Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Visiting friends who have dementia or disabilities can be challenging. My husband, Mark, had a stroke, and it's been a journey for us. Initially, everyone was supportive, but as time went on, visits dwindled. It’s sad to see him feeling isolated, especially when his friends have stopped checking in.

People have their lives, and I understand that. But seeing someone you care about in a vulnerable state is hard. The changes can be frightening, and you may feel helpless watching them struggle. These feelings are valid, and I'm not here to judge anyone.

The Importance of Showing Up

When you don’t visit, it’s often because of the discomfort you feel or the guilt of not coming sooner. These feelings are natural, but it’s crucial to overcome them. Remember, it’s about your friend and how much your visit can mean to them.

Mark's birthday party in June was a testament to this. His friends showed up, and it brought so much joy to him. Seeing him light up with excitement is a reminder of how important these connections are.

Your Presence Matters

For those with dementia or other progressive diseases, the presence of friends offers comfort, familiarity, and a sense of the past. Even if they don’t fully recognize you, your visit can bring a sense of peace and connection.

Think about the caregiver too. As a caregiver myself, having friends visit Mark gives me relief and happiness. It reminds me that we’re not alone in this journey.

Overcoming Emotional Hurdles

Yes, visiting a friend who’s ill can be emotionally taxing. It might bring up feelings of grief or worries about your own health. But doing so is an act of love and empathy. It’s about making them feel valued and supported.

Even a short visit can make a difference. Spend 15 minutes, hold their hand, and talk. It's not about the duration but the quality of the time spent.

Supporting the Caregiver

Support for the caregiver is equally important. When Mark’s friends visit, it lightens my load and spreads joy. It’s a relief to see him interact with those who care about him, sharing stories and laughing together.

Kevin, Mark's best friend, was incredibly supportive until he tragically passed away in October 2023. His dedication meant the world to us, and his loss was devastating. It underscores the importance of those who remain, stepping up to show their care.

Final Thoughts

So, I urge you to overcome your discomfort and visit your friend. It’s not about you; it’s about offering love and connection to someone who needs it. Visiting a friend with dementia or a disability is an act of kindness with immeasurable value.

Please, don’t let too much time pass thinking it's been too long. Just go.

Episode Takeaways:

1. Watching someone you love struggle with memory loss or a physical disability, it can make you feel powerless but it shouldn't be the reason why you don't visit them.
2. Visiting friends who are suffering from a debilitating disease, Alzheimer's or any form of disability goes beyond that single person. Their caregiver also gets supported during those visits.
3. Visiting friends struggling with disability or hardship can have a bigger personal impact than you think: it teaches you empathy patience and doing the right thing and showing up for someone that needs you the most, even when it's hard.
4. Visiting a friend with a disability or dementia can make their day, combat isolation and seriously improve their mental health- even a quick 15-minute visit can be powerful and meaningful.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to the Episode
• 00:30 The Challenge of Visiting Friends with Disabilities
• 01:27 Understanding the Emotional Barriers
• 03:26 The Importance of Showing Up
• 03:39 The Positive Impact of Visits
• 08:20 Supporting the Caregiver
• 09:41 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

With a podcast called Aging in Style, it’s only fitting to welcome a guest who embodies the concept so fully. That’s why I'm welcoming Doug Brown: Great Depression baby, World War II veteran, and current refurbisher of computers … who is 99 years young.

Though he’s nearly 100, Doug says he feels at least 20 years younger. His secret? Staying busy. Along with words of wisdom (such as “Volunteer or die”), he shares his tactics for longevity and the importance of living an active life - both mentally and physically. You’ll be fascinated as you hear about his life with his wife Claire, his typical schedule and how he stayed busy during quarantine.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Having a purpose in life keeps you alive and doing good things; staying busy is the key to happiness.

- If you don’t volunteer or find some way to stay active, you’ll start to go downhill. Likewise, if you let your mind go, then your health follows.

