The Whole Care Network

Hospice nurse and End of Life Doula Gabby Jimenez of The Hospice Heart is our guest host for today’s episode, featuring a discussion of Hospice Navigation Services. When you’re looking at making decisions about end of life care for yourself or someone you love, things can seem frightening and confusing. Hospice Navigation Services can help you figure things out. We can help you feel just a little less lost.

Hospice Navigation Services was founded by Hospice and Palliative Certified RN Helen Bauer, a respected voice in the end of life industry. Helen acts as Lead Navigator for Hospice Navigation Sessions and can guide you through discussions about hospice care, how to choose an agency, and whether your current hospice care is the best fit for you and your person.

It’s your journey. We'll be your expert guide.

Book your Hospice Navigation Session today at theheartofhospice.com.

Connect with Gabby Jimenez:

Website: thehospiceheart.net

Contact: thehospiceheart.net/contact

Buy Gabby’s books: thehospiceheart.net/books

Book Gabby to speak at your event: thehospiceheart.net/book-gabby

Social Media for Gabby Jimenez

https://www.facebook.com/thehospiceheart.net

Interested in purchasing a GrandPad to stay connected with a senior loved one?

Get more information at https://www.grandpad.net/thoh.

GrandPad website: https://www.grandpad.net/

Social Media for GrandPad

https://facebook.com/grandpad

https://instagram.com/grandpad_social/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/grandpad

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuFAJCb7_tTneM_ikABq08Q

Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to [email protected].

Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being at every stage of life. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing our thoughts, feelings, actions, stress management, relationships, and decision-making. Supporting your mental health is especially important during caregiving.

In this episode, we discuss the difference between depression and malaise, how to spot depression in our cells and our care partners, and practical strategies and resources to support our mental health on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

TRANSCRIPT AND RESOURCES

Who knew that understanding the stages of incontinence could make such a difference in our caregiving journey? As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned incontinence is an inevitable - and can be - a challenging part of our journey. It’s a reality and a topic that’s not often discussed. It’s helpful for us to be prepared to navigate incontinence with compassion, dignity, and grace for our care receivers and for us. We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan. Through our experiences, we’ve developed four tips to help you navigate the pre-incontinence and early incontinence phases on your caregiving journey.

Takeaways

Before we introduce your tips, it’s helpful to understand what we mean by ‘pre-incontinence’ and ‘early incontinence’.

Pre-Incontinence

This is the phase before actual incontinence begins, when our care receiver is showing signs incontinence may be on the horizon.

Signs include:

Using the trash can instead of the toilet for toilet paper Not flushing the toilet Resisting drinking to avoid bathroom trips Looking around anxiously (potentially for a bathroom)

Early Incontinence

When actual incontinence begins, it usually starts with urinary incontinence. Your loved one may still be trying to find the bathroom but often doesn’t make it in time.

Signs include:

Not getting to the bathroom fast enough Holding their stomach, bottom, or between their legs

Tip 1. Make it Easy to Find the Bathroom

Yes, to us this sounds simple. To our loved one, they are disconnecting with the signs their bodies are telling them they need to go, and the steps to use the bathroom. One of the most effective ways to support your loved one during pre-incontinence and early incontinence is by making the bathroom as accessible and easy to find as possible.

Tip 2. Schedule Bathroom Breaks

Establishing a consistent bathroom routine can significantly reduce accidents and make the transition into full incontinence more manageable.

Tip 3. Simplify Cleanup

As incontinence progresses, accidents will happen. Being prepared can make cleanup easier and less stressful for both you and your loved one.

Tip 4. Think Positively and Have Lots of Grace

Perhaps the most important tip of all is to maintain a positive attitude and extend grace to both you and your loved one.

Read More in This Blog here

Additional Resources Mentioned

Episode 11 - Cleaning Your Care Receiver here Child proof door knob cover or double deadbolt locks for external doors Child proof door knob covers here Extra tall pet gate from (40” to 70”) - 57” here Disposable incontinence underwear For women here For men here Pads Mattress pads 34”x36” here 72”X36” here Disposable incontinence pads here Brown large pet pee pads here Easy mops Swiffer mop here Bona here Hard surface cleaners Pine Sol here Pooph here Odoban here Fabuloso here Carpet cleaning Resolve Urine Destroyer here Resolve Ultra Pet here Bissell Pet Carpet Cleaner here Resolve Urine Destroyer Carpet Cleaning Machine Formula here

Rate, Subscribe and Share Your Tips on Social Media!

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Please click here to review, follow or subscribe to our podcast.

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Connect with us and share your tips:

Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com 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]

One parent with dementia is challenging enough, but when you have TWO parents with dementia while raising young children it’s easy to fall into despair and chaos. When Christy Byrne Yates, a licensed educational psychologist, writer, and speaker, found herself in this situation she learned the necessary skills she needed to not only provide care to her parents and children but also to herself.

