Blue Hydrangeas is an Alzheimer's love story. It's probably not what you think you'd like to read, but trust me, it is. It's a beautifully written book with a very timely message is exactly what all of us, young and older need to read.  This is a story of many living with dementia.  It was important that their stories be told in a way that readers could relate to.

Speaking with the author, Marianne Sciucco was interesting and informative.  Marianne is a writer who also happens to be a nurse. She has an extensive background in elder care as well as an extensive background caring for family stricken with Alzheimer's or dementia. She brought her two passions together and writes about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues.

The underlying message in the book is timely.  Many of us will face the reality of what tp do when we can no longer care for our loved one at home.  Many spouses, and even adult children make a promise that can't be kept.  As much as we'd love to allow our loved ones to stay in their home forever, most often this isn't possible. People make this promise when the symptoms of Alzheimer's are at their most manageable.

The characters in the book are in this exact predicament. Her memory issues coupled with his health issues make staying together in their home impossible.  His solution is one that most people never consider but should.

When To Consider Assisted Living

Staying independent may require rethinking our living situation.  For most senior American's living in a large home in the suburbs presents many problems. If we are no longer able to drive how do we get where we need to go? Is public transportation a viable option? How far away is a bus stop? Can we rely on family or neighbors without causing them significant inconvenience?

How will we maintain the home and yard? Can we rely on hired help? How safe is the home as we age and become more frail?  Are there stairs, steps or other tripping hazards? If we're caring for someone with memory loss how do we keep them safe?

There are as many questions as there are people facing them.  Completely eliminating the idea of moving to an assisted living community is common, but unwise.  Taking care of someone with memory loss is a full time job. Maintaining your own health is equally important but frequently neglected in this situation. Add in maintaining a home and yard and you can see how quickly overwhelmed someone will become.

Hopefully, reading Blue Hydrangeas, and listening to this conversation will give you insight into why the decision to "stay home at all costs" might be too costly.

You can also listen to the informative episode dedicated to assisted living here .  Our senior years need not be filled with stress and overwhelming responsibilities.  Three are many ways to care for your loved one.

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We've all had the experience of not remembering. As we age some of us dismiss this as part of aging and some of us fear it's the first sign of Alzheimer's. How do we know who is right?

Experts say that mild memory loss is normal as we age. Occasional forgetfulness does not mean you're developing Alzheimer's. If we're concerned about developing the disease, have normal memory lapses we easily focus on what we're forgetting.  Knowing the difference between normal memory issues and memory loss we should worry about is tricky.

Our brains are capable of creating new brain cells at any age so significant memory loss is not normal. Brains are like muscles and need to be kept strong just like the rest of our bodies.  Lifestyle can have a huge impact on the health of our brains. What we eat, and drink, how much exercise we get, how well we sleep are all important factors into brain health. The other is to regularly challenge our brains by learning something new. Anything that forces you to "think hard" or forces you to really concentrate are good for your brain.

Normal Forgetfulness VS Dementia

Occasional lapses in memory are normal, not a warning sign of Alzheimer's or dementia. If you find yourself with some of the following memory issues you'll want to get checked out immediately.

* Forgetting names of people you just met or calling one person by another name?

* Do you occasionally forget where you left things like glasses or car keys?

* Occasionally forgetting an appointment or walking into a room and not remembering why?

* Are you easily distracted or have trouble remembering what you just read or the details of a conversation?

* More frequently being unable to retrieve information that's on "the tip of your tongue"

It's time to consult a doctor when memory lapses become frequent enough or sufficiently noticeable to concern you or a family member. This is not the time to pretend all is well.  Early intervention may allow you to have more good years than not so call the doctor and have a FULL workup scheduled. The traditional pen and pencil memory test which usually takes less than 10 minutes may not be sufficient to detect a problem.

