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Join Rayna Neises as she learns about the mission of The Grand Baby Project with Tonja Moon, founder. In this touching episode, Tonja unravels her personal narrative of caring for her dementia-stricken grandmother, revealing the unexpected calming power of lifelike baby dolls and they offer joy and a sense of purpose to those battling with memory loss. As we traverse Tonja's journey, we uncover the triumphs, the struggles, and the surprising response of men with dementia to this therapy.

But that's not all. As we delve deeper, the conversation sheds light on the pivotal role of caregivers, the unsung heroes within the Alzheimer's and dementia community. Tonja and Rayna, drawing from their personal experiences, discuss creative hobbies and ways to support loved ones, reminding us of the importance of cherishing small moments. Learn how you can contribute to the Grand Baby Project and make a difference in the lives of dementia patients and their caregivers. So, sit back, grab a cup of your favorite brew, and prepare for a heartfelt journey into the world of caregiving and the heartwarming work of the Grand Baby Project.

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Ever found yourself in the middle of a caregiving journey, feeling overwhelmed, yet strangely blessed? You are not alone. Join me, Rayna Neises, as I welcome Peggy Bode, a fellow caregiver who sheds light on the complexities, challenges, and rewards of caring for loved ones - specifically, in-laws. Peggy shares a memorable tale about her father-in-law's unique love language - giving treats. This story and others serve as refreshing reminders that there's joy, warmth, and God's presence to be discovered even in demanding caregiving moments.

We also dive into the intricacies of caring for aging loved ones, discussing the delicate act of balancing their independence with the care they require. Like a well-read book, our elderly loved ones possess a lifetime of wisdom and experiences, and we explore ways to honor this. 

Peggy also opens up about her faith, revealing how it serves as an anchor during turbulent times. Moreover, we emphasize the critical role of self-care, an often overlooked aspect of caregiving. You'll leave with practical tips on how to find God amidst the chaos, and the crucial importance of pausing to recharge. So, tune in for an inspiring journey that promises to leave you encouraged and emboldened in your caregiving journey.

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When it comes to caregiving, every journey is unique and filled with its own set of challenges. Imagine being the primary caregiver for a loved one battling with health issues like cancer and a vagus nerve condition. That’s the story of our guest today, Pamela Durand, who courageously took on these demanding responsibilities. Her experiences and insights, including the difficult decision of taking away her father’s driving privileges, empathize with the often silent battles caregivers endure, highlighting the importance of empathy, communication, and support.

Navigating through the different seasons of caregiving, we focus on the experience of caring for aging parents. We delve into personal reflections and share anecdotes, exploring the difficult conversations and emotions that arise. Additionally, we discuss upholding the dignity of our loved ones while offering them support. We emphasize respecting and understanding the traditionalist generation and the often-overlooked complexities of caregiving. 

Finally, we ride the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving, where we share our experiences and advice on managing the unexpected. We discuss the need for continuous communication, managing amplified emotions in older individuals, and the surprises that caregiving brings. Join us, as we learn, grow, and find hope in the world of caregiving.

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to care for a loved one with dementia while raising you kids? Join us as Jill Pietroburgo shares her heartwarming journey of caring for her mother and raising her children. Jill, an early childhood special education and co-founder of Eagles Wings Ministry, gracefully and lovingly navigates the complexities of dementia caregiving. She offers a unique perspective on the challenges and successes of this journey. 

Jill's story takes us from the onset of her mother's illness, through the difficulties of finding suitable care, and ultimately, her mother's passing. She shares emotional moments, like helping her mother say goodbye to her older sister, and talks about the different, sometimes surprising, aspects of caregiving. But it's not all challenges and heartache; Jill explores how caregiving can serve as an expression of Christ's love, and the importance of teaching children to love and respect their aging grandparents.

Beyond just sharing her personal experiences, Jill provides guidance and hope for fellow caregivers. She shares about her first children's book- a tool for parents helping their young children understand dementia and her contribution to Content Magazine's autumn 2023 edition. Whether you are a caregiver or know someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights for navigating the challenging, yet fulfilling journey of caring for someone with dementia. 

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Do you find yourself struggling with the complex dynamics of caregiving? Meet Lil Glamben, someone who knows firsthand how caregiving can change and strain a relationship. Lil faced numerous challenges while caring for her mother and stepfather during her own menopause journey. Despite facing challenges, she approached them with unwavering faith, which led her to not only overcome them, but also experience profound personal growth and uncover unforeseen paths to healing. 

Lil talks openly about caregiving and highlights the important but sometimes unnoticed parts of this challenging task. She emphasizes the importance of respecting her mother's wishes, even if it meant being less involved than she had planned. By doing so, she was able to provide the support her stepfather needed and then care for him, which led to a profound journey of healing. Lil’s story reminds us of the importance of finding help during tough times. It offers inspiration for others going through similar situations.

As our conversation comes to an end, we delve into the significance of nurturing oneself, embracing joy, and creating meaningful daily rituals throughout the menopausal journey. Lil explains how understanding multitasking and serving others can bring about positive changes, leading to more happiness and fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration during their midlife caregiving season. 

