boswell, has worked in caregiving since 1976. Who better to learn how to provide care with love and joy than someone like Patricia? Patricia has worked for the past twelve years in various home healthcare settings and private duty nursing, hospice, group homes, and senior living centers. Additionally, she consults with organizations regarding their best practices regarding medical operations. These activities are just some of what Patricia does to help those impacted by some form of dementia. In addition to the calming sounds of birds chirping in the background, you'll get It's not often I have a guest sitting outside among chirping birds. Listen for the advice but enjoy the calming bird sounds from Patricia's backyard birds. https://www.caregivingwithloveandjoy.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: How Food Affects Our Brain Health Brain Health & Dementia Prevention in Ten Easy Steps ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please Support Our Sponsors So We Can Continue To Bring The Show to You For Free ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

    1h 1m
  5. The Power of Words & Creativity: A Balm for Both

    AUG 27

    The Power of Words & Creativity: A Balm for Both

    The transformative power of creativity can be a balm for both individuals living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. For caregivers, engaging in artistic endeavors provides a much-needed respite from the demands of caregiving, offering a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect with their own creative spirit. This self-care is essential to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being. For the person with cognitive impairment, creative expression offers a unique avenue for communication, stimulation, and joy. Activities such as painting, music, or dance can help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and maintain a sense of purpose. These creative pursuits also provide opportunities for social interaction and shared experiences, fostering a deeper connection between the caregiver and the individual they support. By working collaboratively on creative projects,both parties can experience a sense of accomplishment and shared satisfaction. Our Guest: Mary Crescenzo Mary Crescenzo is one of five 2022 Individual Winners of the Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Dementia Care. She is an arts strategist/practitioner, master teaching artist, and mult-hyphenate creative whose work as an author spans genre of nonfiction, fiction, essay, reviews, and poetry in both commercial and literary markets, and as blogger and broadcaster. In the realm of theatre, she is playwright of Planet A, director, and actor. Her play, Planet A, is about the good, bad and ugly terrain of Alzheimer’s/dementia. In the world of music, Mary is a Jazz singer, lyricist and librettist and founder of MC3 - a Jazz trio. And this is just the beginning of her list of talents! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Happy Hearts: Music Therapy for Dementia Care Connections through Art ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order. 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 Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

    54 min
  6. More Caring for The Caregiver

    AUG 23

    More Caring for The Caregiver

    Exhausted from caring for someone with dementia? You're not alone. This episode, More Caring for the Caregiver dives deep into practical self-care strategies specifically for dementia caregivers. Learn how to prioritize your own well-being,manage stress, and avoid burnout.  We'll explore tips for finding pockets of time for yourself, setting boundaries, and fostering a support network. Discover how caring for yourself can actually make you a better caregiver for your loved one. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Alzheimer’s Caregivers-Sending You Encouragement Today Yoga for Busy Caregivers ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order. 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 Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

    1h 52m
  7. Dementia Caregiving Guide for Kids & Teens

    AUG 20

    Dementia Caregiving Guide for Kids & Teens

    When a family gets a diagnosis of a dementia causing disease, it's normal to want to shield kids and even teens from the news. However, with the right support, they can be an invaluable supportive caregiver to their loved one. Here are some tips on how to help them navigate that role. Open Communication: Talk Honestly: Explain dementia in an age-appropriate way. Address their fears and frustrations openly. Listen Actively: Validate their feelings. Let them know it's okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Supportive Caregiving: Find Age-Appropriate Tasks: Let them help with simple tasks like setting reminders or engaging in familiar activities with their loved one. Focus on Strengths: Highlight their unique ability to connect with their loved one through shared interests or hobbies. Maintaining Balance: Set Boundaries: Acknowledge their need for social time and hobbies. Schedule respite care or involve other family members. Support Groups: Connect them with online or in-person groups for young caregivers. They'll find others facing similar situations. By involving them in care while respecting their needs, teens can be amazing caregivers while still chasing their dreams. Our Guest: Alex Schumacher Alex was a tween when his family learned his grandmother had Alzheimer's. As an adult, he is now the author of the graphic novel "The Effects of Pickled Herring". This novel is a warm and funny, coming of age story. It's a story that reminds s that life pulls us in many directions yet the one thing that can ground us is the ones we love. Grab the book here! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro00:22 - The Pickled Herring05:24 - Alex's Caregiving Experience10:00 - You Need Your Grandma12:44 - Talking to Kids about Alzheimer's18:39 - Education and Training for Caregivers22:58 - Caregiver Advice for Families27:58 - Encouraging Kids to Share Joys31:05 - Kids' Impact on Dementia Care34:43 - Importance of Communication38:57 - Adult Day Programs for Families45:55 - Sequel ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Kids as Alzheimer’s Caregivers My Grandma Has Dementia – Helping Kids Understand ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order. 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!

    53 min
  8. Time Out Caregiver: Resilience, Compassion & Self-Care

    AUG 16

    Time Out Caregiver: Resilience, Compassion & Self-Care

    Time Out Caregiver: Resilience, Compassion & Self-Care. Seventy percent of us will need care before we die. When you're already living with a challenging disease, taking on the role of caregiving is hard. We do it anyway and rarely think of the consequences to ourselves. What happens when you can no longer manage the day-to-day responsibility? "One thing that has become increasingly evident to me is the unexpected outcome of providing exceptional care: the continuation of life. It makes me question whether it is always the right decision, but how can I possibly do otherwise?" These words were spoken by Dave Iverson, our guest this week, in his thought-provoking book Winter Stars. Within its pages, he delves deep into the circumstances that led him to realize when it was time to step away from being his mother's primary caregiver. He painfully recognized that his mother and her care had become the fulcrum on which his life teetered precariously. This soul-searching occurred twelve years after his Parkinson's disease diagnosis, a condition he had managed quite well. However, the prospect of countless more days dedicated to caregiving left him feeling despondent. Their life together was straightforward—two individuals dependent on Social Security and Medicare, residing under the same roof. The activities that used to rejuvenate Dave no longer held the same effect. The coping mechanisms he had relied on for years appeared insufficient to sustain his sense of self. Despite receiving every form of support available to a caregiver, he couldn't shake the feeling of being perpetually bound. Eventually, after exploring every facet of his role as a primary caregiver, Dave arrived at a profound realization. He understood that he needed to step out the front door and return not as a caregiver but as a son. He recognized that he could no longer undertake the impossible, albeit fulfilling, excruciating, and life-altering job. Learn more about Dave & get his book here! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related episodes: Finding Comfort in Caregiving The Heart of Caregiving: From Denial to Self-Care and Fulfillment ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

    1h 4m
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About

Dementia caregiving got you down? Feeling lost caring for a loved one with memory loss? Fading Memories is your compassionate guide, offering practical tips, expert insights, and heartwarming stories. We navigate the journey together, from understanding dementia's impact to self-care for caregivers. Join our supportive community and find strength in shared experiences. Fading Memories: More than memories, it's about living well.

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