Aging with Down Syndrome

Jadene Ransdell, Kristin Dailey, Molly O'Toole

Join a mother, a sister, and a niece as they share honest and heartfelt conversations about the changing needs of their loved ones aging with Down syndrome. You will hear from leading experts about insights and advances in the field. You will meet professionals who are supporting individuals with Down syndrome through their senior years, and hear first-hand accounts from families who have navigated this caregiving journey. They will talk candidly about the unique challenges and joys found in this aging process, issues related to Alzheimer’s dementia, and give practical tips from lived experience.  Historically speaking, resources on this topic have been limited. Thankfully—as people with Down syndrome are living longer—more information is starting to coalesce. We hope this podcast will be a helpful resource for families and caregivers.

  1. Oct 20

    Women’s Health Over 40

    Dr. Hannah Graham shares insights into healthcare and health concerns for women with Down syndrome as they age. Pulling from years of experience and data treating patients at the Adult Down Syndrome Center, she tells us what we need to be aware of as our female loved ones get older. Because there is still a significant gap in research on women with Down syndrome, Dr. Graham's knowledge and expertise in this area is invaluable. Dr. Hannah Graham is a physician at the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, IL. Dr. Graham is also a mom of three, including a daughter with Down syndrome. Learn more about her here.  Resources: Women’s Health and Down Syndrome https://ndss.org/resources/womens-health-and-down-syndrome Women’s Health Guide https://ndss.org/resources/download-womens-health-guide Enhancing Women’s Health: Key Insights from the Primary Care Provider’s Guide to Women’s Health and Down Syndrome https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/enhancing-womens-health-webinar-10-8-2024/ Menopause in Women with Down Syndrome https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/menopause/ Menopause Visuals https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/menopause-visuals/ Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause Treatment in Women with Down Syndrome https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/hrt-menopause/ Effect of Menopause on Cognition in Women with Down Syndrome https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/menopause-cognition/ Breast Cancer Screening for Women with Down Syndrome https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/breast-cancer-screening/ Osteoporosis and Osteopenia https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/low-bone-density/ Urinary Tract Infections https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/utis/ Colon Cancer Screening for People with Down Syndrome https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/colon-cancer-screening/ Care Down Syndrome (education for primary care providers) https://careds.org/ We want to hear from you! Get in touch at: podcast@agingwithdownsyndrome.com

    Women’s Health Over 40
  2. Sep 8

    Our Favorite Things | Small Stuff Edition (Part 2)

    Sometimes the most useful caregiving tools come from places you’d never think to shop. Molly and Kristin share more of the practical fixes and smaller purchases that made a real difference when caring for their loved ones, from safer toileting and easier feeding, to temperature control, skin care, and everyday comfort. If you’re navigating caregiving right now, or you want to be better prepared for when you are, this two-part episode is packed with real-world ideas for you.  Mentioned in this episode: Roho toilet cushion (be sure to get the cover, available separately) https://tinyurl.com/4xex5pz3  Egg crate cushion https://a.co/d/0281qXiO Skin brush https://a.co/d/062Nm1rm Squigz suction toys https://a.co/d/06ThJYUS Pill crusher https://a.co/d/04MiMrTL Designer Wellness protein smoothie pouch https://designerwellness.com/collections/protein-smoothies Syringes https://a.co/d/0hAqZC0w Nectars https://a.co/d/053bud01 Seatbelt adjuster https://a.co/d/00GfQ8EW  Bumpers (Molly used two: industrial bumper, with a softer baby bumper over it): industrial https://www.uline.com/BL_798/Foam-Bumper-Guards, baby bumper https://a.co/d/0aBugDRk Mouth swabs https://a.co/d/06s3bOSw Curved toothbrush https://colliscurve.com/  Mattress protector: zip-off https://tinyurl.com/fykhr6dn, cooling https://tinyurl.com/36k5jk9a  Neck fan https://a.co/d/0bNvDqyE  PandaEar reusable silicone feeder pouch https://a.co/d/02x077AW Immersion blender (Molly’s was Cuisinart, Kristin’s was Vitamix—but it doesn’t have to be fancy or have accessories, any brand will do) https://a.co/d/0aDv1aiE We want to hear from you! Get in touch at: podcast@agingwithdownsyndrome.com

    Our Favorite Things | Small Stuff Edition (Part 2)
  3. Aug 25

    Our Favorite Things | Small Stuff Edition (Part 1)

    Molly and Kristin talk about the little items that made the biggest difference in their day-to-day caregiving. Mentioned in this episode: Squirt bottles https://a.co/d/034vIlPq (Molly’s exact squirt bottles aren’t available, but these are the same type) Continuous spray bottle https://a.co/d/07X0umdM (Molly’s exact spray bottle for shampooing isn’t available, but any continuous spray bottle will work) Shower and toilet grab bars https://a.co/d/07ejlZ5t No rinse shampoo cap  https://a.co/d/0ha9K7Pp Hand held shower with long hose  https://a.co/d/02BtTj8c No rinse bathing wipes https://a.co/d/07wU1gy2 Over the bed table https://a.co/d/041tozdk Large and extra large soft, washable pads (chucks)  39x55 https://a.co/d/0il6CT9A 36x60 https://a.co/d/052EDWtE 34x36 and 34x52 Amazon.com Knee pillow https://a.co/d/0a8eckVM; Pillow for in between the ankles https://a.co/d/00AJi0oA "Magic skincare potion" https://a.co/d/01h0UnKu; https://a.co/d/07yALMB8; Amazon.com : Dynarex Vitamins A & D Ointment, Ointment with Vitamin A and Vitamin D Skin Protectant, for Diaper Rash and Discomfort, White, 4 - 15 oz Jars of Dynarex Vitamins A & D Ointment : Health & Household Fidget blanket custom made from Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/TotallySewn Stackable foot stool https://a.co/d/08ks6AUI Foam yoga blocks https://a.co/d/086eIqH0 Bean bag chair https://a.co/d/06wWq7Sv Tubi https://a.co/d/0iI2XPVC TV antenna https://a.co/d/0bi1qCCX (Molly’s exact antenna isn’t available) Wireless retro telephone handset https://a.co/d/0iI2XPVC We want to hear from you! Get in touch at: podcast@agingwithdownsyndrome.com

    Our Favorite Things | Small Stuff Edition (Part 1)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Join a mother, a sister, and a niece as they share honest and heartfelt conversations about the changing needs of their loved ones aging with Down syndrome. You will hear from leading experts about insights and advances in the field. You will meet professionals who are supporting individuals with Down syndrome through their senior years, and hear first-hand accounts from families who have navigated this caregiving journey. They will talk candidly about the unique challenges and joys found in this aging process, issues related to Alzheimer’s dementia, and give practical tips from lived experience.  Historically speaking, resources on this topic have been limited. Thankfully—as people with Down syndrome are living longer—more information is starting to coalesce. We hope this podcast will be a helpful resource for families and caregivers.

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