Has the thought of becoming an unexpected caregiver for a LOVED ONE ever crossed your mind? Imagine the journey of a man thrown into this role, tasked with caring for his charismatic and beloved father after his mom dies. Join J Smiles as she welcomes Jeff Ton, whose heartfelt story ushers us into the emotional rollercoaster that is Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) caregiving. 

Against the backdrop of the shared love and respect for his father, a revered doctor and bishop, Jeff navigates us through the intense, sometimes baffling journey of a dementia with memory attached. He opens up about the struggle to get the correct diagnosis for his father and the unique strategies they adopted to keep up with his father's changing reality. His father's insistence on maintaining a sharp appearance, even as his condition worsened, is a testament to the human spirit and the complexities of FTD.

There is a wealth of insight in Jeff's story. He underscores the importance of self-care your way, the need for strong advocacy, and the tough decisions in telling your LO no. 

J and Jeff giggle throughout over the humorous antics of his father. 

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J Smiles is joined by  Jen Hardy, an experienced caregiver, and Alzheimer's awareness advocate, who shares the triumphs and struggles of her unique caregiving experiences. Who knew that saying "no" could be such a powerful tool in creating a better future for those in need? From her aunt and grandma battling cancer, her father's depression and renal failure, to her husband's illness, Jen's resilience and commitment are truly inspiring.

What if you were told you wouldn't live past a year? How would you respond? For Jen, it was a call to action. She channeled her purpose and determination to beat the odds and inspire those around her -- podcasts and books. Her books, The Sick Moms Guide to Having Fun Again and her five-year journal, are tools that can help navigate tough times and emphasize the importance of finding joy in challenging circumstances.

Jen also shares how she navigated her way through various medical challenges and how she managed to take control of her life by changing her mindset. We discuss the importance of self-care for caregivers and share some practical tips and advice for those on a similar journey. In the world of caregiving, simple gestures can have a profound impact, and Jen's wisdom on how to keep our promises to our loved ones and rely on our support networks when needed, is invaluable. Get ready to be enlightened and empowered with this in-depth conversation.

Jen Hardy's Website:
https://jenhardy.net

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Get ready to be amazed and inspired by the incredible Janice Goldmintz, a "super caregiver" who has navigated the unknowns of caregiving for both her parents and her child. Listen in as Janice tells her powerful story of raising a daughter with trisomy 13, a genetic disorder with a life expectancy less than 1 year . With strength, resilience, humor, and a thirst for knowledge, Janice made difficult decisions and advocated for her daughter's care, extending her time on earth.

J Smiles' conversation takes a poignant turn as they discuss the challenges of dementia caregiving for Janice's parents, both diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Janice's journey through her mother's paranoia and her father's decline during COVID highlights the benefits of being hands-on with a LOs medical affairs. As Janice shares the heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments, we also hear the perseverance and humor that have guided her through her caregiving experiences.

Join us as we absorb Janice's valuable advice on navigating challenging events, understanding facility offerings, and pushing back against doctors. Her wisdom and unique perspective on caregiving will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered. So, lend your ears, open your hearts, and be inspired by the power of caregiving as told by the extraordinary Janice Goldmintz. Oh yeah, her sister-in-law required caregiver tenderness too -- wait until you hear where the stamina comes originates!

Janice's Website:
http://talkaboutaging.com

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Did you know that your nose-picking habit might be putting you at risk for dementia? Join J for a fascinating study conducted by Australian scientists, which discovered that excessive nose picking can lead to amyloid beta plaques on your brain - a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. UGH!!

In this eye-opening episode, J Smiles shares anecdotes spanning three generations of nose excavation. Since the majority of humans are world class diggers then J hopes to provide options -- dab on it or scissor trim. Brain health might be more simple than we thought, thanks Aussies! Don't miss out on these valuable insights into preserving your brain health.

Join Alzheimer's favorite family caregiver for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled with love and laugher.

Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for provocative take aways.

