In this final episode, we share another caregiver journey story. This time Melissa talks with James and Jessica who are siblings who live in different states. They beautifully describe how they approached dividing up roles and responsibilities when it came time to take care of their mother, and you'll even hear a little bit of humor this time.

Get in touch!
If you would like Melissa to feature your caregiver story, or if you would like to speak as an expert, please visit me at www.mindingafter.com to read my blog or email me at [email protected] to send me your questions, stories, and caregiver tips. 

You can also find me on Twitter @mindingafter

This is our very first caregiver story, which will also be a recurring theme in future seasons- after all, this podcast is about you and your journey. Melissa talks with J who explains his caregiving journey with his dad. We cover the signs he recognized, and the tough decisions he made. J also offers advice and lessons to help you in your journey, and you will hear about the beautiful keepsake his son made for him. We suspect you will hear many similar experiences and take comfort in knowing your are not alone.

Art Blox
https://www.artbloxshop.com/

Get in touch!
If you would like Melissa to feature your caregiver story, or if you would like to speak as an expert, please visit me at www.mindingafter.com to read my blog or email me at [email protected] to send me your questions, stories, and caregiver tips. 

You can also find me on Twitter @mindingafter

Did you know your Power of Attorney document is not recognized by the Social Security Administration? 

In this episode, Melissa talks with the Social Security Administration to learn how to safely and formally manage your loved one's social security income by becoming a Representative Payee. We will also discuss how to recognize and avoid scams.

Read more at https://www.ssa.gov/payee/
SSA's toll-free 800 number: 1-800-772-1213

Slam the Scam!
https://www.ssa.gov/scam/resources.html

Get in touch!
Visit me at www.mindingafter.com to read my blog or email me at [email protected] to send me your questions, stories, and caregiver tips. 

You can also find me on Twitter @mindingafter

This is a very special episode where Melissa talks with Dr. Barbra Lipska, author of "The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind." Dr. Lipska is that neuroscientist. She was gracious enough to explain her journey with brain cancer and what it felt like to have resulting cognitive changes. While Dr. Lipska was not diagnosed with dementia per se, you will gain beautiful, valuable insight into what your loved one may feel like and how they experience the world. There is power in seeing from the perspective of another person.

Learn more about Dr. Lipska at www.barbaralipska.com

Check out her book The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind: https://www.barbaralipska.com/book

Get in touch!
Visit me at www.mindingafter.com to read my blog or email me at [email protected] to send me your questions, stories, and caregiver tips. 

You can also find me on Twitter @mindingafter

"End-of-Life" and "Meet a Provider" will be recurring themes in the Minding After podcast. We launch our first episode by meeting Nicole Daigle, an end of life doula in the Chicago area. You will learn about some of details that can be overlooked at end of life and about what this supportive, comforting role has to offer. You won't know how society got along without it.

Nicole Daigle
www.windingpathdoula.com

International End-of-Life Doula Association
www.inelda.org

Get in touch!
Visit me at www.mindingafter.com to read my blog or email me at [email protected] to send me your questions, stories, and caregiver tips. 

You can also find me on Twitter @mindingafter

Do you already have concerns and suspicions about changes in your loved one? It can be hard to tell the difference between normal aging and when to make an appointment with neurology.

In this episode, Melissa provides an overview of some of the red flags with examples that may confirm your gut feeling, or help you be on the lookout.

Get in touch!
Visit me at www.mindingafter.com to read my blog or email me at [email protected] to send me your questions, stories, and caregiver tips. 

You can also find me on Twitter @mindingafter

Before we delve into the particulars about dementia and caregiving, we have one important thing to focus on first: you! You must have a full cup in order to share and take care of others. So get your pen and paper (or iphone calendar) ready- this episode is all about you!

Get in touch!
Visit me at www.mindingafter.coml to read my blog or email me at [email protected] to send me your questions, stories, and caregiver tips. 

You can also find me on Twitter @mindingafter

Meet Melissa and learn about how we will achieve your caregiver goals in this podcast. No matter where you are in your caregiver journey- suspecting it will begin soon, currently in the thick of it, or facing end-of-life decisions, Melissa touches on a little bit of everything in this first season to get you on track.

Alzheimer's Association- explore facts and figures, support groups, and the 24/7 helpline for caregivers
www.alz.org

Get in touch!
Visit me at www.mindingafter.com to read my blog or email me at [email protected] to send me your questions, stories, and caregiver tips. 

You can also find me on Twitter #mindingafter

Welcome to Minding After! My name is Melissa and I am a Nurse Practitioner in neurology and a former caregiver for my aunt with young onset dementia. Despite being a neurology NP, I was not prepared for this journey. It was full of surprises,  frustrations, and even loneliness. You need help preparing too. Don't reinvent the wheel. Let me be your guiding light and biggest supporter as you take on this responsibility. We will grow your confidence, practice self-care, and keep your loved one safe by covering topics such as what to expect at medical visits, how to organize finances, and learn about end-of-life issues. Plus, I welcome your questions and concerns that I will share in each episode. I can't wait to journey with you! Please visit my website to learn more about my story, my services, and my resources to help you be a caregiver hero. www.mindingafter.com