Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner welcomes Adria Thompson, a speech language pathologist and founder of Be Light Care. We go behind the scenes with Adria, who has created 400+ videos sharing specific hands on care tips for assisting someone who is living with dementia. Guiding 500,000+ caregivers across her platforms, she is changing the every day lives of individuals and trajectory of dementia care.

Adria shares her journey in the field, the importance of understanding and advocating for individuals living with dementia, and the challenges caregivers face. They explore the impact of public perception on caregiving decisions, the need for empathy and support, and the significance of education in dementia care. Adria emphasizes the importance of listening to the experiences of those living with dementia and advocates for a more compassionate approach to caregiving.

Takeaways

Be Light Care was founded to provide resources and training for caregivers.

Understanding dementia requires empathy and effective communication strategies.

Public perception can heavily influence caregiving decisions and experiences.

Caregivers often face backlash for their choices regarding care placement.

Education in dementia care should emphasize the human experience behind the condition.

Listening to individuals living with dementia is crucial for effective care.

Cultural differences impact how dementia care is approached and perceived.

There is hope for a more compassionate society towards individuals with dementia.

Caregivers should be acknowledged and supported for their dedication and hard work.

Sound bites

"Caregiving is a double-edged sword."

"Trust caregivers, trust caregivers."

"You're seen and you're not alone."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adria Thompson and Be Like Care

03:44 Adria's Journey as a Speech Language Pathologist

06:27 Creating Accessible Dementia Care Content

09:01 The Impact of Emma Heming Willis' Story

12:05 Understanding Caregiver Decisions and Public Perception

15:44 The Importance of Trusting Caregivers

17:28 Innovations in Dementia Education

20:35 Empathy in Dementia Care

23:04 Research and Perspectives from People Living with Dementia

26:14 Hope for the Future of Aging and Care

29:09 Hogeweyk®Dementia Village & Cultural Differences in Dementia Care

31:09 The Balance of Risk in Caregiving

33:48 Final Thoughts and Messages for Caregivers

46:06 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE -OUTRO).mp3

Keywords

dementia care, caregiving, speech language pathology, BeLight Care, Adria Thompson, dementia resources, caregiver support, education in dementia, public perception of dementia, human experience in dementia

Adria’s TedX "Why We Should Talk About Dementia"

Follow Adria with Be Light Care on:

• Instagram
•  Facebook
• TikTok
• Website
• LinkedIn

Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.

Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership to businesses to provide for the families they work with.

Connect with Michele Magner:

Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.