- Once you start doing something, it’s easy to keep doing it - it’s just the initial inertia that can be difficult to overcome.

- You must have companionship where you’re exposed to new ideas, thoughts, and (polite!) disagreements.

- Doing something physical may be difficult, but the minute you stop doing it completely, then it becomes impossible for you to do it anymore.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

To locally donate computers and parts, please get in touch with: [email protected]

When my husband had his first stroke on Christmas Day 2022, I wasn’t prepared for how much our lives would change. One moment, we were preparing a late dinner; the next, I was rushing him to the hospital. That night marked the beginning of a series of events that would redefine our family's routine and my role as a caregiver.

Since then, I’ve learned a lot about strokes, from prevention to recovery, and how crucial it is to be stroke-smart. Through my personal journey, I hope to share what I’ve learned to help other families avoid some of the mistakes I made and prepare for the challenges of stroke recovery.

Understanding Strokes: What I Wish I Knew

Looking back, I wish I’d known that 80% of strokes are preventable. This is a staggering statistic that continues to resonate with me. If we’d been aware of the risk factors, maybe we could’ve prevented my husband’s strokes. The fact that strokes are the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability underscores just how critical it is to be informed.

So, what exactly is a stroke? There are two main types:

1. Ischemic stroke, the most common type, occurs when a blood clot blocks a vessel in the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain.

Spotting a Stroke: The B.E. F.A.S.T. Method

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, time is of the essence. The B.E. F.A.S.T. method helps you identify the signs and act quickly:

1. Balance loss
2. Eyesight changes
3. Face drooping
4. Arm weakness
5. Speech difficulty
6. Time to call 911

I made the mistake of driving my husband to the hospital instead of calling 911, which delayed the care he needed. Calling 911 ensures the stroke team is ready when you arrive.

The Long Road to Recovery

Recovery after a stroke isn’t quick, but the brain has an incredible ability to adapt, thanks to neuroplasticity. Through continuous physical, speech, and occupational therapy, my husband has made progress, even two years later. We celebrate every win, no matter how small. If you or your loved one is recovering from a stroke, remember that improvement is possible—even years later.

1. Know the Signs of a Stroke: Balance loss, eyesight changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and the importance of calling 911 immediately.
2. Prevent 80% of Strokes: Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quit smoking, stay physically active, and manage health conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea.
3. Understand Stroke Impact: Strokes cause permanent brain damage and can result in a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities.
4. Leverage Neuroplasticity for Recovery: Engage in repeated therapy to help the brain re-route around damaged areas and promote recovery.
5. Support and Community Matter: Simple acts like meal trains and walking the dog significantly ease the burden on families going through medical crises.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

171. How to fast-track social security disability (SSD) benefits:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/25800821/171-how-to-fast-track-social-security-disability-ssd-benefits

191. 6 Realistic Strategies To Help Caregivers Fight Burnout

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/5027fdfe/191-6-realistic-strategies-to-help-caregivers-fight-burnout-replay

Mentioned in this episode:

Surrounded by Love

You can find my book, "Surrounded by Love: One Family’s Journey Through Stroke Recovery," on Amazon. It is available as a Kindle, hardcover, paperback, and also on Audible. More details can be found on my website:

In this raw and touching episode of Aging in Style with Lori Williams, Kelli Sattler takes the guest's seat to reveal her mother's journey with Alzheimer's disease, and open up about how she navigated this sensitive time as daughter, wife and mother to three boys. 

Some of the most insightful tips from this conversation include 

-The warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease

-How Kelli used technology to keep her mother safe

-How dementia affects family dynamics

-The journey to accept the truth

-The importance of self-educating and researching

-The journey of transitioning to memory care

In this conversation, I share my knowledge as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, to guide this difficult conversation in a time when families may struggle to identify (or accept) the need for help, and how picking the right type of care for the family member doesn't need to be an overwhelming decision. 

