Everyday Dementia Guide

This week our host has lost her voice, so we are rebroadcasting a listener favorite!

What to do when you are getting the same question again and again. Is there a way out of that loop for both of you?

In this episode:

• The cardinal rules of conversations with someone living with dementia
• How can memory aids help?
• Will this ever end?
• Which responses will work?

Resources:

Dementia Conversation Success Tip Card Deck

Learning to Speak Alzheimer's book

What did you think of the tips? We'd love to hear from you!

[email protected]

In this mini-episode I share my experience with what it was like to sign up for hospice. I'll share what cues we took from my dad to know it was time, what happened during the initial meeting, and what changed immediately once he was signed up.

I share:

• How did we know it was time?
• Whose decision was it?
• What did it take to qualify for hospice?
• Who gets help when you sign up for hospice?

Have questions or ideas for future podcasts? Share them with us: [email protected]

In this mini-episode I share my experience with navigating that tricky decision about driving and dementia. I'll talk about what it was like watching my parent navigate dementia and the decisions around driving. I'll also share why I let my parent with dementia drive me places.

I share:

• What's the big deal about driving?
• What was it like when driving became a concern?
• What was it like driving with someone with dementia?

Have questions or ideas for future podcasts? Share them with us: [email protected]

For a lot of us, "normal" is not what comes to mind when we think about Alzheimer's or dementia, but when you're living it, "normal" is sometimes all you want. How can you get a little more of this feeling in your life? Today we're going to talk about things you can do to get closer to everyday things feeling more normal.

Resources:

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

Submit your ideas or questions for future episodes here.

Sometimes it feels like no one understands what you're going through and no one can help. Today we're switching gears a little to tell a story of one organization that does understand and is doing something amazing to demonstrate that. Listen up to hear about this program that has the potential to be a pivot point on your journey as a care partner.

Resources:

• Dementia Home Care Grant application
• Need more help? Email me at [email protected]

Submit your ideas or questions for future episodes here.

I realize that saying facts are not your friend is a bold claim, but hear me out. For most adults, knowing the truth and understanding the facts of a situation are really important as we navigate the world. If someone misunderstands us, we're quick to correct the facts or check the information source. When dementia is a part of your life however, facts may no longer be helpful. In fact, many times they can be your undoing. Listen up as we give you permission to let go of the facts and find your real friend, feelings and connection.

We'd love to hear your thoughts or requests for future podcasts. Email us today at [email protected]

Wouldn't it be nice to have a good old-fashioned game night? So many things change or become harder when you're supporting someone living with dementia. Today we're going through ten games that are still fun at many stages in the disease. We'll talk about modifications that you can consider and what features make the game fun.

Curated Games List*

This list of games has been especially curated to have features that work well for people living with dementia when available. If you already have the game and it's working for you, by all means use what you already have.

• Connect 4 - This is the classic red and black pieces, with a wood board that's easier to put together and less likely to tip over than the plastic version you have to put together every time.
• Sorry - This is the original version without the confusing multi-color slides.
• Apples to Apples - This is the basic version that is fun for kids and adults alike!
• Slap Jack - These are just standard card decks, but they make it really easy to identify Jacks. Plus there are two decks, so the game can last a little longer or you can add some extra jacks for more slapping!
• Dominos - This set has colors and numbers for more flexible matching so you can decide what works best.
• Uno with Words - This deck has the words on the action cards, making it easier to know what to do for those special action cards.
• Racko - This is the classic game in the retro package, so it'll be fun and feel like a blast from the past.
• Bingo - Easy to read cards and it's fun to be the caller and the player!
• Yahtzee - This is the classic game with the dice and the shaker. No fancy theme dice or shakers to distract or confuse you.
• Checkers - This has the classic red and black pieces, with a brown and white board for the best color contrast.

*These are affiliate links, so if you buy through the links I earn a small commission, which I'll use to make more of these podcasts!

Need more help? Email me at [email protected]

Submit your ideas or questions for future episodes here.

Today we're bringing in the help you didn't know existed, but that might be just what you're looking for. The world of dementia has its own vocabulary, and it's support and treatment are spread all over the place. So it can be really hard to know what to ask for or what to look for. Today we're revealing 5 of the most helpful professionals that you can have when you're living with or supporting someone with dementia or Alzheimer's.

Resources:

• Dementia Conversation Forums from the Alzheimer's Association
• Facebook Groups for Dementia Support
• Need more help? Email me at [email protected]

Submit your ideas or questions for future episodes here.

Today we're bringing in the help you didn't know existed, but that might be just what you're looking for. The world of dementia has its own vocabulary, and it's support and treatment are spread all over the place. So it can be really hard to know what to ask for or what to look for. Today we're revealing 5 of the most helpful professionals that you can have when you're living with or supporting someone with dementia or Alzheimer's.

Who are these people and how can they help me?

• Respite care provider
• Geriatric nurse practitioner
• Geriatric neuropsychologist
• Occupational therapist
• Palliative care - Don't stop listening before this one!!

Resources:

• Palliative Care Provider Directory - Find a palliative care team in your area

What did you think? Want to hear about something ese? Drop us a line!

[email protected]

This month we're talking about how to best work through dementia-related behaviors and minimize their impacts. This week we're tackling wandering and getting lost. This is one of the biggest fears of loved ones of those living with dementia and the good news is that there are plenty of resources and solutions to support you if this is a challenge you're dealing with.

Resources:

• Get our tips for working through behaviors here; Dementia-related behaviors infographic

What did you think? Want to hear about something ese? Drop us a line!

[email protected]