Reversible Causes of Memory Loss

Memory problems don't automatically mean you have dementia. There are many reasons why you may be having cognitive problems. Some reversible causes include stress, depression, poor sleep or even vitamin deficiencies.  Some prescription medications may also have side effects that cause memory issues. This is why seeing your doctor is so important.

The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

On this episode of the podcast I talk to Vicki Tapia about acknowledging when our parents need help  Her experiences as a caregiver to her parents and how she coped led her to writing a book. "Someone Stole My Iron" offers useful information from experts in the field of Alzheimer’s research, personal lessons learned along the way, and ideas/tips for managing the day-to-day ups and downs of dementia. It is a story of holding on and ultimately learning to let go, transcending the pain and turmoil to discover love and compassion.  "Someone Stole my Iron" chronicles her Mothers determination to navigate the confusing and terrifying world of memory loss.

You'll find our conversation full of personal struggles that are universal and our approach to them educational.  Together we cover a lot of ground on caregiving challenge.

My Favorite Things Page

Remembering the Unforgettable: Navigating Life with Memory Loss

When remembering becomes a challenge, life takes an unexpected turn. Imagine forgetting familiar faces, places, and even loved ones. This is the reality for millions living with memory loss.

Join us as we explore the complexities of this journey. We'll delve into the heart of the matter, offering insights, support,and practical advice for those affected by memory loss. From understanding the condition to finding coping strategies,we're here to help you navigate this challenging path.

Let's reclaim the power of remembering together.

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Related episodes:

Building Bridges of Connection: The Impact of 'Conversations to Remember

Remember Better: Navigating the Secrets to Enhanced Memory with Expert Guidance

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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

Relevate from NeuroReserve

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

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Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.

Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp.

Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

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Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

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Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

A common caregiver struggle is the lack of support from family members.  Author Irene Olsen and I discussed potential solutions during our conversation on this episode.  Irene survived to be an Alzheimer’s caregiver…twice.  Her father, to whom her novel is dedicated, was the first family member. Then, Irenes' sister-in-law, diagnosed with mixed dementia a month after her father’s death, became the second.

Why An Alzheimer's Novel?

Feeling her experiences as a caregiver were meant to go further than the confines of her own heart and using her background as a care group facilitator and a state Ombudsman Irene created a supportive novel Requiem for the Status Quo.

Irene's goal in writing Requiem was to encourage and educate those called to take on the role of the family caregiver.  Irene's brother was an extraordinary caregiver for his wife. Irene was the go-to person for advice, direction, and the occasional caregiving day. Having been front and center on her father’s three -year Alzheimer’s path gave Irene an “edge” on experience.

Family caregivers are often ruthlessly challenged by uninvolved family members who are quick to condemn, but reluctant to offer assistance. Caregiver struggles can be devastating when their decisions are challenged or questioned.  Family members not actively participating in caregiving sometimes give advice as a way to "help".

Fearing getting "sucked in" is a common reason others don't help more when caregiving is needed. Find out what each person feels they can help out with, giving them an active role in caregiving.  Physically caring for an aging person is not something most of us are "hard-wired" to handle. Thus, allowing families who can't participate in hands-on care to tackle other tasks is a huge benefit to all.

 Involving Reluctant Family Members

Involving family in caregiving can be quite a challenge. It's an issue that's been discussed before on my podcast but worth revisiting regularly. Many family members, feeling they are not cut out to handle day-to-day care, opt-out of helping altogether. Lacking nearby proximity is also a common excuse. So, how can we help them help us?

First, ask them what tasks they can comfortably tackle.. Are they good at making phone calls to doctors, specialists, etc?  Can they handle deciphering insurance paperwork?  Maybe they can handle things like yard work or managing paid care providers.

There are more tasks to be done than 1 or 2 people can handle. Finding one that each person is best suited will go a long way in maintaining caregiver health. Being the "lone caregiving more solid" is putting yourself on a dangerous path.

