Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, co-founders of "The Caregiver's Journey" podcast, discussed the challenges of dementia caregiving, covering topics such as managing various stages of dementia, adapting home environments, selecting appropriate care levels, and planning for end-of-life care.

They emphasized the need for caregiver support, highlighting the lack of guidance after diagnosis and advocating for utilizing community resources and open communication. The podcast offers various resources including blog posts, ebooks, and an e-learning course to support caregivers.
Nancy and Sue highlighted the various stages of dementia and the unique needs that arise at each stage, particularly emphasizing the "messy middle" where caregivers must transition from supporting independence to managing increasing dependence and potential behavioral changes. The importance of adapting home environments for safety and considering the comfort levels and capabilities of family members involved in caregiving was also stressed.

The discussion touched on the different types of caregivers available, including companions, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and skilled nurses, along with their associated costs and the advantages and disadvantages of using care services versus private caregivers. The increasing reliance on professional caregivers, including immigrants, was noted, as well as the need for caregivers willing to handle both patient care and household chores. 

End-of-life care and planning were addressed, with a strong emphasis on early conversations, utilizing hospice services, and addressing legal matters.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/podcasters-row-hosted-by-kingofpodcasts--5922450/support.