“What really helps is grounding yourself in three things: what change you’re noticing, how different it is from who this person has always been, and whether it’s getting worse over time.” — Dr. Anna Chodos

Are you concerned that your loved one is showing early signs of dementia? Do you find yourself noticing changes but unsure whether they’re significant? You’re not alone in this uncertainty, and there are clear steps you can take to address your concerns.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we understand how challenging it can be to recognize early signs of dementia and know what to do next. We’re sharing insights about practical guidance for managing through those early signs of dementia from Dr. Anna Chodos, professor of medicine in geriatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, and executive director of Dementia Care Aware, and Dr. Barry Jacobs, clinical psychologist, family therapist, and co-author of the AARP Caregiver Answer Book.

Let’s explore three essential tips for recognizing early dementia signs — starting difficult conversations with your loved one and communicating effectively with healthcare providers.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/55-is-it-an-early-sign-of-dementia-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Alzheimer’s Association 10 signs of dementia: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
• Dementia Care Aware: https://www.dementiacareaware.org/
• Barry’s website www.caregiveranswerbook.com
• Buy the Caregiver Answer Book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4i9V9ZL
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: Know What Signs to Look For — They’re More Than Just Memory

Tip 2: Start Early and Normalize Health Conversations

Tip 3: Plan Ahead for the Doctor’s Appointment

Read More in This Blog

https://sueryansolutions.medium.com/55-is-it-an-early-sign-of-dementia-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-5a1278aa1c2f

“An accurate early dementia diagnosis is essential. It can make a significant difference in how families navigate the diagnosis.” Esther Kane, MSN, RN

Your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia… but do you ever wonder if they’ve been diagnosed with the correct type? Do you find yourself thinking: “This diagnosis doesn’t quite fit what I’m seeing.” You’re not alone. Getting the correct diagnosis opens the right doors to support, care, and community that you might not have known existed.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned firsthand that not all dementias are the same. Understanding the specific type of dementia your loved one has ensures they’re receiving the correct medical care and helps you connect with the education, targeted support groups, and research opportunities tailored to your loved one’s specific needs.

In this post, we’re sharing insights from Esther Kane, a registered nurse and the Director of Support and Education for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). As a director of nursing in multiple memory care facilities, Esther’s entire career has been supporting and caring for individuals living with all types of dementia. In her role at AFTD, Esther works to advance early, accurate FTD diagnoses in order to improve the quality of life for those impacted by the disease.

We’re exploring five essential tips for ensuring your loved one receives the correct dementia diagnosis and how to leverage this knowledge for better care.

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/54-why-the-right-dementia-diagnosis-matters-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Alzheimer’s Association 10 signs of dementia: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
• Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap guide: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/guides/
• Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD): https://www.theaftd.org/
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: Learn More About Dementia and Push to Dig Deeper

Tip 2: Find Your Specific Diagnosis Community, Resources, and Support

Tip 3: Monitor Disease Progression and Prepare

Tip 4: Investigate Clinical Trials

Tip 5: Understand the Genetic Risk Associated with This Diagnosis

Read More in This Blog https://sueryansolutions.medium.com/53-why-the-right-dementia-diagnosis-matters-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-b6afe1179898?postPublishedType=repub

"Dementia is not just a medical journey, but it's a financial and emotional one." – Devon Banning, CFP

Are you avoiding the financial conversation with your loved one because it feels uncomfortable or overwhelming? Do you find yourself wondering how you'll afford care as your loved one's needs increase?

Are you concerned about making the right financial decisions during this challenging time?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we know that money is often the last conversation we want to have, but it's inevitable. We have to have it.

Today, we're sharing five essential tips for navigating the financial aspects of dementia caregiving with Devon Banning, a Certified Financial Planner with Moran Wealth Management. Devon has more than 15 years of experience across a range of roles in the financial industry, and he brings invaluable depth of experience with dementia family caregiving. He's spent the majority of his career managing financial lives for individuals and families, many of whom were suddenly thrust into the caregiving role due to dementia.

Here's what makes this conversation easier: it'll be much more manageable when we respect our loved ones' dignity, independence, and their wishes throughout all of our conversations. Today is about helping you learn options for taking your next step—options that are going to make you feel more confident without needing to have all the answers at one time.