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Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders while caring for a loved one suffering from a debilitating disease? Dr. George Ackerman knows that feeling all too well. He opens his heart and shares his personal journey of caregiving for his late mother, Sharon, who battled both Parkinson's and dementia. His poignant narrative about the challenges he faced in ensuring proper medication and making the difficult decision to keep her at home is bound to resonate with many listeners.

Dr. Ackerman's dedication to raising awareness about Parkinson's disease is evident in his tireless work with the Together for Sharon. He also emphasizes the importance of movement for those living with Parkinson's, a simple yet crucial aspect that greatly impacts their quality of life. His family's trials and tribulations with his mother's dual diagnosis, as well as the support they received from the American Parkinson's Disease Association, offer a realistic look at what life is like for caregivers and their loved ones.

In the final segment of our conversation, George finds the strength to share uplifting stories and offer messages of hope and resilience. Through his platform, Together for Sharon, and his advocacy work, he continues to inspire and support those who are navigating their own seasons of caregiving. Tune in to hear how Dr. George Ackerman's experiences serve as a beacon of light for others amidst the challenging world of caregiving.

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Ever grappled with the emotional rollercoaster of being a caregiver? Join me for an enlightening chat with Gaylynn Green about her experience caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s. Gaylynn talks about her initial fears when she started noticing her mother's dementia symptoms. She also shares her struggles to make her concerns understood by her mother's doctor. Challenges of caregiving from afar led to moving her to Gaylynn's home for better care.

Gaylynn’s story reveals the touching beauty of her mother’s character. Despite her disease, her mother always managed to find moments of humor and share a glimpse into her personality. We touch on the crucial role faith played in providing Gaylynn with strength and peace. Listen to her internal conflict between not wanting her mother to suffer and the fear of losing her. Gaylynn’s journey highlights the indispensable need for patience, love, and a strong sense of advocacy in caregiving.

A key take-away from our conversation is the importance of self-compassion during these challenging times. As caregivers, it’s easy to overlook our needs. However, it’s vital to remember to be kind to ourselves. We talked about the importance of trusting our intuition, asking for help when necessary, and finding healthcare professionals who appreciate the caregiver's point-of-view. Gaylynn’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the vital role of advocacy in caregiving. Immerse yourself in Gaylynn’s inspiring journey and extract valuable lessons that can guide your caregiving journey.

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What happens when a strong-willed single mother becomes the caregiver for her father? How does that journey, full of emotional roller coasters and challenging realities, transform her life? In this episode, we are introduced to Tenita Abraham, a dedicated daughter who embarked on this journey of caregiving. Tenita's story is not just about caregiving but also a testament to love, faith, and resilience - a story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Tenita Abraham, who has personally encountered the trials and obstacles of caregiving, graciously imparts to us her invaluable insights on navigating her father's dementia-related behaviors. But it was those moments of joy, like racing down hospital corridors with her father, that kept her going. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the necessity of taking breaks, a reminder we all need when dealing with challenging periods in life. 

Finally, how Tenita used social media as a window to broadcast her experiences and  wisdom gained during her journey as a caregiver. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others walking the same path. So tune in to hear Tenita's story, a narrative of caregiving, love, faith, and resilience. It is a shining example of finding humanity and hope amidst the complexities of life.

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Imagine the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for the inevitable. Christy Byrne Yates, an educational psychologist, author, speaker, coach, and consultant, shares how her parents' careful planning for their later years gave her the valuable gift of preparedness. Christy explains how being prepared helped her transition into the role of caregiver for her parents, who both had dementia, and how it affected her and her family.

Treading further down the path of caregiving, we delve deep into the challenging terrain of grief while our loved ones are still alive. Christy shares a peek into her emotional journey, highlighting the significance of embracing and expressing these raw feelings. She found writing letters to God, as a robust pillar of strength and resilience during these trying times. Christy inspires caregivers to be kind to themselves, find strength in God, and navigate the caregiving journey with grace and patience by sharing hopeful personal stories. 

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of caregiving, a testament to the power of preparedness, and a guide to finding strength amidst grief. Tune in to my conversation with Christy Byrne-Akes, and embark on a journey towards compassionate caregiving.

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The challenges of Alzheimer's care can be complicated, but our engaging conversation with Jennifer Fink will shed some light on this often daunting journey. Hear her heartwarming and sometimes hilarious tales of caring for her mom, including the mystery of the black sports bra. Fink, a beacon of support in the Alzheimer’s community through her podcast, Fading Memories, opens up about the difficulties and joys of her caregiving season.

As we laugh with Jennifer over the wardrobe fiascos, we also tackle the tough topics. Staff at facilities, mischievous residents, and the overall unpredictability of Alzheimer's – it's all part of the caregiving package. Jennifer shares her recipe for surviving and even thriving in the face of these challenges: a dash of humor, a dollop of grace, and a whole lot of resilience.

We round off our conversation exploring the lessons learned and the silver linings found in the cloud of Alzheimer's care. Jennifer insists on finding joy amidst the rollercoaster of emotions, cherishing the small moments of beauty and comfort. She leaves us with her hopeful outlook on life, a mantra of positivity that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners. Tune in for a unique blend of heartwarming stories, laughs, and perhaps even a few tears. You won’t want to miss this insightful episode.