Assuming the responsibility and full burden of care, many people march forward disregarding their own health.  Eventually, this badly wounded soldier is no good to anyone.  In reality, it takes an army to effectively manage the care of an older adult.  Failing to let others help with the practical burdens, results in a health and wellness declines.

Not anticipating how overwhelming tasks will be handled is a major source of caregiver stress. Having others who can help anticipate and find solutions to things like incontinence, heavy lifting and wandering are important.  Both urinary and fecal incontinence are among the leading causes of nursing-home placement. A small or frail wife of a big man who needs help is another tough scenario.

Tips for Caregivers Who Lack Family Support

Lacking proper support, caregivers have more difficulty ensuring their loved one receives the care they need.

Breaking Down Caregiving Barriers: Finding Family Support. Feeling isolated in your caregiving journey? You're not alone. Many caregivers struggle to enlist the support of family members. Irene Olsen, author of Requiem for the Status Quo, understands this challenge firsthand.

Her book offers invaluable advice on navigating complex family dynamics and building a support network. Discover practical strategies for involving reluctant family members and creating a shared caregiving plan.

Learn how to set boundaries, communicate effectively, and delegate tasks. By fostering a collaborative approach, you can alleviate the burden of caregiving and ensure the best possible outcome for your loved one.

Remember, you don't have to face this challenge alone. Reach out for support, build a strong team, and prioritize your own well-being.

Get the book here!

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Related episodes:

Caregiver Founders: Building Resources for Support

Caregiver Struggles – A Supportive Alzheimer’s Novel

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Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation

Actionable strategies to cope and move forward

Support for those who care about you (optional)

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

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Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

Or learn more at Our Website!

 

Dressing the way that defines us should not take a back seat when our health or abilities change. Arthritis, physical limitations, even cognitive impairment can make dressing a challenge. Many seniors with these issues find themselves dressed in clothing that is not "them".  This is especially the case for men who have less clothing choices than women.

Finding clothing for a father who preferred button down shirts and pressed slacks that he was able to manage proved to be the catalyst to a new business. Smart Adaptive Clothing was the answer to the question "there has to be a way".

Nancy Connor is my guest on this episode of Fading Memories. Listen to her story about her Dad and how his challenges pushed her to create a stylish, flattering line of clothing that is easy to put on despite physical or mental challenges.

Aids in Dressing Seniors

There are dozens of blog posts on how to help a senior dress when that task is more than they can handle. However, with Smart Adaptive Clothing, many of these tips can be put off for many years.

 

The idea behind Smart Adaptive Clothing was to create stylish clothing that was easy to put on. No more struggling with buttons or having to wear pull over shirts. Smart Adaptive Clothing has velcro closures behind a row of decorative buttons that look functional. Many men feel more like their younger selves when they wear a button down shirt.

One tip for helping a loved one with dressing is to lay out all the clothing for them.  The goal is for the older adult to do as much of the dressing as possible themselves. One way to encourage this is to use adaptive clothing, which is widely available. Adaptive clothing, or ‘easy access clothing’ is easier to change and remove than regular clothing, and is specially made for older adults or people with disabilities. It has simple closures, helps an older adult retain dignity and provide some level of self-care.

By preserving a seniors dignity you help them live a better life. Why not give  Smart Adaptive Clothing a try?

Holiday survival tips for caregivers!. The holidays are a time for joy, but for families caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, they can be a source of stress and anxiety. Don't let the pressures of the season overwhelm you. In this episode, we offer essential tips to help you navigate the holidays with grace and resilience.

Discover practical strategies for creating a calm environment, managing challenging behaviors, and involving your loved one in meaningful activities. We'll also share advice on setting realistic expectations, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care.

Remember, you're not alone. By implementing these holiday survival tips and tuning into the entire episode, you can create a more peaceful and enjoyable holiday season for everyone involved.