This episode supports step three of our Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap Guide: understand the financial situation. If you've been putting this conversation off, you're definitely not alone. This is an area many caregivers hesitate to step into. It's deeply personal, and it can feel intimidating—especially if we wish we'd addressed it sooner.

Connect with us and share your tips:

Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/

Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/53-the-dementia-care-financial-conversation-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/

Additional Resources Mentioned

Moran Wealth Management https://moranwm.com/

Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. The views expressed are those of the participants as of the date recorded and may change without notice. Nothing discussed should be considered a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any security or to engage in any particular investment strategy. Listeners should consult their own financial, legal, or tax professionals before making any financial decisions. Moran Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Get the Financial Conversation Started

Use these 8 steps to guide the conversation

Understand the different stages of financial considerations

Understand The Financial Position of Your Loved One

Consider Leveraging a Financial Planning Expert

Read More in This Blog

https://medium.com/@sueryansolutions/financial-planning-for-dementia-caregiving-five-essential-tips-edf00b98be82

Are you prepared if a major storm threatens your area? Do you know whether to evacuate or shelter in place with your loved one who has dementia? Have you created a communication plan that accounts for potential power outages and cell tower failures?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how storm season brings critical decisions that require advance planning. Whether your loved one lives at home or in a care community, preparing for storms demands special considerations for people living with dementia.

Recently, we spoke with Celeste Lynch, Executive Director at Moorings Park Grand Lake in Naples, Florida. With nearly 40 years of experience in senior living leadership, emergency planning, and resident safety, Celeste shared invaluable insights on storm preparedness from both the care community and at-home perspectives.

If you're following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap Guide, today's topic aligns with Step 14: Create a Care Plan and Family Emergency Plan.

Let's explore four essential tips for weathering storms safely with your loved one who has dementia.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/52-preparing-for-stormy-weather-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap guide: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/guides/
• Moorings Park community: https://www.mooringspark.org/ 
• FEMA assistance programs: https://www.fema.gov/
• DisasterAssistance.gov: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• Relief organizations such as the Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

We shared 4 tips:

1. Preparing Ahead of Time 
2. Decide whether you will shelter in place or evacuate
3. Strengthen Your Communication Plan Before, During, and After the Storm 
4. Post storm, safely get them back in their routine

Read More in This Blog here

"The difference between TV as comfort and TV as chaos isn't the screen—it's understanding how the changing brain experiences what's on it."

Do you rely on television to help occupy your loved one's time? Does your care receiver seem agitated or anxious when the TV is on? Have you noticed them leaving the room when a show is playing or struggling to follow programs they once enjoyed?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that what soothes us as caregivers can actually cause distress for people living with dementia. In this episode, we spoke with Allyson Schrier, co-founder and president of Zinnia TV and former caregiver for her husband with frontotemporal dementia, about why regular TV can be problematic and what we can do about it.

Let's explore four essential tips for managing TV time effectively.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Zinnia TV https://www.zinniatv.com
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: Be Thoughtful About What’s On TV

The answer isn’t to take TV away completely. We need to be thoughtful about what we put on the TV and pay close attention to how our loved ones respond.

Tip 2: Target Something That Creates Curiosity Without Agitation

The goal is to find programming that engages without overstimulating or causing your loved one to fall asleep (because daytime sleeping can lead to nighttime wakefulness).

Tip 3: Leverage Simulated Presence Therapy

The innovative approach of simulated presence therapy takes advantage of how people with dementia can experience confusion between what’s on screen and what’s actually happening — and uses it to benefit them.

What is simulated presence therapy? Research has shown that when someone will only take medication or follow instructions from a specific person (like a daughter or doctor), showing them a video of that person giving the instruction can work just as effectively as having the person physically present.

Tip 4: Create Engaging Alternatives On Your Own

Beyond television, there are creative ways to provide visual engagement that work better with how the dementia brain processes information.

Observe and Adjust

Managing the television experience for someone with dementia isn’t about finding one perfect solution. What works today may not work next month as the disease progresses, and that’s reasonable. The process is about observing how your loved one responds and adjusting accordingly.

The key is understanding the changing brain experiences television very differently than we do. Through being thoughtful about what’s on the screen, targeting content that engages without overwhelming, leveraging simulated presence therapy, and creating our own alternatives, we can turn TV time from a potential source of agitation into a positive opportunity for comfort and connection.