Takeaways from this episode:

-Education and research are key for family members dealing with Alzheimer's disease patients.

-Once the disease progresses, it will be hard to make a family member who is suffering from dementia happy, as they experience a constant feeling of confusion.

-Be intentional with the type of belongings that the family members takes to a memory care facility.

-Technology gives a sense of security but it's an unfiltered reality of the daily struggles of a patient with Alzheimer's.

-Paranoia is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease.

-The amount of caregivers and the frequency of their shifts needs to be selected intentionally. 

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Therapeutic Fibbing and Dementia Patients 

-Sandwich generations

-Caring for dementia patients

-Alzheimer's disease and dementia

-Personal stories of Alzheimer's disease

-How dementia affects family dynamics

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

70% of people with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia will wander at some point in time due to poor short-term memory. ‘Wandering’ means getting lost by moving away from where they’re typically located, whether it’s driving or walking. This can be dangerous when they’re unable to find their way back and risk their safety or being taken advantage of.

This is where the Safe Return MedicAlert® program comes in.

Tanesha Tyler-Carr of the Alzheimer’s Association explains the role of Safe Return in reuniting families with their wandering loved one - continuing to draw from her experience with one-on-one care planning, crisis management and referral for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

Topics discussed:

- Senior wandering

- Alzheimer’s and other dementia

- Safe Return Program

- MedicAlert® Foundation

- Safe Return Medic Alert Advantage Program

- When it’s time to consider memory care

Takeaways from this episode:

- The Safe Return Medic Alert Program is through the Medic Alert Foundation. It supplies medical ID bracelets for those who unsafely wander and provides a 24-hour emergency response.

- Once a senior becomes a member, they get an ID card with their number that connects to a database with their name, emergency contact, physical description and more.

- Some chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association offer a scholarship program for the initiation and annual renewal fee costs.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Learn more about the 24/7 wandering response program:

Alz.org/medicalert

Call the Alzheimer’s Association:

1-800-272-3900

MedicAlert Foundation:

https://www.medicalert.org

Dana Mantilia realized how critical it is for people to learn about cybercriminals, identity thieves, and scammers while creating her identity protection company. 

Criminals often prey upon seniors in particular by playing on their emotions and loneliness, creating a sense of urgency to get them to act fast. That’s why it’s important to have conversations with seniors who aren’t as knowledgeable about the pitfalls of technology so they’re aware of the risks and keep their personal information secure.

This week Dana joins me to discuss the top tactics cyber criminals use. She shares common red flags to look out for, so you can spot an attempt when it’s happening. With her protection tips gaining more than 2.5 million views on social media, her advice is useful for people of all ages to prevent identity theft and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Topics discussed:

- Senior scams

- Identity theft

- Data breaches

- Credit monitoring

- Phone and email scammers

- Money laundering

- Cybersecurity

Takeaways from this episode:

- Scams tend to play off of emotions and urgency so you don’t have time to stop to consider the likelihood of their claims being false. Realize that in real life most requests don’t have to happen immediately, so don’t rush to pay anyone.

- Common phone scams include pretending to be a relative that needs money to get out of jail, people from “Medicare” asking for personal information, and “charities” needing donations.

- Use charitynavigator.org to check if a charity is legitimate.

- Never give out your personal information on the phone. Government agencies will reach out to you through the mail, not by phone.

- People will take advantage of seniors on dating sites by quickly escalating a relationship and asking for money.

- Don’t transfer money from your account to a stranger's because it could be a money-laundering scheme and you could be held liable.

- Review your privacy settings on Facebook.

- Use different passwords for everything so if your login details are stolen for one account, your others aren’t immediately compromised.

