Redefining Caregiving

Redefining Caregiving

By Samantha Damm- Mother, Author, Teacher, alchemistEducationHow To
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Redefining Caregiving episodes

  • #39 Intentional Thinking - Helps you stay focused in what you need

    Making sense of things. It's tough to take our thoughts by the horn when they are all over the place, but it's the only way to get focused on what you really need to get done. In order to achieve any of your goals we must be intentional in your thoughts around them so we can travel toward them. 

    Making a list of what you want to achieve everyday is helpful. Keep it short, so you don't feel overwhelmed. Star the items most important or make two separate lists. Throw away the list at the end of the day, after making a new list, including what you didn't get done that day. By starting with a new itemized list, you feel more accomplished and productive, and that keeps you in the momentum you need to do more. Some days you will get very little done, so don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes what we do isn't something you would write on a "to do" list. When you are a support to someone, or help others get done what they want, you are still awesome. You are helping. As long as you spend a majority of your time focusing on your list, you'll be happier and get where you want to be. 

    Remember to include yourself in the care you give by focusing mainly on what you want to do by making a list each day. 

    Always Caring, Sam

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    After creating this podcast, I would enjoy a cup of coffee!  Warm my heart and keep me smiling by donating any amount, so I can make more podcasts for caregivers. I appreciate and love you all!

    Buy Me a Cup of Coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/samdamm *** DONATE PLEASE***

    PATREON- Support me in supporting caregivers: https://www.patreon.com/redefiningcaregiving

    ************************************************************************************************************************

    Redefining Caregiving Website :https://samdamm.com/

    Redefining Caregiving Podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/ae928d4/podcast/rss

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzULzcV1Uzz0C1eG-HSre0g

    FB-Redefining Caregiving: https://www.facebook.com/redefiningcaregiving

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningcaregivingbook/?hl=en

    Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/redefiningcaregiving

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redefining-caregiving-mindful-approach-to-caregiving/id1461707754?uo=4

    11 min
  • #38 Colonoscopy Test Alternative - A Less Invasive Approach is Here!

    If you're like me, over age 50, you may have had a colonoscopy or been instructed to by your physician. Screening for colorectal cancer is very important, it's not the only option for early detection. 

    There is a less invasive, highly affective test you can take to see if you need a colonoscopy. Instead of undergoing an expensive and invasive procedure, not try annual screening with a FIT test. Fit stands for Fecal Immunochemical Test.  

    Colorectal Cancer is on the rise and more than 50,000 people die from it each year. It's the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer has a 91% survival rate if caught in Stage I, but only 11% survival rate if caught in Stage IV.  Avoid your risk of colorectal cancer by having regular screening such as the FIT test. 

    Remember to include yourself in the care you give by asking questions and doing research about what matters to you! Always Caring, Sam   

    Related Links to today's show: https://www.ccalliance.org/screening-prevention/screening-methods/fecal-immunochemical-testhttps://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000704.htm

    Reach out to me for personalized one-on-one coaching via phone, or Zoom.  My book includes step by step instruction, and strategies to help caregivers avoid caregiver burnout, achieve more and have fun doing it. 

    Always Caring, Sam

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    After creating this podcast, I would enjoy a cup of coffee! Warm my heart and keep me smiling by donating any amount, so I can make more podcasts for caregivers. I appreciate and love you all!

    Buy Me a Cup of Coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/samdamm *** DONATE PLEASE***

    Patreon - Support me in supporting caregivers: https://www.patreon.com/redefiningcaregiving

    ********************************************************************************************************************************

    Redefining Caregiving Website :https://samdamm.com/

    Redefining Caregiving Podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/ae928d4/podcast/rss

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzULzcV1Uzz0C1eG-HSre0g

    FB-Redefining Caregiving: https://www.facebook.com/redefiningcaregiving

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningcaregivingbook/?hl=en

    Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/redefiningcaregiving

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redefining-caregiving-mindful-approach-to-caregiving/id1461707754?uo=4

    14 min
  • #37 Critical Health News - Homeland Security Committee Hearing Notes

    Hey Everyone! 

    This a very important message about a proven method to treat what is happening in the world today. Listen to hear the shocking truth about a treatment plan that has been hidden from the public. I am attaching links to the Homeland Security Committee hearing notes that took place on December 8, 2020. You will be shocked to read the report yourself. Hope you share it with everyone you know. 

    Include yourself in the care you give by always seeking truth and staying informed to protect your health. 

    www.flcc.net - Open Science Foundation,  https://ivmmeta.com/  - Manuscript from Hearing  Https://osf.io/wx3zn/  -  c19study.com website.   Updated meta-analysis and review authored by a group of PHD. researchers and scientists included all ivermectin studies as of December 4th, 2020. 

    Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast. You can positively influence someone's life by sharing good information with them. It might be just what they need today. Caregivers need plenty of help, and it's why I do this podcast.  

    Remember to include yourself in the care you give by seeking truth and staying informed to protect your health. Always Caring, Sam

    Always Caring, Sam

    *****************************************************************************************************************************

    After creating this podcast, I would enjoy a cup of coffee! Warm my heart and keep me smiling by donating any amount, so I can make more podcasts for caregivers. I appreciate and love you all!

