All Home Care Matters

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Author Sarah Cart as guest to the show.

Writer Sarah Cart shares how she became one of 39 million Americans taking care of an ailing loved one in ON MY WAY BACK TO YOU, One Couple's Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope (Forefront Books; April 2, 2024). "My husband, Ben, just past his mid-fifties, was irrepressibly healthy and energetic until, suddenly, he wasn't."

In suspenseful and heart-rending detail, Cart recounts how, beginning with an incurable autoimmune disease, her husband developed one life-threatening condition after another. As each month passed, she felt her best friend, this brilliant businessman, successful entrepreneur, and energetically engaged and organized father to their four sons, slipping away, until eventually they received devastating news: Ben needed a heart transplant. But that was only the tip of the iceberg.

Two weeks after the COVID-19 lockdown, they realized Ben's body was shutting down and his only hope was to get on the list and get that transplant now—in the midst of a pandemic.

About Sarah Cart:

Sarah Cart was raised and educated in New York and New England and wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. Upon becoming empty nesters, the two moved to the Florida Keys, but they returned every summer to the Pennsylvania Poconos, where each had lifelong family connections. Then came COVID-19. The pandemic, combined with Ben's health issues, necessitated their sheltering in place in Florida for the entirety of 2020. In the wake of Ben's undergoing miraculous lifesaving measures, they have been afforded the unanticipated gift of a future and, more than ever before, relish time spent with family and friends.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Norman McNamara the founder of the Purple Angel Foundation as our guest to the show. About Norman McNamara & the Purple Angel Foundation: The Purple Angel was born on 12th January 2012. It was formed as a steering group to try and make Torbay the first dementia-fNorrm began by asking his local shop staff to read 2 pieces of information so that they could better support people with dementia and their carers. He wrote the "Guide to Understanding Dementia" and put that together with "What is Dementia" written by our Alzheimer's Society. Two weeks later he returned and, if staff had read, awarded a Purple Angel Logo for their window. Through Facebook, Norrm met many who wanted to join in. The purple angel was named because Norrm fondly refers to his wife Elaine as "his angel"! On the 16th of November, 2013, the first 50 worldwide ambassadors were inaugurated in Paignton, Devon, UK. There are now well over 1000 ambassadors, all with their own teams of volunteer-friendly resorts in the country. Norman McNamara a resident of Torbay, Devon, UK was diagnosed with dementia at only 50 years of age. Whilst out shopping one day he was rudely spoken to by a shopkeeper and decided to change the way people see dementia and treat others. Many towns in the UK began raising awareness with The Purple Angel, taking the information to their local shops and businesses. On a Facebook "Dementia Aware" page many others began to form dementia-friendly communities and were inspired by the success of the project. Many Purple Angel Dementia Action Alliances now have their own steering groups and the word is spreading to other areas. It became apparent that many other organizations needed to be included such as hospitals, first responders, rescue services, schools, scouts, etc. and resources were developed to address different situations. A book was written for young school children by Max Wallack in the USA and is being translated into other languages by Purple Angel ambassadors and talks held in schools so that our young can grow up understanding dementia. In places new memory cafes were organised and events took place across the world for the new Dementia Awareness Day fundraising for dementia charities all year. Many countries across the globe joined in the campaign and Dementia Friendly Communities started up together with Memory Cafes and other initiatives. Connect with Norman McNamara and the Purple Angel Foundation: Official Website for the Purple Angel Foundation: https://purpleangel-global.com/ Visit the Official Website for Lance A. Slatton: https://www.lanceaslatton.com Visit the Official Website for All Home Care Matters: https://www.allhomecarematters.com

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome the team behind the book "A Kids Book to Long-Term Care" Author Jenny Abeling & Illustrator Mary Mattews as guests to the show.

About Jenny Abeling:

Jenny Abeling brings two decades of unwavering dedication to advocacy and caring for our communities. A seasoned healthcare executive and nationally recognized force, she has relentlessly championed the rights of vulnerable communities, leaving an indelible mark on programs and communities nationwide. As a long-term care leader, she is a champion for older Americans and has earned recognition for her exceptional efforts in advocating for those often left unseen and unheard.

Recently, she pioneered the Essential Worker Healthcare Program which is a first-in-the-nation effort to lift up the health and wellness of long-term care workers. In every campaign, every program, and every endeavor, Jenny continues to prove that change is not just possible -- it's inevitable under the guidance of a visionary leader.

