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EP 43 Wondering Aloud - Lessons from Loss

Ken discusses coping strategies amid the loss of three fellow residents, reassures caregivers on managing personal guilt, and emphasizes the importance of supporting others. He offers practical advice on self-care, finding joy, and using diverse activities to break monotony. The episode aims to educate and inspire caregivers to balance their responsibilities while finding personal relief and fulfillment.

00:00 Introduction: Overwhelmed by Caregiving
01:15 Shanna's Restless Leg Syndrome Update
02:00 Coping with Loss in the Caregiving Community
08:37 Finding Comfort in Shared Experiences
10:09 Balancing Caregiving and Self-Care
14:18 Practical Tips for Caregivers
15:58 Conclusion: Finding Relief and Support

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Returning After a Break: Holiday Lessons and New Directions for 2025

In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardina returns after a three-month break to provide updates on his personal journey with his wife Shanna, who has Alzheimer's. Ken shares heartfelt moments of appreciation, his holiday experiences, the introduction of a wheelchair due to Shanna's mobility challenges, and their ongoing battle with Restless Leg Syndrome. He also hints at future plans for the podcast, including potential new content and classes tailored for caregivers. It's an episode filled with reflections, lessons learned, and new beginnings aimed at supporting those affected by Alzheimer's.

00:00 Introduction and Listener Appreciation
00:57 Podcast Update and Future Plans
03:06 Holiday Reflections and Lessons Learned
08:19 Shanna's Health and Mobility Challenges
12:54 Future Directions for the Podcast
15:53 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

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The Transformative Power of a Smile in Alzheimer's Care

In this episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardita discusses the profound impact a simple smile can have on individuals with Alzheimer's, drawing from his experiences with his wife, Shanna, and other residents at her care facility. Ken shares touching stories of connecting with non-responsive residents through smiles and the joy it brings to them and their families. He emphasizes the importance of caregivers and loved ones using smiles to comfort and uplift those with dementia, reflecting on his personal journey to becoming a habitual smiler despite his New York upbringing. Ken encourages listeners to embrace the power of a smile to foster love and happiness in their caregiving roles.

00:00 The Power of a Smile
01:15 Reflecting on the Journey
02:37 Smiles in the Late Stages of Dementia
04:15 Connecting with Residents
06:51 Cherished Memories and Loss
12:04 Shanna's Radiant Smile
13:06 The Impact of Smiling
13:49 Personal Transformation Through Smiling
15:04 Invitation to Smile and Conclusion

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Five Lessons Learned from My Caregiving Journey

In this episode, inspired by a listener's comment, Ken shares five crucial lessons he wishes he knew when he started his caregiving journey. These lessons include: stopping the urge to correct the loved one, letting go of guilt, recognizing that current struggles won't last forever, prioritizing self-care, and embracing your loved one's reality. Ken emphasizes the importance of finding joy in what the loved one can still do and cherishing those moments.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection
01:30 Listener Comment and Episode Inspiration
02:08 Number 1 : Stop Correcting
04:23 Number 2 : Let Go of Guilt
06:29 Number 3 : This Too Shall Pass
09:01 Number 4 : Self-Care is Essential
11:38  Number 5 : Live in Their World
16:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Finding Hope Amidst Grief

In this 39th episode of the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast, host Ken Cardita reflects on a challenging year and a poignant two-year anniversary of the podcast coinciding with his 44th wedding anniversary to his wife, Shanna. 

Ken candidly shares his experiences dealing with sadness and grief, the impact of stepping back from full-time caregiving, and the emotional toll of watching his wife’s decline. He discusses the importance of maintaining connections, recounts a heartwarming celebration of their anniversary, and encourages listeners to find hope and cherish what remains of their loved ones.


01:40 Podcast Anniversary and Personal Reflections
02:20 Dealing with Sadness and Grief
03:45 Support Group Insights
06:32 Anniversary Celebration with Shanna
08:47 Struggling with Emotions and Finding Hope
13:35 Cherishing Moments and Looking Forward
19:45 Conclusion and Future Plans

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Encouraging and Maintaining Friendships Amidst Alzheimer's Progression

Ken  discusses the difficulties and importance of maintaining social connections for loved ones with dementia. Drawing from his own experiences with his wife, Shanna, Ken offers practical advice on easing the discomfort friends may feel and strategies to encourage continued visits. 

The episode also highlights the emotional impact of visits and provides tips for making these interactions meaningful. Ken shares a heartwarming story about reconnecting with an old friend and underscores the significance of being open about the diagnosis to help reduce awkwardness. Listeners are encouraged to think of someone to invite for a visit and to use the provided strategies to support their loved ones.

00:00 Introduction: The Isolation of Dementia
00:44 Welcome to the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
01:48 Listener Review: A Shared Journey
02:54 Understanding the Awkwardness
03:54 Being Open About the Diagnosis
06:28 Supporting Social Interactions
10:15 Encouraging Friends to Visit
12:51 Writing a Letter to Friends
17:22 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
18:20 Conclusion and Mission Statement

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Reflecting on Three Years of Memory Care: Lessons and Growth

Ken reflects on the three-year anniversary of moving his wife, Shanna, into memory care. Ken shares journal entries from his early caregiving days, detailing the emotional challenges, his journey toward understanding and coping, and the essential lessons learned. 

He emphasizes the importance of not letting Alzheimer's define life, validating feelings, seeking help, and finding joy amidst the difficulties. Ken encourages listeners to embrace the joyful moments left and to seek support in their caregiving journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
00:41 Reflecting on Three Years of Memory Care
01:25 Discovering Old Journals
04:05 First Journal Entry: May 30th, 2018
07:08 Lessons Learned from Early Caregiving
08:47 Second Journal Entry: June 1st, 2018
12:47 Third Journal Entry: October 2018
14:04 The Journey of Becoming a Better Caregiver
18:51 The Importance of Seeking Help
21:05 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Find Joy

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Navigating Challenges in Memory Care: Ken's Journey with Shanna

Ken shares his personal experiences dealing with his wife Shanna's increasingly challenging behaviors due to Alzheimer's disease. He recounts the struggles faced while Shanna was in a memory care facility, including incidents with staff and other residents that led to stress and fear of Shanna being kicked out.
 
Ken also discusses how unresolved issues from Shanna's past resurfaced during her disease progression and the pivotal moments that led to her eventual move to a more compassionate facility. This episode emphasizes the importance of advocating for loved ones and finding the right care environment.

00:00 Introduction: Recognizing New Behaviors
00:35 Welcome to the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
02:00 Shanna's Background and Early Challenges
03:44 The Struggles at Home
07:04 Transition to Memory Care
10:01 Incidents with Caregivers
15:31 Shana's Struggles with Mean Girls
16:42 Management Changes and New Challenges
18:54 Fears of Eviction and Confrontation
20:47 The Critical Meeting
23:17 Negotiating Shanna's Care
24:27 Finding a New Home for Shana
25:45 Adjusting to the New Facility
27:33 Reflections and Advice for Caregivers

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Embracing Healing: Finding Joy Amidst Alzheimer's Journey

Ken shares an introspective look into his personal healing journey as he navigates life with his wife Shanna, who has Alzheimer's disease.
 
Ken discusses the challenges of feeling stuck in his healing process and the impact of family interactions on his emotional well-being. 

Through poignant anecdotes, including a friend's loss and family gatherings, Ken explores the importance of allowing oneself to heal, even before the final goodbye.
 
He emphasizes the need to focus on joy and peace, suggesting that healing can happen with or without the complete closure. The episode serves as an encouragement for listeners to reflect on their own healing journeys and to reconnect with loved ones despite the pain and challenges they face.

00:00 Introduction to My Healing Journey
01:20 Reflecting on Recent Experiences
04:04 Family Gatherings and Personal Realizations
08:54 The Power of Healing and Connection
14:20 Faith and Healing
20:43 Concluding Thoughts and Invitation

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Handling Repeated Questions: Strategies for Caregivers

Ken addresses the common challenge of dealing with loved ones' repeated questions, based on his 13-year experience caregiving for his wife Shanna. He explains why these questions occur, the emotional triggers for caregivers, and offers strategies for responding empathetically. 

Ken also shares end-of-year reflections and milestones of the podcast, which is listened to in 21 countries and ranks in the top 50 percent of Buzzsprout's hosted podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to download a free guide on managing repeated questions from his website.

00:00 Introduction: Understanding Repeated Questions
02:01 Podcast Overview and Year-End Reflections
03:48 Why Do Loved Ones Ask Repeated Questions?
07:05 Understanding and Managing Triggers
10:29 Reprogramming Your Response to Triggers
12:39 Practical Tips for Caregivers
18:44 Free Guide and Final Thoughts
21:49 Conclusion and Future Episodes

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