Carolyn Birrell is the author of Walking with Fay, a moving book about her mother's uncharted path into dementia. Carolyn's writing began as a way to help her make sense of what was happening and quickly turned into the book she herself had needed, to provide relatable caregiving help. It's a beautiful, empowering book and I really loved it.

We talk about:

- What led Carolyn to write such a personal and difficult book

- Why it took so long to realize how bad things had got with her mother

- The process of learning her mother had dementia and the early signs

- Working out what level of interference in her mother's affairs was appropriate

- Coming to terms with realizing more help with caregiving was required

- The kind of support that was needed and how Carolyn found that both for her mother and herself

- Coping with a lack of recognition from her mother

- The impact of the global pandemic on her mother's care

- What readers can expect from the book

- Carolyn's advice for people who fear they are starting to see signs of a parent's dementia

- Learning what to say and what not to say to a person with dementia

- What makes the book different from other memoirs

- What Carolyn hopes readers will get from the book

- Carolyn's advice for anyone just beginning on this path with their loved one

And more!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you're listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #15 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Follow Rachel on:

Facebook: facebook.com/magnificentmidlife

Instagram: instagram.com/magnificentmidlife

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rachellankester

Twitter: twitter.com/MagnifMidlife

Pinterest: pinterest.co.uk/MagnificentMidlife1

Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCEteu6Z2mW1z1wnHiVB08uw

Tiktok: tiktok.com/@magnificent_midlife