Gather Darlings

willGather and Dementia Darling

Come as you are, Caregivers! Welcome to Gather Darlings- Carrie, the founder of Dementia Darling, known for keeping it real when it comes to dementia care and Nicole, the founder of willGather, where she's all about helping family caregivers navigate aging like a pro, and, are teaming up to co-host this podcast— where we kick back, let loose, and dive headfirst into the untamed, unfiltered world of caregiving. This isn't your grandma's tea party—unless your grandma likes to spill the tea with a glass of wine in one hand and unapologetic truths in the other. So listen while you're driving, doing the dishes, working, or if you got lucky in your favorite chair, whether it's a loveseat, or a rocking chair, and make yourself comfortable. It's always happy hour here, and we're serving up the real stories of caregiving with a side of unfiltered banter. Here, we talk about it all— the messy, the stressful, and the downright REAL parts of caring for someone else while trying to keep your own sanity intact. Think of us as your bestie support group, where nothing is off-limits. Struggling with your mental health? We've got you. Feeling like caregiving is a thankless job? We see you. Whether you're aging (which is ALL of us!), caregiving, loving a caregiver or working in aging services- Pour yourself a drink; let's vent and laugh, and talk all about it. And yes, we even talk about how sometimes you just need to lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes of peace—or for a quick cry. "Gather, Darlings" isn't just a podcast; it's a movement. We're here to redefine caregiving, pushing boundaries and breaking stigmas with every episode. Join us as we explore the unexpected side of caregiving, making every hour the happiest hour as we will lift you up with resources, support, and community to feel confident in this unsteady journey. So, whether you're sipping chamomile tea or sneaking your third cookie—no judgment here—let's shake up the world of caregiving together. After all, if we can't laugh at the chaos, we'll just end up crying, right? Let's do this, caregivers, one episode at a time!

  1. 12/14/2024

    GATHER | Younger-Onset Dementia with Patti LaFleur, Lorenzo's House

    In this heartwarming episode, we are joined by sunshine in the form of a person, Patti LaFleur! Patti shared the very personal and impactful mission of Lorenzo's House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating younger-onset dementia. Founded in 2021, Lorenzo's House is leading the way of support for families facing this challenging and often isolating journey.  The organization's core mission is powerful and personal: to shift the narrative from isolation to connection, from stigma to strength, and from darkness to light! Key highlights of Lorenzo's House include: - Holistic Support Model: Offering virtual and in-person youth initiatives, support groups, and healing spaces  - Community Building: Creating a national and global network of families united in their journey - Empowerment Focus: Providing free support to families, with a vision of expanding their reach Our conversation emphasized the importance of supporting entire families, recognizing the profound impact of younger-onset dementia on children, partners, and caregivers! Patti gives us advice on how to show up for our youth and how to be more mindful this holiday season.  Lorenzo's House stands as a beacon of hope, bringing light to families facing this challenging diagnosis and creating a supportive community where no one feels alone!  Share, support and donate to Lorenzo's House:  https://lorenzoshouse.org   We mentioned the incredible, Adria Thompson of Be Light Care Consulting, Remember Me podcast, Jacquelyn Revere of MomofMyMom  on social media and Think Tank created by Nicole Will and James Lee.    Patti LaFleur, Programs Lead Patti is the former carepartner to her mom, Linda, who had younger-onset dementia - and a former elementary educator of over 10 years. Patti designs and leads our youth programming with intentionality, knowledge and love. Her capacity to connect with family members through lived experience and profound generosity of spirit sets the tone for how Lorenzo's House shows up for families. Patti has a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, has spent countless hours volunteering with people living with neurocognitive disorders, and as a community educator for the Alzheimer's Association.

    41 min
  2. 11/15/2024

    National Family Caregivers Month | Honoring Dementia Caregivers

    In this episode of "Gather Darlings," host Carrie, known as Dementia Darling, honors National Family Caregivers Month by shining a light on the incredible work of dementia caregivers! Carrie shares a comprehensive list of essential resources for dementia caregivers, including the Alzheimer's Association, Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care, and the Family Caregiver Alliance, among others. These organizations provide vital support, educational programs, and community connections that can make a significant difference in caregivers' lives. The episode also addresses mental health and self-care, encouraging caregivers to join support groups, seek professional help when needed, and practice mindfulness techniques. Carrie highlights the importance of respite care as a crucial support system, outlining various options such as in-home services and adult day centers that allow caregivers to recharge. Additionally, practical tips for daily caregiving are shared, including establishing routines and utilizing tools to enhance communication and quality of life.  Tune in to this episode to gather insights, resources, and encouragement as we celebrate the dedication of dementia caregivers everywhere.   Essential Resources for Dementia Caregivers   1. **Alzheimer's Association** - [alz.org](https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources): Offers a 24/7 helpline, support groups, and educational programs. 2. **Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care** - [teepasnow.com](https://www.teepasnow.com): Provides innovative dementia care training and resources. 3. **Be Light Care** - [belightcare.com](http://www.belightcare.com): Offers dementia care consulting and education. 4. **Roon Dementia** - [roon.com](http://www.roon.com): A platform that provides resources for dementia care. 5. **Family Caregiver Alliance** - [caregiver.org](https://www.caregiver.org): Provides comprehensive support and information for family caregivers. 6. **AARP Caregiving Resource Center** - [aarp.org/caregiving](https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/): Offers tools and information to help navigate the caregiving journey.   Mental Health and Self-Care Resources   1. **Zen Caregiving Project** - [zencaregiving.org](https://zencaregiving.org): Offers mindfulness-based support for caregivers. 2. **Steadii App** - [steadii.com](https://www.steadii.com/): A mobile app designed to help caregivers manage their responsibilities. 3. Leeza's Care Connection for support groups https://leezascareconnection.org/home   Respite Care Resources   1. **ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center** - [archrespite.org](https://archrespite.org): Provides resources to help find respite care options in your area. 2. Area Agencies on Aging in your local area (google this for your location) 3. HFC www.wearehfc.org for respite grants and support groups   Practical Tools and Engagement Resources   1. **Care Mobi App** - A mobile app for caregiver organization and reminders. 2. **Zinnia TV** - A platform for engagement activities tailored for seniors. 3. **Nana's Books, Mirador, SingFit, Music with Alexis**: Various resources for engaging activities with individuals living with dementia. Zinnia TV- www.zinniatv.com  Nana's Books- www.nanasbookseries.com  Mirador Magazine- www.miradormagazine.com  Singfit http://www.singfit.com Music with Alexis- www.musicwithalexis.com  CareMobi app https://nursing.nyu.edu/w/caremobi   Additional Support   **Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One Podcast** - Hosted by Nicole Will, this podcast empowers older adults and caregivers with insights throughout the aging journey. More information can be found at [willgatherpodcast.com](http://www.willgatherpodcast.com).   We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review!  Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE.    Come as you are!    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

    21 min
  3. 11/01/2024

    BRING YOUR BESTIE | Go-Mo girls—Sandra and Diana Gonzalez-Morett, Filmmaker & Caregivers

    We're diving deep with the Go-Mo girls—Sandra and Diana Gonzalez-Morett—two badass sisters who turned their caregiving story into advocacy and art with their film Pedacito de Carne. After 7 years as full-time caregivers for their mom, Diana, they're here to spill on the highs, the heartbreaks, and the bonds that only sisters could handle. From navigating FTD (Frontotemporal Degeneration) to finding joy, love, and even play in the darkest of times, these women are redefining what it means to care and live fully. Tune in for sharing of  resilience, sisterhood, mental health, ADHD and why self-care is the ultimate act of rebellion.   "Pedacito de Carne" is a short drama film that follows Sandra, a young millennial caregiver for her mother, Antonia, who is living with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Inspired by the real-life experiences of Diana and Sandra Gonzalez-Morett with their mother's FTD journey, the film portrays the challenges and emotional complexities of caregiving. It illustrates a day in Sandra's life, highlighting themes of love and connection amidst adversity.    Connect with the Go-Mo sisters at: @sandygomo @dianalaurengm @PedacitodeCarnefilm   Learn more at https://www.theaftd.org/ Beyondd Project: https://beyonddproject.org/     We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review!  Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE.    Come as you are!    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