Australia Study linking nose picking and dementia:
https://enlighten.griffith.edu.au/why-picking-your-nose-is-dangerous/

ScienceAlert.com:
https://www.sciencealert.com/mouse-study-suggests-an-unexpected-link-between-nose-picking-and-alzheimers

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Have you ever had neck pain, stomach aches, migraines, TMJ, trouble sleeping -- on top of being a family caregiver? Yeah, haven't we all. What if you heard about a non-Rx, self-sufficient, convenient combat tool? Welp. That is what Lauren Fonvielle and J Smiles discuss, Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping).  

Anxiety and panic attacks led Lauren on a pilgrimage for better. Now this "tapping" beneficiary turned certified instructor is on a mission to help others expand their self care toolbox. Lauren is also a secondary caregiver to her mom battling Parkinson's disease.

Their conversation highlights specific show-n-tells, resources, symptoms of Parkinson's and more. 

Join Alzheimer's favorite family caregiver for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled with love and laugher.

Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for provocative take aways.

Lauren Fonvielle's Website:
https://www.mindshiftwithlauren.com

Lauren's *free* MasterClass
https://www.mindshiftwithlauren.com/masterclass

Free Online Yoga for Cargivers
https://www.yoga4caregivers.com

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How many times have you wondered what to do next when your mom or dad is aging? How many headaches have you had trying to decide if their decline is normal or a problem? Of course, you make the doctor's appointment. But what questions do you ask? And how hard do you push your parent into modifying major components of his or her life?

Look no further, Star Bradbury has a guide for to YOU "successfully navigate your parents' senior years" (book title BTW). See what J did there. 

Star has real life experience on both sides on the fence as a family caregiver and a senior living community administrator. This conversation is gold -- pull out your ears -Every adult child needs to plug in and get ready to purchase a few copies because we all deserve to age successfully.

Join Alzheimer's favorite family caregiver for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled with love and laugher.

Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for provocative take aways.

Star's Book:
https://starbradbury.com/book/

Aging Life Care Association:
https://www.aginglifecare.org

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"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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J Smiles and Zetty, Thelma and Louise or Cleo and Frankie, it is hard to separate classic chicks being chased by cops. 

What happens when your mom directs you to "have fun" with the horsepower in a 5speed while belting out rock tunes? Take a ride down memory lane with J Smiles as she figures out why National Institutes of Health suggests positive reminiscing for mental health. 

Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled with love and laugher.

Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for provocative take aways.

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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J Smiles runs into an old friend of Zetty. The problem is this "close" old bestie wants J to promise to tell Zetty a ton of specific memories from sixty years ago (silently - lady my mama doesn't know what day it is). Trying not to be rude goes wrong and J is stuck in quandary. Yell fire while ditching the conversation or bite her lip by entertaining the notion that Zetty will "remember" old bestie. What would you do?

J stumbles through this encounter, shares a few other touchy examples and leaves the audience with hope on how to handle bright-eyed people who expect your LO to recall them.

Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled with love and laugher.

Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for provocative take aways.

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
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Mad that caregivers are not getting enough love from the self-help industry, J Smiles sets her sights on acknowledging and creating dynamic groups similar to Myers Briggs, Love Languages and Ancestry-Lineage tests.

Family caregivers exhibit remarkable above average traits day in and day out. Wouldn't it be nice to identify your super power and intentionally lead with it? Better yet, know how to spot super powers in others and call them into duty when needed. It's called plugging the holes. J uses anecdotes to guide you. 

Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled with love and laugher.

Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for provocative take aways.

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
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YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
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TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
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J learns the hard way about shadowing in the world of dementia when Zetty approaches her from the rear and they both end up on the floor. Tuck your earbuds close for a rollercoaster of laughs and heartfelt storytelling.

Join Alzheimer's favorite duo for another journey of heavy reality sprinkled love and laugher.

Catch J's signature SNUGGLE UP ending for provocative take aways.

Support the show

"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw
Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Be sure to leave us a review!