About Mary Matthews:

Mary Matthews is a communications creative with expertise in television, digital arts, branding, and marketing. With over 18 years of experience creating content and running creative communications for nonprofits, advocacy campaigns, and corporate clients, Mary delivers compelling production work to every project she takes on. Her impactful storytelling, strong work ethic, and distinct sense of humor produce highly creative projects that resonate across a variety of industries and platforms.

About Gal Pal Productions:

Gal Pal Productions was launched by two highly creative, accomplished, and driven advocates deeply committed to lifting the voices of the often unseen and unheard through impactful visual storytelling. Co-founders and Executive Producers, Jenny Abeling and Mary Matthews, work tirelessly to prioritize and elevate intergenerational narratives into the larger cultural conversation through film, video, photography, illustration, graphic arts, and publications.

The Caregiver's Journal hosted by Lance A. Slatton with Cindy (PT) & Christina (ST) Hardin-Weiss.

 

The Caregiver's Journal is the show where we are sharing the caregiving experiences, stories, and wisdom of family caregivers.

 

Chapter 5 - "Finding Support": In this journal entry, we welcomed Laurette Klier who shared her caregiving journey and how she is "Finding Support". 

 

About Laurette Klier: Laurette Klier is the founder of NANA'S BOOKS, a treasury of art and literature pairings in approachable, adaptive formats, mindfully designed to meet the needs of people living with brain change and their communities of care. A career educator, Laurette saw that her mother-in-law, 'Nana Mary', who was living with Lewy body dementia had entirely abandoned her daily newspapers and large print books, and decided to try her hand at creating books that Nana could read and enjoy once again. Because NANA'S book was such a hit, Laurette kept making more books, with topics requested by neighbors and friends who were also living with cognitive change. Based in nostalgia, the resonant themes struck such a chord with elders in life review, a common thread began to appear: books that honor identity and give elders the visual and auditory cues they need empower them to reminisce and converse with ease.

 

Now with 40 books in print and digital libraries, Laurette is focused on getting the word out to families, communities, and libraries seeking to re-ignite lifespan reading and unite generations. Laurette holds master's and undergraduate degrees from Boston College, in education and speech communications. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) certified senior advisor (CSA), certified in individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) and Habilitation Therapy, and is finishing up her Engagement Leader Certification with Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care. NANA'S BOOKS have received a 2021 Maude's Award for Innovation in Making Connections, a 2023 National Service to Seniors Award from CSA, and a 2023 National Mature Media Award for Innovation in Digital Resources for Caregivers. 

 

About Cindy (PT) & Christina (ST):

 

Cindy graduated in 1992 with a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St Louis, MO. The majority of her career has been spent in Home Healthcare. She is passionate about helping people maintain their independence, especially when it makes a difference in their ability to remain in their homes. Christina graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Master's degree in Communication Disorders & Science. She spent most of her career treating patients in skilled nursing facilities. She enjoys working with individuals who have dementia and educating their families. She also likes helping people who have difficulty eating, chewing, and swallowing due to illness or disease. Cindy and Christina are the founders of Adaptive Equipment Caregiving Corner (AEC).

 

Visit the Official Site for Adaptive Equipment Caregiving Corner (AEC):

https://adaptiveequipmentcorner.com/

 

About Lance A. Slatton: Lance A. Slatton is a dedicated Writer, Author, Influencer, and seasoned Healthcare professional with a rich background spanning over 20 years in the healthcare industry. As a beacon of knowledge and support in the realm of senior care, Lance's journey is not just a career but a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families, caregivers, and their loved ones as they navigate the complexities of long-term care. Lance was named a "50 Under 50" in 2023 by the NYC Journal. Lance's show All Home Care Matters has won multiple awards for its advocacy and impact in helping caregivers and those in the long-term care space.

 

Connect with Lance A. Slatton:

Official Website:

https://www.lanceaslatton.com

Conscious Caregiving with L & L is "Tackling the Tough Conversations." 

 

The topic of this episode is "Myths, Stigmas, Lies, & Seniors" and features an All-Star Panel. 

Samuel A. Simon, known as the "The Dementia Man" is a Playwright, Producer, and Actor:

Samuel A. (Sam) Simon started his career in Washington, DC as a lawyer for Ralph Nader’s first advocacy group in 1970. He then spent 25 years as head of a public affairs firm. In that work, he was often in the news, appearing on Face The Nation, Phil Donahue Show, Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and many more. Sam calls his playwriting and theatre work is 4th Age. His first play, The Actual Dance, Love’s Ultimate Journey Through Breast Cancer, toured from 2013 to the present. In 2021 The Actual Dance was turned into an award-winning biography. 

In 2018, Sam was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or MCI. In 2022, he was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. He began documenting his journey with Alzheimer’s in 2023 by writing a new play, Dementia Man, An Existential Journey, which debuted with a performance at the Capitol Fringe Festival that same year.

Sam lives in Mclean, Virginia, with his wife Susan. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. Sam’s work in law and theatre has been recognized by his inclusion in Who’s Who in American Law and, in 2023, Who’s Who in America.

Tracy Cram Perkins, Author:

Tracy Cram Perkins, is a four-time dementia caregiving survivor with sixteen-years of experience caring for four family members with dementia. She is the author of Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After. Dementia Home Care. She teaches hands-on solutions for reducing repetitive questions, melt downs, and wandering. 

She includes tips using simple, inexpensive fixes found at hardware and office supply stores. 

 

Lance A. Slatton and Lori La Bey Co-Host and Produce Conscious Caregiving with L & L. 

All Home Care Matters host, Lance A. Slatton speaks with Marianne Sciucco & Christy Byrne Yates from AlzAuthors about his book "The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide" and the motivation behind the book.

 

About the Book:

 

At the heart of every family is the profound bond shared with our aging parents, a bond that becomes both clearer and more delicate as the sunset of their lives approaches. "The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide" is a beacon of wisdom, meant to guide you through the complexities and emotional tides of becoming a caregiver. This pivotal guide is your ally, from witnessing the early signs of your parents needing assistance to managing the crescendo of their medical and emotional needs.

 

About Lance A. Slatton:

 

Lance A. Slatton is a dedicated Writer, Author, Influencer, and seasoned Healthcare professional with a rich background spanning over 20 years in the healthcare industry. As a beacon of knowledge and support in the realm of senior care, Lance’s journey is not just a career but a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families, caregivers, and their loved ones as they navigate the complexities of long-term care.

 

Lance’s passion for helping others was the guiding light that led him to become a Senior Case Manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services, where he has been instrumental in providing care and support to those in need. His dedication to the field extends beyond his day job, as Lance has taken his commitment to a global audience through his award-winning podcast and YouTube channel, All Home Care Matters, as well as co-hosting The Caregivers Journal with Cindy and Christina of AECorner, as well as Conscious Caregiving with L&L alongside Lori La Bey. Beyond the accolades, Lance’s work is fueled by a genuine desire to empower individuals and families facing long-term care challenges.

 

He leverages his platform to share crucial information, resources, and support, ensuring no one feels alone in their journey. His involvement with the Board of Directors for a senior center in Monroe County, Michigan, further illustrates his commitment to community engagement and support at the grassroots level. 

 

Connect with Lance A. Slatton:

 

Official Website:

https://www.lanceaslatton.com

 

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Bruce McIntyre, CEO of the Oklahoma Parkinson's Alliance and Kristin Rossi the CEO of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation as guests to the show.

 

About Bruce McIntyre:

 

Bruce McIntyre serves as the CEO of the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance. He is the author of five books: Receiving Peace, Thrive Anyway, Parkinson Positive, Graceful Transitions, and Resilient Life. Bruce shares his expert guidance and warm humor with thousands of people each year. He has keynoted such events as the 2016 National Caregiving Conference in Chicago, the 2019 Regional Caregiver Conference SW, as well as over 100 disease conferences, caregiving gatherings, and church events. As a caregiver for his wife since 2004, Bruce understands the world of chronic illness and caregiving. He earned a Master of Divinity in 2002 and has led the Caregiver Fundamentals Project in Oklahoma City and served family caregivers as a church, business, and nonprofit leader. You can learn more about him at BruceMcIntyre.com.

 

The Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance works to inspire hope and transform life for people with Parkinson’s in Oklahoma. With offices in OKC, Tulsa and Lawton, the Alliance offers almost 90 support, exercise and voice groups across the state as well as free family consultations, education events and research opportunities. .

 

About Kristin Rossi:

 

Kristin Rossi is the Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. Kristin has spent the last 16 years in nonprofit leadership. She earned her Masters of Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management from Western Michigan University and has worked with various areas of the nonprofit sector from university foundations to the social sector to arts and culture and currently a statewide voluntary health foundation. Prior to taking the helm at the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, Kristin worked for many years at the Alzheimer’s Association where she developed a passion for neurodegenerative diseases, the effect they have on families, and the importance of ensuring that families and caregivers connect with community resources and support so that no one feels isolated or alone.

 

She loves working with and learning from older adults and is committed to supporting healthy aging initiatives across the state of Michigan and beyond. Kristin believes that the nonprofit sector truly has an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and has dedicated her career to making in impact in this arena. In her free time, Kristin enjoys reading, all things Italian, traveling and spending as much time as possible with her husband and two small children. 

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Angela Fairhurst the Founder & CEO of Geri-Gadgets as guest to the show.

 

About Angela Fairhurst:

 

Angela Fairhurst is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for innovation. As the CEO and Founder of Geri-Gadgets®, Angela has carved out a niche in the realm of senior care with her groundbreaking patented products. Angela's expertise spans multiple domains; She’s a seasoned television and event producer, and an Executive in Charge of Production at Fairhurst Productions, Inc, and former Executive Director of the Chambers Group, a consumer products marketing firm. Now she's bringing her wealth of experience and creativity to the forefront of dementia care.

 

About Geri-Gadgets®:

 

Geri-Gadgets® leads the way in providing safe, sensory, and sustainable silicone products tailored for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and cognitive issues. Our innovative solutions redefine caregiving by enhancing engagement, minimizing fall risks, providing caregiver relief and improving behaviors.

 

These groundbreaking solutions come in three distinct patented buckets, each tailored to address the unique needs of these adults. From the hands-on stimulation of the manipulatives in the Fidget Gidget Bucket to the sustainable and stimulating pieces of the Shapes Bucket, and the therapeutic sensory colorful flowers, leaves and vase of the Flower Bucket, Geri-Gadgets® offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing well-being. With a commitment to non-pharmacological methods, Geri-Gadgets® offers transformative options to support individuals and their caregivers, bringing joy and improving quality of life for all concerned.

 

 

Connect with Lance A. Slatton:

 

Official Website:

 

https://www.lanceaslatton.com

 

Connect with All Home Care Matters:

 

Official Website:

 

https://www.allhomecarematters.com

 

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Esther Kane and Debbie Elkins from The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD).   About The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD):   Online at theaftd.org, AFTD is the largest national nonprofit devoted to providing resources to help families affected by FTD today, and advancing research to foster accurate diagnosis, treatments, and a cure. Our volunteer founded organization – driven by thousands of volunteers and donors – reflects a community's profound determination to #endFTD. With the FTD Disorders Registry, we are proud to partner with families, researchers, biopharma companies, state and federal policymakers, and health professionals across the country to improve care for people and families facing FTD – efforts that could ultimately be importance to all facing dementia or neurodegenerative disease.     About Esther Kane, MSN, RN-CDP:     Esther Kane, MSN, RN-CDP joined AFTD as its Director of Support and Education in November 2020. Previously, Esther served as Director of Wellness at CareOne Management, a company that provides elder-care services throughout the Northeast U.S. She brings clinical, educational, managerial, and marketing skills along with a passion for quality care for those who are living with neurological conditions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to the importance of education and training throughout the spectrum of diagnosis and delivery of quality care.     At AFTD, Esther ensures that support services and educational programs advance early diagnosis and improve access to quality care and effective support, and that that clinical information provided to healthcare professionals and the AFTD community is current and evidence-based.     Debbie Elkins, RN and AFTD Ambassador for West Virginia:     After her husband’s journey to an FTD diagnosis, Debbie became an AFTD volunteer and hosted her first Food for Thought fundraiser. With a passion to raise awareness in her community and to make connections with others in rural areas of West Virginia and southeast Ohio, Debbie was invited to become an Ambassador in 2023.     Working with AFTD staff, she began provider outreach visits hoping to connect the local medical community and others to AFTD. As a registered nurse, Debbie hopes to use her voice to bring FTD awareness to the public, provide education, and point families to the “gold mine” of resources and support that AFTD offers.

Conscious Caregiving with L & L is "Tackling the Tough Conversations."