    1h 22m
  4. 10/04/2024

    GATHER | Real Talk with Nikki Nurse: Self-Care, Boundaries, and Caregiver Survival

    Get ready to dive deep with Nikki Nurse—she's not just a caregiver, she's a powerhouse voice changing the game for family caregivers everywhere. Nikki is all about living your best life, even when you're up to your elbows in the everyday hustle. She'll help you find the small moments that matter, push you to pause, and teach you how to heal from the inside out. Nikki keeps it real about the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your mental and financial health when caregiving becomes your full-time job. Nikki gets it: caregiving isn't easy, but with her killer advice, you'll learn how to handle the stress, embrace the struggle, and actually find JOY in the process. It's time to stop pouring from an empty cup and start putting yourself first, because trust—when you're thriving, so is everyone else. Tune in for all the raw, real talk you need to make it through the day with your sanity (and a smile). Connect with Nikki at @alogcabininbrooklyn    We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review!  Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE.    Come as you are!    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

    1h 12m
  5. 08/23/2024

    GATHER | Andrea Hughes, Caregiver, Author and Speaker @itsandreakrystal

    We LOVED this conversation with Andrea Hughes. She shares with us the story of care for her mom with young-onset Alzheimer's, discovering self-compassion, how to find the support you need, and the ways she empowers other caregivers through her sharing and vulnerability. Focusing on joy, being creative, staying present in the moments, and bringing playfulness in the care has enriched Andrea's life in many ways. Her mom bought Andrea her first journal when she was 7 years old. She's also share with us how this practice has been her life's reflection on the raw, real, heartbreaking, love and joy that shares the story of her resilience. A reminder for all caregivers on the power of journaling.  Andrea is an author and dedicated caregiver, deeply committed to nurturing a community grounded in empathy and support. Juggling the responsibilities of caring for her mom, who is courageously facing early-onset Alzheimer's, with her professional pursuits, Andrea champions the power of honest, vulnerable dialogues surrounding life's complexities and the caregiving journey.   Follow and connect with Andrea HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/ Buy caregiver journal prompts HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/purchase/p/365-journal-prompts-for-dementia-caregivers   Instagram: https://www.andreakrystal.com/   We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review!  Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE.    Come as you are!    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

    1h 1m

Trailer

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Come as you are, Caregivers! Welcome to Gather Darlings- Carrie, the founder of Dementia Darling, known for keeping it real when it comes to dementia care and Nicole, the founder of willGather, where she's all about helping family caregivers navigate aging like a pro, and, are teaming up to co-host this podcast— where we kick back, let loose, and dive headfirst into the untamed, unfiltered world of caregiving. This isn't your grandma's tea party—unless your grandma likes to spill the tea with a glass of wine in one hand and unapologetic truths in the other. So listen while you're driving, doing the dishes, working, or if you got lucky in your favorite chair, whether it's a loveseat, or a rocking chair, and make yourself comfortable. It's always happy hour here, and we're serving up the real stories of caregiving with a side of unfiltered banter. Here, we talk about it all— the messy, the stressful, and the downright REAL parts of caring for someone else while trying to keep your own sanity intact. Think of us as your bestie support group, where nothing is off-limits. Struggling with your mental health? We've got you. Feeling like caregiving is a thankless job? We see you. Whether you're aging (which is ALL of us!), caregiving, loving a caregiver or working in aging services- Pour yourself a drink; let's vent and laugh, and talk all about it. And yes, we even talk about how sometimes you just need to lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes of peace—or for a quick cry. "Gather, Darlings" isn't just a podcast; it's a movement. We're here to redefine caregiving, pushing boundaries and breaking stigmas with every episode. Join us as we explore the unexpected side of caregiving, making every hour the happiest hour as we will lift you up with resources, support, and community to feel confident in this unsteady journey. So, whether you're sipping chamomile tea or sneaking your third cookie—no judgment here—let's shake up the world of caregiving together. After all, if we can't laugh at the chaos, we'll just end up crying, right? Let's do this, caregivers, one episode at a time!