The stories of people living with dementia and their families need to be told, heard, and valued.

I'm honored to share the life of, MJ Grant, as she describes the legacy of caregiving in her family, her transition to becoming a caregiver, and the isolation many Deaf people living with dementia experience.

Here's what you'll discover in this beautiful interview: 

• [06:26] MJ talks about the viral "Dementia Can Be Beautiful" video that has had more than 2.5 million views.
• [14:22] How MJ's mom's dreams of travel and enjoyment in retirement were thwarted by caregiving for her mom (MJ's grandmother) who had Alzheimer's.
• [18:23] Through the eyes of herself as a little girl, growing up, MJ experienced her mom as being dedicated to her and her sister and as a "survivor" working in a factory with not many people to talk with as a deaf person.
• [23:03] Becoming a caregiver seems to come so naturally to MJ, but she describes her experience coming to terms with it, "I never thought I would be taking care of my parents, ever, you know, so, so there was a little bit of struggle there for me"
• [26:44] MJ talks about the bind of being in the sandwich, between caring for children and for her mom and mother-in-law with dementia.
• [31:06] MJ shares how she talks with her 5 year old about dementia.
• [34:47] Being a CODA (a Child of Deaf Adults) is an important piece of MJ's identity. She shares what this experience was like for her and what life was like for her mom as well.

About Mary Jane "MJ" Grant
MJ Grant is a CODA, that's a "Child of Deaf Adults". MJ was born to Deaf parents and has been a member of the Maine Deaf community since childhood. She currently provides sign language interpreting services to Deaf communities in New England. She's married, caring for aging parents, and parenting four children ranging in age from 6 to 25.

• Donate to MJ Grant's Documentary here

Click here to visit the show notes page to learn more.

For families: Click here to download the Mental Health & Memory Loss Guide

For professionals: Are you a licensed therapist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist who specializes with older adults? Claim your profile here.

Help others find this show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you listen to the podcast, or here on i-tunes.

--
DISCLAIMER: The material on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. Any comments Dr. Koepp may make on the TV Show, blog, or in response to an individual’s story or comments should not be construed as establishing a psychologist-patient relationship between Dr. Koepp and the individual. None of Dr. Koepp's show, website, social media, comments, or group information should be considered a substitute for individualized medical or mental health assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Koepp is only representing herself in her TV Show, blogs, and on her website.

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits