Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act

A routine doctor's visit can quickly become overwhelming for someone living with dementia. In this episode, Kelly explains why appointments feel so stressful, from confusion and sensory overload to communication barriers and fear, and shares practical strategies for making visits more manageable, dignified, and successful for the brain your loved one has right now.

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Resources

https://www.alznj.org/tips-for-getting-a-loved-one-to-the-doctor/

https://fieldstonecommunities.com/marysvillememorycare/blogs/tips-for-taking-someone-with-dementia-to-the-doctor/

https://keystone.health/seniors-with-dementia-caregivers-guide

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

When dementia enters a family, it doesn't just affect memory. It reshapes the roles and responsibilities that have defined relationships for decades. In this episode, Kelly explores how taking on a loved one's responsibilities can lead to "competence fatigue," why losing familiar roles can feel like losing identity, and how families can adapt while preserving dignity, purpose, and connection.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please message questions for Kelly, or to set up a chat!

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Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

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Resources

"Changes To Your Relationship"

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/relationship-changes

"How to Successfully Pivot When Dementia Changes Family Roles"

https://www.jfscare.org/blog/how-to-successfully-pivot-when-dementia-changes-family-roles/

"Personal Care"

https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ea0c6f66-8c03-47a4-ad7f-3d42eff88da7/alzheimers-dementia-personal-care-ts.pdf

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

In this episode, Kelly addresses the moral dilemma caregivers face: whether to lie or tell the truth to loved ones with dementia. Traditionally, reality orientation,(telling the truth) was seen as a matter of principle. But from the 1990s, therapeutic fibbing, small, compassionate lies, gained acceptance. Kelly argues for 'leading with their reality,' adapting responses based on the stage of dementia and what comforts or calms the person. She provides practical advice, ways to respond that meet your loved where they are and how to get self-support for when these situations arise.

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE- PLEASE POST ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS HERE. OR, YOU CAN REQUEST A CHAT WITH KELLY!

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RESOURCES:

https://www.walkinlab.com/blog/seven-stages-dementia/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/lying-to-someone-with-dementia

https://iona.org/therapeutic-fibs-ok/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0ktYUIn0Y

Medical visits can be overwhelming for someone living with dementia, but understanding why makes all the difference. In this episode,Kelly explains the challenges to the brain during appointments and shares practical strategies for preparing, managing the waiting room, communicating during the exam, responding to fear before it escalates.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please message questions for Kelly, or to set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss ☕

Resources

Working with the Doctor

  https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/working-with-the-doctor

Making the Most of Doctor’s Appointments When Your Loved One Has Dementia

https://www.jameslwest.org/dementia-doctor-appointment-tips-caregivers/

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Why can dementia cause someone to suddenly say things that seem rude, offensive or completely out of character? In this episode, Kelly discusses how dementia can affect the brain’s social filter, why these behaviors may be worse at certain times, and how understanding what’s happening can help families respond with less conflict.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please message questions for Kelly, or to set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss ☕

Resources

DISINHIBITION

https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/mood-and-behaviour-changes/disinhibition

TIPS FOR MANAGING DISINHIBITION

https://www.dementiahub.sg/living-well-with-dementia/tips-for-managing-disinhibited-behaviours/

ALZHEIMER’S CARE TIPS: MANAGING DISINHIBITING BEHAVIORS

https://www.continuumcare.com/managing-disinhibiting-behaviors/

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

In this episode, Kelly explains how dementia affects swallowing and increases the risk for pneumonia. She simplifies the process involved for listeners by breaking it into three phases, and offers guidance on balancing safety, nutrition, and a loved one's dignity when facing feeding refusals or diet modifications.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or to set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss

Resources

Swallow Management

https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/management-of-swallowing-difficulties-in-adults-who-are-at-risk-of-aspiration/

Caregiver Guide

https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/caregivers-guide-dysphagia-dementia/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=102699069&gbraid=0AAAAADtQfMv-JqHptnoQUOcYhaKiQEaPV&gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka0ttVrj8dz6lf-d3jFk9nwuUXTnVddFULZCjF0CE58yTeocWmGF3aYaAoLXEALw_wcB

Swallow Evaluation

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dysphagia-tests/

IDDS Dietary Modification Levels

https://pspawareness.com/blogs/psp-q-a/the-international-dysphagia-diet-standardisation-initiative-iddsi?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22793832213&gbraid=0AAAAA97ERqIYhyGDMhfP5oeiVAZB98l_j&gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka2pn6z6w2yzDE9V54nnI4UXKFv414fSh4ZuQfV7aOSHajQjxDBFuQAaAuZ2EALw_wcB

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

This episode of A Balancing Act tackles the "whiplash" of sudden ups and downs in dementia caregiving. Why abilities seem to flicker day to day, when a sudden change warrants a call to the doctor, and how to become a detective when there's no clear medical cause. Kelly offers practical ways to respond with curiosity and flexibility instead of fear when a loved one's condition unexpectedly shifts.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss

RESOURCES:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/behaviour/

https://theconversation.com/why-is-my-loved-one-with-dementia-sometimes-there-and-sometimes-not-200439

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Could untreated hearing or vision loss be putting the brain at greater risk? In this episode, Kelly discusses how sensory loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, and why glasses and hearing aids may play an important role in keeping the brain working and connected.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss

Resources

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/well/mind/hearing-vision-dementia-risk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.21A.GP4j.SN3JhrRi0gLQ&smid=url-share

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/hearing-aid-reasons/

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Family reunions can be overwhelming for a loved one with dementia. The noise, the chaos, and everpresent fear of the question: "Do you remember?'. In this episode, Kelly explains why this can happen, ways to lower your loved one's stress and simple conversational techniques that meet your loved one at a level they can succeed. Success isn't about what they remember. It's about feeling included and loved.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss

Resources:

"6 Tips For Dementia-FriendlyFamily Gatherings"

https://www.amica.ca/conversations/six-expert-tips-for-dementia-friendly-family-gatherings

"How to Successfully Include Loved Ones with Dementia in Family Gatherings"

https://familymattershc.com/including-loved-ones-with-dementia/

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Your memory feels different, but your cognitive tests are normal. So now what? In this episode, Kelly explores what Subjective Cognitive Decline really means, why it happens and how it's different from Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Finally, she explains why normal cognitive test results don't always end the conversation.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!

https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss

Resources

THE CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBJECT COGNITIVE DECLINE

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7062546/

SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE: A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE

https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging-data/media/pdfs/subjective-cognitive-decline-508.pdf

MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1073831728&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_Nhi5s2Nr6FfrmNmjHxNvG30P&gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocpr6yPdFAyE1Hdon6k2j9JEtzM91efnNKvu-OAQ0H64U-JD_tnBYN_BoCFFkQAvD_BwE

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.