We'll cover topics like:

Creating a soothing holiday atmosphere

Managing challenging behaviors

Involving your loved one in meaningful activities

Setting realistic expectations

Seeking support from family and friends

Self-care tips for caregivers

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Related episodes:

Holiday Gift Ideas for Dementia Loved Ones & Care Givers

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Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.

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Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.

Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp

Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Relevate from NeuroReserve

Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected] 

Or check out our website: www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com

Preserving Your Legacy and Connecting with Loved Ones: Tech Solutions for Seniors. Have you ever wondered how to ensure your stories and memories live on? Or how to maintain strong connections with loved ones as they age? Technology offers innovative solutions to these challenges.

In this episode, we explore two groundbreaking tech options. First, we delve into Legacysphere℠, a platform that allows you to compose personal messages for your loved ones while you're still here. Imagine leaving behind heartfelt words of wisdom, cherished memories, and valuable life lessons. It's a powerful way to preserve your legacy and provide comfort to your family.

Second, we introduce Timeless, a revolutionary app designed for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's. This user-friendly tool helps users remember events, stay connected with loved ones, and even recognize faces through advanced facial recognition technology. By empowering individuals with Alzheimer's to maintain independence and engagement,Timeless offers hope and support to both patients and their families.

Discover how these tech solutions can enrich the lives of seniors and their loved ones. Tune in to learn more about these inspiring innovations.

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Related Episodes:

Can Technology & Innovation Change Aging at Home?

Independence, Security & Peace of Mind

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Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.

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Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.

Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.

Sign up for a year of support and get:

Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation

Actionable strategies to cope and move forward

Support for those who care about you (optional)

HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

Relevate from NeuroReserve

I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Contact Jen at [email protected]

or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

Seniors and technology may be something you're unaware of but no longer!  Options for preserving your legacy and maintaining communication are discussed in this episode.

Passing down material items with a Will and taking care of our loved ones' finances with Life Insurance are normal practices.  NOW you can take care of the whole person. Using Legacysphere℠ you have the ability, while still alive, to compose personal messages for your survivors.

This seemed a little bit morbid at first but our conversation turned my thinking around. Now I'm a fan. Hearing our conversation you'll understand why I wish my Dad had known about and taken advantage of Legacysphere℠ .  Leaving me with lots of unanswered questions and confusion might have been avoided.

To compose a message your loved ones will appreciate considering the following idea may help. To provide a unique and personal history, detail some of your normal days. You may think that your day-to-day life isn't interesting, but it may be in the future.

Check out Legacysphere!

Timeless App

Timeless is an app specifically created for those in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

Creating an app for people with early to mid-stage Alzheimer's or dementia has been Emma's focus for 2+ years. Emma Yang is a very young tech entrepreneur. She created Timeless, a first-of-its-kind, simple, easy-to-use app for people living with Alzheimer’s. Helping them to remember events, stay connected, and engaged with friends and family is its goal.  People are also aided in recognizing family and friends through facial recognition technology. Emma's got more ideas once the app has launched which is scheduled for early 2019.

Making the most of every resource will help our loved ones live better longer. Using her personal experience with her Grandmother, Emma created something that will help thousands of people living with Alzheimer's.  Using this app as a person living with Alzheimer's may help through the stimulation it gives their brain.

UPDATE!

Timeless 2.0 is now available worldwide. Timeless is a first-of-its-kind, simple, easy to use app for Alzheimer’s patients to remember events, stay connected and engaged with friends and family, and to recognize people through artificial intelligence-based facial recognition technology.

 

Check out Timeless Care!

Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

By all means, share this podcast with other caregivers!  You can find us on social media at the following links.

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Also, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. There you can see me in "action" and watch the bonus videos I share.

Jennifer is also available for speaking engagements.

People frequently joke that a forgetful moment must mean they're showing early signs & symptoms of Alzheimer's. Sometimes these “jokes” are disguising genuine concern. So, what exactly are the early signs & symptoms of Alzheimer's?