Read More in This Blog here

Are you struggling to pull your family together to create a working support system for someone living with dementia? Do you find family members disagreeing on what needs to be done or how to help? You're not alone, and there's a path forward.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that transforming family dynamics into effective teamwork is one of the most challenging—yet most rewarding—aspects of the caregiving journey.

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and family therapist who brings both professional expertise and personal caregiving experience to this conversation. Barry cared for his mother with vascular dementia and his stepfather with Alzheimer's disease for seven years, and he co-authored the AARP Caregiver Answer Book with his wife, psychologist Julia Mayer.

This content aligns with Step 8 of our Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: Start Planning for the Next Stage of Care, particularly when building your personal support network of family and friends.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/50-family-dynamics-in-caregiving-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Barry’s website www.caregiveranswerbook.com
• Buy the Caregiver Answer Book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4i9V9ZL
• Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap guide https://thecaregiversjourney.org/guides/#guides
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Transforming your family into an effective caregiving team isn’t easy. It’s worth the effort — not just for your loved one with dementia — but for every member of your family.

These four tips provide a framework:

1. Create consensus (everyone on the same page).
2. Define an ongoing format for decision making (regular meetings with clear rhythm).
3. Build a family caregiving plan (who does what and when).
4. Plan to deal with conflict (don’t let disagreements become disrespectful).

Do you know what you need to do immediately after your loved one passes? Many caregivers don't. Are you worried about missing important tasks or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of administrative, financial, and legal responsibilities?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've navigated the challenging process of handling death-related responsibilities firsthand. Between us, we've experienced the loss of multiple loved ones and learned valuable lessons about what needs to be done and when.

Connect with us and share your tips:

Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/

Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

If you are following along with our 20 step Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap guide this is part of Step 20. This is the first guide listed on our guides page.

There are many things that can be done ahead of time. We covered these in podcast episode 30 - End of life preplanning and blog as well as in the matching worksheet you can find on our website in the guides section called ‘End of Life Service Worksheet’. Click here to get to the Guides page, scroll down to find the sheet.

Tip 1: Prioritize these things immediately after death1.

Tip 2: Move to this list within the first few days and weeks

Tip 3: Over the next few weeks and months - manage their estate

Tip 4: Focus on the things to prioritize once the estate has been closed

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to care for aging parents while raising children? Do you find yourself stretched thin between different generations, each with their own unique needs?

My name is Sue Ryan. As a caregiver for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, I understand the unique challenges faced by those in the sandwich generations. I recently spoke with Christy Byrne Yates, a licensed educational psychologist and author of “Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation.” Christy has personally navigated the challenges of caring for aging parents while raising her own children, and she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to help families thrive during this demanding season of life.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Chirstyyates.com - https://www.christyyates.com/
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: C — Choose Your Role as a Caregiver

The first step in successfully navigating the sandwich generation is making a conscious choice to embrace your caregiving role. Many people say “I didn’t choose this.” or “I had no choice.” We always have a choice. Even not making a choice is still a choice.

Tip 2: A — Address the ‘Elephants’ in the Room

Successful sandwich generation caregiving requires having difficult conversations early and often. These are the ‘elephants’ dancing in every family room that everyone sees — but no one wants to discuss.

Tip 3: R — Recharge Through Ruthless Self-Care

Recharging takes on critical importance when you’re caring for multiple generations. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for everyone you’re caring for.

Tip 4: E — Enlist Your Support Team

You’re not meant to journey alone, and this is especially true for sandwich generation caregivers who face multiple competing demands. Building a comprehensive support team is essential for sustainable caregiving.

Tip 5: S — Surrender Control and Embrace Grace

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of sandwich generation caregiving is accepting that you cannot control everything, even though you desperately want to. If everyone could just do things your way, life would be so much easier — but that’s not reality.

Read More in This Blog here

Have you noticed yourself feeling sad when your loved one can't remember their phone number? Do you find yourself withdrawing from friends or losing patience more easily? These feelings might be grief—and you may not even realize it's happening.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that grief doesn't only come after our loved one passes away. It's present throughout our entire caregiving journey, from the moment of diagnosis through each individual change along the way.

The good news is that understanding grief—recognizing it, honoring it, and learning to move through it without getting stuck—can transform how we experience our caregiving journey. Today we're sharing six essential tips to help you navigate grief with grace and compassion.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/47-navigating-grief-throughout-caregiving-six-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Guide: Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/guides/
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Read More in This Blog here