Let's Talk Dementia

I had the honor of interviewing Best Selling Author, Carrie Jane Knowles.  She has written the wonderful book titled THE LAST CHILDHOOD - A FAMILY STORY OF ALZHEIMER'S.  Her book is a true story of "life".  Life with dementia.  Life as a caregiver". Life that deals with happiness.  Life that deals with frustrations.  Life that deals with sadness.  Life that deals with the funny moments.  You will love her book.  Click the picture to order it, and please enjoy this interview.

Telling Grandma it is time to move to an assisted living can be a difficult conversation.  This podcast will give you some good tips.  Enjoy!

An email from a listener asked what I wish I had known when I started my caregiver journey that would have made life easier.  GOOD QUESTION! Today's podcast addresses that topic.  Write me with your questions or thoughts - [email protected]

 

 

This podcast episode will make you giggle, and who doesn't need to giggle?  Sailor Mike had a problem with his coffee that tasted like SH**, and he was determined to get help. Dementia will make you giggle. Email me at [email protected]

Momma began having issues with her bra.  What I THOUGHT was the best response turned out not to be.  I was surprised.  Bras, jewelry, makeup....are they important to our loved ones in their dementia journey?

Write me with your story - [email protected].

Julianna wrote about her grandfather's inability to walk on some days,and yet he is able to move around quite well on other days.  He has Frontal-Temporal Lobe Dementia.  Why is he experiencing this difficulty with walking?

My dementia caregiving journey has been sad and laced with difficult decisions.  When the email from Terri came through, I smiled from ear to ear.  He mother danced at the wedding!  Dementia caregiving is made easier when we add music and dance.  Who doesn't like to smile when they hear their favorite song.  Grandma Solomon had a great time dancing.  I only wish I could have been there to witness her happiness.  Let me know about your favorite music/dancing caregiving stories.  Write me at [email protected]

Dementia makes using the hands and fingers in a productive way more difficult.  If the brain is sending the signals, arthritis is making the movement difficult.  If arthritis is not a problem, the brain may not be sending the signals.  UGH!  If you are left-handed, try being a "righty" for a few hours.  If you are a righty, try being a "lefty".  Not easy!  This experience will help you understand, first-hand (pun intended) what dementia feels like.  Write me with your stories or questions about dementia - [email protected] .

 

I've been under a LOT of stress lately.  I've also been considering how I handle (or don't handle) that stress.  Scripture has a few words to say about what I focus my thoughts and attention upon.  I am trying to change my train of thought, and that change is making me a happier person.  Being a happier person is making me a better caregiver.  It is a WIN WIN SITUATION.  Write me with your thoughts - [email protected].

Have you ever gone through a series of days when your entire life felt like a great big question mark?  If you are caregiving for someone with dementia, you know EXACTLY how that feels.  That is what life has been like lately.  I gotta tell ya, I'm getting tired of "not knowing".  I'm a FIXER.  Got a problem?  I'll help you fix it.  Need and answer?  I'll research till I find it.  That does not work so well with dementia caregiving.  How am I handling the stress of it?  Well, David had a little something to say about the issue in the book of Psalms.  Hope this episode lightens your caregiving stress.  Email me at [email protected].