In this episode we're going to talk about hospice. If you're thinking about hospice or end of life, you're already handling a lot. We're going to explore what makes hospice a really good fit for some families and patients in this situation. If you want your loved one to have their best quality of life at this time, there might be some services that are included with hospice that might just help. If you're not ready to hear this yet, go back to Episode 45 and dispell the myths around hospice first.

Take a listen and let me know what you think.

RESOURCES:

• Hospice Tips from Alzheimer's Association  

• Hospice Care Plans 

Have a request or idea for the podcast? We'd love to hear from you!

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Today I’m talking about the myths swirling around hospice that might be preventing you from taking advantage, or even considering hospice as an option for your family. Hospice is an often misunderstood service that can be such a benefit to families living with dementia. I wanted to dedicate this episode to providing the facts around hospice. My family, and many of those I’ve worked with, have used hospice services and had amazingly positive experiences, both for the person living with the disease and for the family. Listen to find out what's true and what's just rumors around hospice care.

Resources:

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization

2010 Hospice Study

Hospice Myths vs. Facts

Hospice Myths list vs. Facts 

Have a request or idea for the podcast? We'd love to hear from you!

[email protected]

If you’re supporting a loved one living with dementia or Alzheimer’s and you’ve seen them start to lose interest in doing the things that they used to or lack of motivation to do much of anything, you might be seeing apathy. This can look a lot like depression, and while they may be related, apathy can occur when someone’s brain is damaged such as someone living with dementia. Today I’m going to talk about how to recognize apathy and what you can, and can’t, do to help.

Resources:

• How to help someone who doesn't know they've got dementia

Have a request or idea for the podcast? We'd love to hear from you!

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As we head into a new year, many people are taking a look at their lives and setting goals for the coming year. So I wanted to touch on the financial impact of dementia in your life. This is something that can impact the whole family system, so it’s important to understand what might be coming and how you can mitigate some of the impacts.

Resources:

• How to help someone who doesn't know they've got dementia

Have a request or idea for the podcast? We'd love to hear from you!

[email protected]

I have talked a few times on the podcast about denial. Denial in the person living with dementia, denial by family and friends, or even denial by healthcare professionals. But what if what you’re seeing in your loved one living with cognitive impairment isn’t denial, what if it’s anosognosia? What even is anosognosia? 

Resources:

• How to help someone who doesn't know they've got dementia

Have a request or idea for the podcast? We'd love to hear from you!

[email protected]

The holidays are in full swing and you might be feeling an extra pinch if you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Maybe your treasured holiday treats were dumped on the lawn for the birds to enjoy. Or maybe you can’t get to your traditions because you’re busy guarding the door so they don’t go outside without shoes or a coat. Whatever it is, you are facing extra challenges at this time of year and I have some tips that can help.

Resources:

• Holidays tips from Alzheimer’s Association

Have an idea or request for the podcast? We'd love to hear from you.  [email protected]

Today we’re talking about the changes that will happen in your relationship with your loved one through the journey with Alzheimer’s or dementia. As their needs for help have increased, you’ve taken on more supportive roles. This might have even started before you noticed it. At some point though, it becomes important to really become intentional about how you’re showing up for your loved one, as well as for yourself. We’re talking about relationships and how they transition through the journey with dementia.

Resources: 

• Caregiver Journey Free E-book

Send us your ideas or requests for the next topics! [email protected]

Today’s episode is a follow up to the last two episodes on revisiting denial. When someone is having cognitive difficulties and they are in denial, this can make things a lot tougher on the care partners, especially the primary one who might be living with the person. If you’re living with someone who is in denial, you’re doing so much to help them and they don’t even know. But what about when you are totally taxed and need some help? How can you get help without causing drama? In this episode, we’re going to talk about being sneaky, in a good way, so that you can take care of your loved one and yourself.

Resources:

• Dementia Road Map
• Need more help? Email me at [email protected] 

Submit your ideas or questions for future episodes here.

In a previous episode (8) I made a case that denial can be a good thing. It can give a person space to grieve and process information at a slower pace or in phases, but I did say you shouldn't stay there. This episode is the second of a two part series on what happens if you’re stuck in denial. When living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, denial can be on the part of the person living with the disease, or the family members and friends. It can also be both! In this episode, we’re going to explore how to cope when it’s the family or friends of the person living with dementia who are stuck in denial.

Resources:

• Dementia Road Map
• Need more help? Email me at [email protected] 

Submit your ideas or questions for future episodes here.

In episode 8 I made a case that denial can be a good thing. It can give a person space to grieve and process information at a slower pace or in phases, but I did say you can’t stay there. This episode is the first of a two part series on what happens if you’re stuck in denial. When living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, denial can be on the part of the person living with the disease, or the family members and friends. It can also be both! In this episode, we’re going to explore how to cope when it’s the person living with dementia who is stuck in denial.

Resources:

• Dementia Road Map
• Need more help? Email me at [email protected] 

Submit your ideas or questions for future episodes here.