In this enlightening episode of the Hygge Nurse podcast, Rachel Zimmer sits down with Dr. Mia Yang, a dedicated geriatrician with extensive experience in dementia care and caregiver support. Together, they explore the intricacies of caregiving, focusing on the well-being of caregivers and practical strategies to navigate the challenges of dementia care.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Caregiver Well-Being:

- Importance of self-care for caregivers.

- Strategies to find moments of respite and self-care activities.

- Differentiating between internal thoughts and external constraints to reduce self-blame.

2. Navigating the Healthcare System:

- Challenges caregivers face in the healthcare system.

- Tips for managing transitions of care, such as moving from home to hospital.

- Importance of clear communication and finding language-concordant care.

3. Practical Tips for Caregiving:

- Handling common dementia-related behaviors like refusal to bathe or take medications.

- Importance of creating joyful moments despite the challenges.

- Utilizing mindfulness, journaling, and bilateral stimulation techniques like brain spotting for stress relief.

4. Research Insights:

- Overview of a study on the well-being of Black and Latino caregivers.

- Impact of cultural and language barriers on caregiver experiences.

- Importance of presence and empathetic listening in caregiving.

Resources Mentioned:

1. UCLA Caregiver Education Videos:

- Short, practical videos for managing common caregiving challenges.

2. Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey by Jolene Brackey:

- Humorous and accessible book with practical advice.

3. Ask Dr. Mia Podcast:

- Dr. Mia’s podcast on aging well and geriatric medicine.

4. Dementia Matters Podcast:

- Podcast by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center on memory care research.

5. Brain Spotting Music on Spotify:

- Bilateral auditory stimulation music for stress relief.

Additional Recommendations:

- Teepa Snow’s Gem Approach:

- Understanding dementia behaviors and levels through a positive framework..

- Subscribe to Hygge Nurse Podcast: Stay updated with our latest episodes.

- Leave a Review and Share: If you found this episode helpful, share it with friends and family who might benefit.

- Visit Hygge Abode: Explore our digital courses designed to help you create serene, wellness-focused spaces at home. [Link to Hygge Abode Courses](https://www.hyggeabode.com/courses)

Thank you for tuning in. Stay cozy, connected, and take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.