- Be sure to check your Google / Gmail password because your account often stores payment information to all the websites you visit.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

To connect to Dana and learn more about her Identity Protection Business:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-mantilia/

https://www.identityprotectionplanning.com/

To claim your online social security account:

https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

To verify a charity's work before donating:

www.charitynavigator.org

To find out if your email address has been part of a data breach:

https://haveibeenpwned.com/

Mexican prison scam video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTL1vK6r3qw

Order my book: https://amzn.to/3Y41CxA

Today, I want to share a personal update that has been close to my heart: the journey my family and I have been on since my husband, Mark, had four strokes starting on Christmas Day, 2022. This experience has taught me so much and I feel compelled to share it with you, especially if you're caring for someone critically ill or injured.

Over a year and a half, I've been giving updates about Mark. At age 62, he had four strokes which rendered him disabled. We've undergone a series of hospitalizations, in-hospital rehab, and now neuro rehab, and it's been an exhaustive yet enlightening journey. Since the beginning, Mark has been giving everything he has, enduring outpatient neuro rehab but as of late, he's felt too much pain to continue. We had to make the hard decision to end his outpatient rehab sessions and find an alternative.

As a caregiver, I initially felt blinded by what I thought was best for Mark. But I had to step back and realize that his mental well-being was as important as physical recovery. So, we transitioned to "Rehab Without Walls," a program that allows rehab at home. With 24 hours of weekly therapy, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, Mark is now happier, experiencing less pain, and surrounded by the comforts of home.

Looking ahead, we'll need to navigate the complexities of Medicare from December when Mark turns 64 and a half. Our journey will change as private insurance gives way to Medicare, and our access to specialized neuro-rehab might be limited. To mitigate this, we've started planning now, including seeking private therapies to ensure Mark continues his progress.

I also want to share the exciting news about my book, "Surrounded by Love: One Family's Journey Through Stroke Recovery," which was published in late July. The response has been overwhelming with positive reviews and numerous people reaching out to share how the book has helped them. I started jotting down notes on my phone during Mark's early days in ICU, which eventually turned into this comprehensive guide based on our experiences.

Here are some FAQs I've received about the book and our journey:

"When did you have time to write a book?"

From the ICU days, I was taking notes on my iPhone about my thoughts and experiences. Over time, these notes formed the basis of the book. Journaling has always been a release for me, and I found it therapeutic.

"How has the feedback been?"

The book's feedback has been heartwarming. We've received 14 five-star reviews on Amazon and many personal emails thanking us for sharing our journey, providing guidance for caregivers, and offering hope.

"What are the future plans?"

I've been invited to speak at various groups about the book and stroke education. Hospitals and rehab centers are interested in sharing the book with their patients, which is my dream—to reach and help as many people as possible.

Being a caregiver has been the hardest thing I've ever done, and it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges but also to proactively prepare for them. Always having a plan A, B, C, and D has been my strategy. The love and support we've received have been overwhelming, and we're deeply grateful.

Topics Covered:

-Strokes

-Stroke Recovery

-Book about stroke recovery

-Aging

-Aging well

-Stroke rehab

Episode takeaways:

-Mark's recovery journey has been a testament to his resilience, as he has faced numerous physical and emotional challenges with determination.

-We’ve had to continuously adapt to new realities, such as ending Mark’s outpatient neuro rehab when it became too painful for him, and finding alternative therapies. Having therapy at home has made a significant difference, providing Mark with a familiar and comforting environment that aids his recovery.

-Prioritizing Mark’s emotional well-being has been as important as addressing his physical needs, helping him feel more content and less isolated.

-The positive response to my book has reinforced the idea that sharing our story can have a powerful impact on others facing similar challenges.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

200. Surrounded by Love: Live Reading of my Book's First Chapter and Taking Questions

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/1b86b506/200-surrounded-by-love-live-reading-of-my-books-first-chapter-and-taking-audience-questions

Mentioned in this episode:

Surrounded by Love

You can find my book, "Surrounded by Love: One Family’s Journey Through Stroke Recovery," on Amazon. It is available as a Kindle, hardcover, paperback, and also on Audible. More details can be found on my website:

So, you decided your loved one needs a caregiver…what’s next? Where do you find one? How do you choose the right fit?