 

The topic of this episode is "Dementia Influencers" and features an All-Star Panel.

 

Norman McNamara, Living with Dementia, Founder of the Purple Angel

 

Rev. Katie Norris, Montessori Based Dementia Care Practitioner, Owner of Recourse Coaching:

 

She is a Trauma-Informed Montessori dementia care specialist for 14 years and is an AMI Montessori for Aging and Dementia Practitioner. She is the primary author of Creative Connections in Dementia Care and she teaches Montessori care to family members, care communities, and home health agencies. She is also a family dementia care partner as her father has Alzheimer’s and her mother had Lewy Body Dementia.

 

Vicki de Klerk-Rubin, Executive Director of the Validation Training Institute:

 

Vicki de Klerk-Rubin is the Executive Director of the Validation Training Institute and a certified Validation Master Teacher. She is the author of Validation Techniques for Dementia Care and Validation for First Responders. Together with her mother Naomi Feil, the founder of the Validation method, she co-authored the revisions of Validation: The Feil Method and The Validation Breakthrough.

 

Dr. Jennifer Bute, Living with Dementia, International Advocate:

 

Dr Jennifer Bute, worked in Africa as a doctor before working as a GP for 25 years involved in medical education. And was an honorary lecturer at Southampton university, She had to take early retirement when diagnosed with dementia but continues to use her skills She speaks at conferences, on radio, and has been spoken on International radio and appeared on UK television programmes raising awareness and understanding of dementia. She passionately believes more can be done to improve both the present and the future for those living with dementia. Her book ‘Dementia from the Inside".

 

Mary Underwood, Dementia Care Specialist. Founder of Empowermentia:

 

Mary Underwood is a social worker who has been in the field of memory care for over 35 years. She has worked in a variety of settings including home care, adult day programs, assisted living and nursing homes. Over the years, she has developed innovative programs and training sessions.

 

Cyndy Luzinski, Executive Director of Dementia Together - MS, RN, L® Practitioner:

 

Cyndy Hunt Luzinski is an advanced practice nurse with a nursing background which ranges from critical care to community case management. In honor of her dad, she founded Dementia Together, a nonprofit organization in Northern Colorado which offers education, enrichment, and hope.

 

Laurie Scherrer, International Advocate, DAA Executive Board Member and Programs Director:

 

Laurie Scherrer was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's & FTD at the age of 55. Unable to continue a professional career she turned her focus towards helping others through their dementia journey. Laurie serves on the Dementia Action Alliance Board of Directors. She is an international speaker and has been featured in many articles and documentaries.

 

Debbie DeMoss Compton, CEO & Founder, The Purple Vine LLC:

 

Debbie Compton is a three-time caregiver for parents with different forms of Dementia. She is a Certified Caregiving Consultant and Advocate, Educator for the Alzheimer’s Assoc., speaker, and author of 10 books. Debbie founded The Purple Vine, whose mission is to empower caregivers to reduce stress, block burnout, and laugh again. Debbie’s latest work is a collaboration book titled The Caregiver’s Advocate, A Complete Guide to Support and Resources, produced by Brave Healer Productions and available for purchase in early July 2024.

 

Ellen Belk, BC-DEd, CDP, Silver Living Strategist. Founder of Keep In Mind, Inc. & Creator of The Keep In Mind Dementia Education Community:

 

Ellen Belk is a board-certified Dementia educator, Holistic Dementia care solutions expert and founding owner of Keep In Mind, Inc. A sought after web-educator & Keynote speaker, Ellen has over 22 years of professional leadership in long term living operations combined with 24 years (and still counting) of primary family caregiving for both of her parents. Join Ellen on the 'Keep In Mind Dementia Education Community', where her mission is to Elevate the Global Dementia IQ - one Student at a Time!

 

Isabelle Mumby, Commercial Manager, Mumby’s Live-in Care: I

 

sabelle Mumby is the daughter of Trevor Mumby MSc. MBASW. AGPA (USA) and Commercial Manager at Mumby’s Live-in Care, a family-run specialist Live-in care provider in Oxfordshire, UK. Trevor is a co-director of Mumby’s Live-in Care, a recognized psychoanalyst, counsellor, and dementia publications author.

 

To learn more about this topic and the panel read the article that encompasses this episode here: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/?p=40650

 

Lance A. Slatton and Lori La Bey Co-Host and Produce Conscious Caregiving with L & L.