    Buy Me a Cup of Coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/samdamm *** DONATE PLEASE***

    Patreon - Support me in supporting caregivers: https://www.patreon.com/redefiningcaregiving

    ******************************************************************************************************************************** 

    Redefining Caregiving Website: https://samdamm.com/

    FB-Redefining Caregiving: https://www.facebook.com/redefiningcaregiving

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningcaregivingbook/?hl=en

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sammijodamm

    Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/redefiningcaregiving

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redefining-caregiving-mindful-approach-to-caregiving/id1461707754?uo=4


    25 min
  • #36 Are You Parenting Your Parents? - Keep the elderly independent and happy

    The definition of parenting for a child: The natural ability, qualities, and acts of all parents to nurture, love, provide, and contribute to the development of their child or children in a nonjudgmental, fair and just way and to create a united family environment where parents and their child or children have a positive and loving relationship with their parents.

    Here's the word parenting as defined for caregiving: Parenting

    Performing the role of a parent by caregiving, nurturance, and protection of the child by a natural or substitute parent. The parent supports the child by exercising authority and through consistent, empathic, appropriate behavior in response to the child's needs. PARENTING differs from CHILD REARING in that in child-rearing the emphasis is on the act of training or bringing up the children and the interaction between the parent and child, while parenting emphasizes the responsibility and qualities of exemplary behavior of the parent.
    See the difference? Read it very carefully because many caregivers make the mistake of feeling as if they need to "train" or "form" their aging parents into something different from who they are. Please share this podcast with anyone you know who refers to their role as parenting for their parents to help them understand their role. You might make their day by showing them, they can loosen up on the reigns, if they are trying too hard to manage their parent's care. 

    Include yourself in the care you give by being a positive parent!

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    Differences in Caregiving and Parenting: https://centerforfamilyinvolvementblog.org/2019/11/22/caregiving-and-parenting-are-not-the-same/   Bossy Caregiver:  https://www.carepathways.com/articles/what-to-do-when-caregiver-is-bossy-lazy-or-grouchy.cfm   Elder Abuse  https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline  Medicaid  https://www.medicare.gov/   

    ***********************************************************************************************************************************      I would enjoy a cup of coffee! Warm my heart and keep me smiling by donating any amount, so I can make more podcasts for caregivers. I appreciate and love you all!

    Buy Me a Cup of Coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/samdamm *** DONATE PLEASE***

    Patreon - Support me in supporting caregivers: https://www.patreon.com/redefiningcaregiving

    ********************************************************************************************************************************

    Redefining Caregiving Website :https://samdamm.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzULzcV1Uzz0C1eG-HSre0g

       


    11 min
  • #35 Being Bossed Around - What to do about it

    What do you do when you care for a bossy person? How do you handle being told what to do in a "bossy" way? In this podcast, I give you 3 ways I've learned how to approach this. 

    Remember, you are responsible for your energy and can't change others. When you change your own approach, you create possibilities for change. 


    7 min
  • #34 Tasty Life - What's your recipe for a happier one?

    I made a chocolate cake a couple weeks ago that tasted fantastic. Then, I made a tried a different recipe yesterday and that cake was also fabulous. It got me thinking about how we get narrow minded we can be. Why do we call something the best? It limits the options for other's being great too. It's not about one being the best because if we make the same recipe over and over, it becomes boring and then we long for something else. 

    The same goes for life. We can hope for having a better life and admire others for living lives we want to live and we limit ourselves. We have a choice. What recipe are you using? What ingredients make up a good life, for you? Life evolves and what makes up our lives changes too.  You can add more of what you like to enhance your life. 

    Write down all the things that make your life taste good. Write down all that makes it taste bitter or bad. Now, create a new recipe that you love. You deserve to enjoy a great experience that you create. 

    Include yourself in the care you give by making your life matter more than your caregiving!

    Always caring, Samantha

    Redefining Caregiving Website :https://samdamm.com/

    FB-Redefining Caregiving: https://www.facebook.com/redefiningcaregiving

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningcaregivingbook/?hl=en

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sammijodamm

    Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/redefiningcaregiving

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redefining-caregiving-mindful-approach-to-caregiving/id1461707754?uo=4

    7 min
  • #33 Men Do Care - Let's allow them to help more in caregiving

    For years, women have traditionally been the primary caregivers, yet it is crucial to also train men in caregiving roles. This process should begin from an early age, with a focus on encouraging boys to engage in household activities and thoughtful upbringing. The foundation of caregiving is often laid within the family, and children absorb these lessons from their parents and relatives. To instigate change, we must revisit these foundational lessons and deliberately shape them towards the desired outcome. It's essential to move beyond the stereotype that caregiving is solely a female responsibility and instill in boys the understanding that caregiving is a shared duty, irrespective of gender. This approach is grounded in fostering compassion and nurturing the ability to express it. Teaching boys caregiving skills not only prepares them for future parenting roles but also contributes to their overall emotional and social development.