I'm not only a senior living expert with 17+ years of experience in the industry, but I am also the primary caregiver for my husband who is a stroke survivor. I have the perspective of helping others find the right resources while navigating this reality for my own family.  

With this unique position, I have gathered 7 tips for choosing a caregiver:

1. Understand the needs of your loved one. Do they have dementia? Find someone with relevant experience. Which tasks do you need help with? Also, figure out if you need someone only a few hours a week, or a few hours each day.

2. Know your finances. If you don’t have Medicare, you may be paying out of pocket. Consider what you can reasonably afford. Read your long-term care policy or contact your agent to make sure you understand financial limitations.

3. Involve your family. Make sure everyone’s on board with a caregiver. Communicate with them if you’ve been the caregiver up to this point and you’re burning out.

4. Decide on an agency vs. a private caregiver. Ask around at your church or in your social groups for recommendations. There are also franchises, but those tend to be pricier than local options and may require a minimum amount of time per day or week.

5. Ask others about their experience. Look at online reviews and see what people are saying about certain agencies.

6. Interview the candidate. Find a fit for your needs – and consider personality too! This could be someone that spends a lot of time with your family. Do you have a dog? Make sure they’re okay with dogs.

7. Communicate with your loved one and have a plan. It may be hard for your loved one to accept they need a caregiver. Present your plan and tell them it’s for their safety and your own well-being as well.

Topics discussed:

- Hiring a caregiver / home care

- Caregiver considerations

- Long-term care provisions

- Home care agencies

- Private caregivers

- Home care reviews

- Caregiver rates

Takeaways from this episode:

- Know if your loved ones have a pension, what their expenses are, and anything else that can impact your plan for hiring a caregiver.

- Consider reverse-mortgaging your home to access more funds.

- If your loved one is a veteran, there are different VA programs such as aid and attendance. Some agencies even have a contract with the VA to cover home care.  

- Big-name home care franchises tend to be more expensive, depending on your state, and can be $30-35 per hour. A private caregiver averages $25 an hour.

- Home care may require a minimum amount of time with you – for example, 4 hours a day, 12 hours a week.

- Have a plan in place before telling your loved one about home help coming in. Stand firm if adding help to your life is something you need to feel safe.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Caregiver Burnout? These 6 Realistic Tips will help you support caregivers better:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/3ea79d8f/155-caregiver-burnout-these-6-realistic-tips-will-help-you-support-caregivers-better

Reverse mortages: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/496a46e6/137-reverse-mortgages-explained

How to Pay for Senior Living: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/251098f0/115-how-to-pay-for-senior-living

What are the benefits of speech therapy to the brain?

If you have a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, you might find yourself visiting a speech-language pathologist. Depending on your injury, this professional helps with different areas of cognition and executive functioning, like decision-making and problem-solving skills. Together you’ll work to restore communication – and become as independent as possible in the meantime.

Francine Waskavitz is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and integrative health and nutrition coach (IHNC) with a passion for helping seniors maximize their cognitive health. By raising awareness on the importance of a holistic lifestyle, she encourages seniors to take early action to support their mind and overall health. In her own life, she learned about the power of food to heal and nourish - even alleviating and preventing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) that could lead to dementia.

During her one-on-one coaching with patients, she also uses the Memory Wellness Wheel™. This breaks memory resilience into 8 elements. In her therapy, she goes through it one by one and works on helping you improve where necessary. This practice, along with lifestyle changes, have helped patients see incredible improvement.

We discuss:

- What speech therapy is

- Research on the relationship between aging, memory, health, and speech

- The importance of lifestyle in preventing / overcoming cognitive decline

- Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment

- Steps to take if you notice your memory / cognitive health declining

And more.

