The Caregiver's Journey

By Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster

The Caregiver’s Journey podcast is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day Alzheimer's and dementia family caregiving challenges with strength, patience, and peace o

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How many episodes does The Caregiver's Journey have?

The podcast currently has 72 episodes available.

Best of The Caregiver's Journey

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Number 1: Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 Steps 1-6 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Did your loved one recently receive a diagnosis of dementia? Are you at a loss for what to do next? Maybe you’re overwhelmed because you can’t find the information you need — or maybe it’s the opposite, and you’re drowning in so many conflicting resources that you don’t know where to start. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we know how disorienting those first weeks after a diagnosis can be. That’s why we created the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap — 20 steps to guide you through your caregiving journey, organized into the three stages of dementia caregiving: in the beginning, the messy middle, and later on. (If you want to hear more about all three stages, check out Podcast and Blog 66.) In this episode, we’re walking through the first six steps of the roadmap — the steps we recommend you take right after diagnosis, while you’re in the “in the beginning” stage. You can find the full, interactive roadmap, along with a free downloadable guide, at thecaregiversjourney.org. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: 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/68-dementia-caregiving-roadmap-v4-steps-1-6-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyThe Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways We discussed the first 6 steps: Step 1: Reach out for guidance Step 2: Update legal documents, end of life planning and other long term care plansStep 3: Understand the financial situation Step 4: Find support groupsStep 5: Educate yourself on early caregiving journey topicsStep 6: Investigate the US Medicare GUIDE program Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/68-the-first-six-steps-to-take-after-a-dementia-diagnosis/
August 11, 202626min
Number 2: Is It an Early Sign of Dementia? Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“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/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: 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_signsDementia Care Aware: https://www.dementiacareaware.org/Barry’s website www.caregiveranswerbook.comBuy the Caregiver Answer Book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4i9V9ZLSupport 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
February 10, 202628min
Number 3: Introduce and Integrate a Caregiver: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Adding a new caregiver to your support team can be a challenging transition, whether they're coming into your home, assisting your loved one who lives alone, or joining the care team in a memory care community. This transition can be particularly difficult for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia, as changes in routine can cause confusion and resistance. If your loved one doesn't think they need help (and let's be honest, many don't), don't give up too quickly. Be patient and allow the process time to unfold. As one experienced caregiver shared, "He told the new caregiver for at least the first couple of weeks, every time she came, 'You need to go home.' She would just smile at him and say, 'Well, I'm not going home just yet.'"
May 06, 202526min
Number 4: How To Create a Care Plan: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Are you prepared for others to take care of your loved one? Do you have a care plan in place? Having a comprehensive care plan is one of the most important tools a caregiver can create — not just for emergencies, but for everyday peace of mind. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned the importance of creating a care plan for our loved one. We spoke with Amanda Lukoff, co-founder and CEO of Eleplan, about what a care plan is and how to create one that works for your unique situation. Amanda's journey to creating Eleplan was deeply personal. Her brother Liam, who has autism, is her "North Star" and the inspiration behind her career path, including going to law school for special education law. Through observing her parents' caregiving journey with Liam, Amanda recognized the need to capture all the knowledge that lived in her parents' heads so that others could provide care that truly honored who Liam is as a person. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.comDonate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: 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] Additional Resources Mentioned Episode 32: Navigating The Caregiver Hiring Process https://thecaregiversjourney.com/32-navigating-the-caregiver-hiring-process-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/Eleplan Website: https://www.eleplan.com/Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.com/33-how-to-create-a-care-plan-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias Takeaways Tip 1: Start with the Basics The first step in creating a care plan is to document the essential information that would allow someone to provide short-term care (even for just 30 minutes) while you step out. This includes: Emergency contactsMedications and dosagesHigh-level meal preferencesAllergiesRelevant medical conditions Tip 2: Outline Preferences and Daily Routines Beyond the basics, a good care plan should capture what makes your loved one unique—their preferences, personality traits, and daily routines. Your care plan should include: Likes and dislikesDaily schedule and routinesBedtime and morning ritualsBehavioral patternsEmotional triggers (both positive and negative) Tip 3: Document What to Do in an Emergency Crisis situations demand clear instructions. Your care plan should outline: What constitutes an emergency for your loved oneWhen to call 911 vs. other resourcesWho to contact and in what orderSpecial instructions for EMTs or ER staffLocation of important medical documents Tip 4: Collect Key Contacts and Documents Gathering important documents in one accessible location is critical for seamless care. This includes: Insurance cardsHealthcare directivesPower of Attorney documentsGuardianship formsMedical history and medication lists Tip 5: Keep Everything Accessible and Current A care plan is only effective if it's up-to-date and easily accessible. Amanda frames this with an important question: "Do I have a system that is as dynamic as the needs of my loved one and the ever-changing piles of documents and information?" Whether you're using a physical binder, shared digital documents, or a specialized platform like Eleplan, the key is having a system that makes updates easy and ensures the information is available whenever and wherever it's needed. Read More in This Blog
April 22, 202527min
Number 5: Navigating the Caregiver Hiring Process: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
When the time comes to bring professional caregiving support into your loved one’s life, the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hiring a caregiver for home care or to complement care in a community setting, understanding how to find, evaluate, and select the right person is crucial for both your peace of mind and your loved one’s well being. We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, we’ve developed five essential tips for hiring a paid caregiver, based on real experiences and practical advice from caregiving experts. These insights will help you navigate this important transition with confidence and clarity. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.comDonate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: 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.com/32-navigating-the-caregiver-hiring-process-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Episode 5: Home Alone https://thecaregiversjourney.com/leaving-your-care-receiver-alone-six-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/Episode 28: Home and Community Living Options https://thecaregiversjourney.com/time-for-a-change-home-and-community-living-options-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/Episode 30: Elder Law Attorneys https://thecaregiversjourney.com/they-know-what-we-dont-elder-law-attorneys-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/Episode 33. How To Create a Care Plan: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias https://thecaregiversjourney.com/33-how-to-create-a-care-plan-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementiasSupport the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Takeaways Tip 1: Assess Your Loved One’s Needs Before you begin searching for a caregiver, it’s important to thoroughly understand what kind of support your loved one requires. This assessment will guide all your subsequent decisions about the type of caregiver, frequency of care, and specific qualifications needed. Consider these key areas when assessing needs: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)Medical NeedsHousehold Management TasksSafety ConcernsTransportation and MobilityCompanionship Needs Tip 2: Determine the Type of Caregiver and Frequency Needed There are three main categories of paid caregivers, each with different training levels and capabilities: Companion CareCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Skilled Nursing Tip 3: Understand Your Financial Resources Review Your Financial Resources Savings and investment accountsLong-term care insurance policiesRegular income sourcesFamily financial contributions. Explore Available Benefits MedicareMedicaidVeterans Benefits Consider Family Contributions Tip 4: Decide Between Agency or Private Hire When you work with a caregiving agency: They Handle Administrative TasksThey Provide Backup CoverageThey Offer Training and SupervisionThey Assume Liability Private Hire Benefits It’s Usually Less ExpensiveYou Have Complete ControlThere’s Often More FlexibilityYou May Find Through Word-of-Mouth Private Hire Challenges You’re the EmployerNo Backup CoverageLimited Screening Resources Tip 5: Evaluate potential caregivers thoroughly Key Questions for Interviews Scheduling and AvailabilityQualifications and ExperienceApproach to CareCommunication Style Background Checks and References Set Clear Expectations Especially for private hires, establish from the beginning that the arrangement is on a trial basis. Include Your Loved One When Appropriate Next Steps: Care Plans and Integration Develop a written plan Develop an Integration Strategy Read More in This Blog here
April 08, 202529min