    12 min
  • #32 The Eyes Have It - Becoming more compassionate through eye contact

    Today, I'd like to recount an experience I had while shopping with my mask on. During this outing, I encountered an elderly gentleman who appeared melancholic. Our eyes met, and the impact of that silent, visual exchange was profound. Learning to communicate emotions and thoughts through our eyes, especially when words are not an option, is an intriguing and valuable skill. This form of non-verbal communication can be a powerful tool for bringing about positive interactions and changes in our daily encounters.

    9 min
  • #31 Therapeutic Lying - A look at this alternative approach

    As a caregiver, it can be difficult to know how to handle repetitive, and painful questions from someone with dementia. There is evidence that shows when someone with dementia asks specific common questions, they are seeking to feel a certain way. 

    Here's a list of example questions and ideas for responding to them. I explain why they might be asking the questions, so you can use my examples or come up with creative ways to help them receive what they need. Hopefully they will ask these questions less, over time, if they gain a sense of what they need based on how you handle them. 

    Question:

    "Where is my mom"

    What they might need: To feel wanted, secure, safe, comforted, attached or loved.

    How you could respond:

    Show them photos that associate positive feelings of their mom instead of changing the subject.

    By allowing the conversation to flow mom, it can calm them.

    Spend time with them and develop a nurturing relationship together.

    Question:

    Where is my Dad?

    What they might need: To feel security, guidance, safety, comfort

    How you could respond:

    Build a trusting nurturing relationship to help them feel safe.

    Lend an ear, so they can talk about what worries them. Non-judging responses.

    Use photo and talk about their dad, and don't try to change the subject.

    Question:

    Where is my husband or wife?

    What they might need: To feel safe, secure, loved, friendship, companionship

    How you could respond:

    Introduce them to another resident or invite someone they like over to visit.

    Use photos to talk and reminisces about family.

    Talking often creates healing for people.

    Ask them questions about their spouse and fond memories (only if they are not distressed)

    Question:

    Where are my children?

    What they might need: To feel comfort, purpose, love, belonging

    How you could respond:

    You could let them help with activities like folding clothes, make a shopping list, getting ready for mealtime, dusting, shaking rugs outside, or sweeping.

    Spend time with them talking about their life and past memories.

    Sharing stories with someone can help them feel loved and happy, because they remember their achievements.

    Question:

    Where is my home, or house?

    What they might need: To feel in control, accepted, familiar and comfort

    How you could respond:

    Invite them to be involved in the environment, so they feel a sense of belong there.

    Talk with them about how long they've lived here, and who's been by to visit them.

    Ask them if they want to help with household stuff, cooking, or kids activities.

    Keep their environment familiar to them with furniture, decorations and personal items.

    When it comes to therapeutic lies, I have mixed opinions. It's a complex topic and a useful tool, but it has potential for being mis-used like many things. I feel if it's done with people who suffer from sever dementia, it's harmless, as long as it provides therapeutic benefit for them like reducing anxiety and suffering.

    I do feel that lying can become habitual, so if caregivers spend time lying throughout their day, it might have negative affects on them. Lying can become a habit that carries over to the rest of their lives.

    As I always say, there's a balance needed and I'll leave that up to each of you to decide.

    I'm not here to tell you not to lie. I wanted to share insight and alternatives to lying in the above paragraphs.





    11 min
  • #30 Confidence Takes intention - Traits of a confident person

    There's more to confidence than you think.

    Certainly, here are 14 traits commonly associated with confident individuals:

    1. Self-assuredness: Displaying a strong sense of belief in their own abilities and judgments.
    2. Positive Outlook: Tending to view situations and challenges in a positive light.
    3. Assertiveness: Comfortably expressing opinions and needs without being overbearing or aggressive.
    4. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures without losing self-esteem.
    5. Openness to Learning: Willingness to acknowledge gaps in knowledge and skills, and to seek improvement.
    6. Good Listening Skills: Being attentive to others, suggesting an inner security and respect for others' opinions.
    7. Emotional Stability: Displaying control over emotions and avoiding extreme reactions to situations.
    8. Adaptability: Flexibility in handling change and unfamiliar situations confidently.
    9. Decisiveness: The ability to make decisions confidently and stick to them, even under pressure.
    10. Humility: Confident people often acknowledge their flaws and are open to feedback, without feeling diminished.
    11. Goal-Oriented: Focusing on objectives and persistently pursuing them, often displaying strong motivation and drive.
    12. Non-Comparative: Tending not to measure their worth or success against others but based on personal standards and values.
    13. Body Language: Often exhibiting open and relaxed body language, with steady eye contact, which exudes confidence.
    14. Social Skills: Generally having the ability to interact comfortably in various social settings, indicating a secure sense of self.

      15. Confidence is a multifaceted trait, and it's important to note that these characteristics can manifest differently in each individual.



      7 min

    About Redefining Caregiving

    From the publisher's feed

    Caregivers require consistent encouragement and backing. Drawing from over 30 years as a caregiver, I share my personal insights and effective strategies I've learned firsthand to help you exist and…