Whether you’re working to improve your memory or prevent dementia / Mild Cognitive Impairment, lifestyle is key. The right diet can help, along with staying mentally active and getting proper sleep.

Topics discussed:

- Speech therapy

- The role of a speech-language pathologist

- Nutrition and lifestyle

- Stroke / traumatic brain injury recovery

- Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia

- Inflammation and disease

- Improving memory

Takeaways from this episode:

- Speech therapy is covered under Medicare as long as it's medically necessary. A change in medical status would also qualify somebody to have speech therapy services.

- As Dr. Mark Hyman said: “Your genes load the gun, but your lifestyle pulls the trigger.” While your genes play a role in your health outcomes, your habits and lifestyle impact it the most.

- It’s critical to mention cognitive changes to your doctor. Forgetfulness is not a natural part of aging, so take note when it happens and how often.

- Masking and denial are early signs of cognitive change. However, once you speak with a professional about it, it may become easier to manage.

- Along with seeing your doctor, start with managing nutrition, sleep, and stress to help battle mental fog. Typically, within a few weeks, it will make all the difference.

- Inflammation is the root of disease. Look at your numbers, such as blood pressure, and try to incorporate omega-3s (salmon, chia, walnuts, etc.) in your diet.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Francine Waskavitz:

https://www.francinewaskavitz.com/

Take your Memory Wellness Wheel™ assessment

https://www.francinewaskavitz.com/takemytest

075. How brain fitness slows down dementia and Alzheimer's disease

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/3a1051ca/075-how-brain-fitness-slows-down-dementia-and-alzheimers-disease

It’s common for those with Alzheimer’s to have challenging behaviors – maybe they’re terrified, aggressive, or not sleeping. However, when Tonja Moon’s family gave her grandma a baby doll, everything changed. Her grandma’s mood completely changed, and the baby became her purpose. She began eating more and stopped wandering. She finally settled down and had a routine. Best of all, it helped provide the calmness she needed.

Tonja founded The Grand Baby Project in memory of her grandmother. It’s a research-backed nonprofit that offers dolls to Assisted Living and Memory Care communities and those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. They even offer training to help implement daily therapy in a way that will benefit those with dementia, including tips on introducing the baby, engagement techniques, and examples of activities.

Doll therapy is huge in the United Kingdom and Australia, but hasn’t yet gained traction in the U.S. It may seem odd to give dolls to a senior with dementia, but doll therapy helps give this population purpose – and those with dementia still deserve a sense of purpose!

Plus, caring for a doll can help provide peace, comfort, and joy, and the results have been remarkable. Many will sing to their dolls or revert to behaviors from when they were parents themselves, like bouncing or rocking them. Having a doll also provides a daily routine like walking them in a stroller, music time, and bedtime.

The Grand Baby Project is a nonprofit that works to find sponsors and donate to the folks who need them, and it is backed by the Dementia Society of America. They’re always fundraising so they don’t have to tell someone no.

Topics discussed:

1. Alzheimer’s and dementia
2. Doll therapy
3. Therapeutic activities for dementia
4. Alternatives to dementia medication
5. Activities for dementia patients
6. Assisted Living and Memory Care Training

Takeaways from this episode:

- Those with advanced dementia live in the moment. Doll therapy is a great way to help them find purpose, peace, and joy during a troubled time.

- Some studies have shown that if a dementia patient has doll therapy, they don’t have to take as much medication.

- The Grand Baby Project uses lifelike and life-sized dolls that are soft and cuddly, and come in different ethnicities. They also wear clothing in pleasing textures to those with dementia, who often have sensory issues as the disease progresses.

- When a senior is focused on the doll, it helps relieve often overworked and understaffed memory care facilities. When someone with the disease is calm and sitting, this calm state allows workers to check on more patients.

- There are many regulations around prescribing medications, and they're not always guaranteed to work. Doll therapy for Alzheimer's and dementia patients offers a great alternative.

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