In this replay of the AlzAuthors Aging & Amazing Books & Chit Chat discussion, she shares her insights, offering practical tips on navigating family dynamics, building a legacy of love in caregiving, and providing emotional resilience and support

Christy's openness about her emotional struggles and the lessons learned from her parents offers a profound exploration of the caregiving experience, reminding listeners of the enduring power of love, empathy, and self-discovery within the caregiving journey. Her unique perspective and heartfelt reflections make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking valuable insights and guidance in managing the complexities of caregiving for aging parents, especially those dealing with dementia.

Author of Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, she’s a member of the AlzAuthors management team, and co-host and producer of the "Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia" podcast.

In this episode, you will:

Discover the power of self-care while caring for parents with dementia. Uncover the secrets to building a lasting legacy of love in your caregiving journey. Navigate and defuse challenging family dynamics while caring for loved ones. Unlock the top tips for managing the unique challenges of being a sandwich generation caregiver. About Christy Byrne Yates, MS

In addition to being an author, Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), a credentialed school psychologist, a speaker, and life coach. As the mother of two – now grown – children, she became an expert in navigating life’s challenges and opportunities, including living in the “Sandwich Generation,” those raising children while caring for aging parents.

After the podcast

Read Christy’s AlzAuthors post: Christy Yates Helps Caregivers Raising Children Ease the Squeeze

Purchase Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation.

Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.

Connect with Christy Byrne Yates

Website and blog

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others.

Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast

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In this episode of our WCNFluencer video podcast, host Christopher MacLellan visits with Max Mayblum the Founder and CEO of Givers. Max started Givers in 2021 after connecting his professional experience in digital health with a personal experience in family caregiving. Passionate about building a sustainable system for care as our loved ones age, Max is a Certified Senior Advisor and his work has landed him on lists such as Fast Company's World Changing Ideas, Forbes' 30 Under 30, and The Holding Co's Care Workforce Innovators. Max lives in New York City and is an avid skier, traveler, and friend.

Reach out to Max at: [email protected]

Access Givers Resources: https://www.joingivers.com/

Connect with Givers on Social Media https://www.facebook.com/joingivers/ https://www.instagram.com/joingivers/ https://x.com/joingivers

Show Notes Summary Max Mayblum from Givers shares his personal caregiving story and the inspiration behind starting Givers. He discusses the challenges caregivers face in accessing resources and support, and how Givers aims to make it easier for caregivers to find assistance. The importance of caregivers in the healthcare system is highlighted, along with the need to bridge the gap between caregivers and available programs. Givers offers a free tool to help caregivers find personalized support recommendations and also hires, supports, and pays family caregivers. The goal is to keep people out of institutional settings and provide better care in the home.

Keywords caregiving, Givers, resources, support, caregivers, healthcare system, programs, assistance, home care

Takeaways *Caregiving is a personal experience for many people, and accessing resources and support can be challenging. *Givers aims to make it easier for caregivers to find assistance and support through their free tool and caregiver employment program. *Caregivers play a crucial role in the healthcare system and should be recognized and supported. *The goal is to keep people out of institutional settings and provide better care in the home.

Titles Supporting Caregivers: Givers' Mission Making Caregiving Easier: The Story of Givers

Sound Bites "Caregiving wasn't even really something that people had talked about." "Caregivers provide $600 billion worth of care per year." "Caregiving itself is not the burden, it's all the other things surrounding it."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:23 The Impact of COVID-19 on Caregiving 06:21 The Importance of Accessing Services 09:18 The Power of Caregiver Recommendations 12:47 Making Caregiving Easier with Givers 14:50 The Growing Recognition of Caregiving 16:42 Advice for New Caregivers

What's YOUR go-to Karaoke song? Leave a comment, then listen to how Sarah Dillingham is making arthritis care more beautiful. #carelab #carelabit

Find Care Equipment solutions at https://www.asksamie.com/

Find Caregiver Training at https://www.higherstandardscaregivertraining.com/

Find more from Sarah at www.graceandable.com

@CareLabPodcast @wholecarenetwork @Asksamie @higherstandardscaregiver @higherstandardardscaregivertraining

In this podcast, we interview Tara Jenkins who explains how our brains are constantly firing and making connections when we listen to music. There's a lot of science behind how music can engage different centers of the brain. Music can be a valuable tool for caregivers, both by using it with their loved ones and for themselves. Knowing the music that your loved ones enjoy is a great starting point. Besides other tips she explains how matching your breathing to calming music can help soothe you.

http://www.harmonyindementia

Hospice and palliative physician Dr. Matthew Tyler is teaching us how to have conversations with your healthcare team about what matters most to you. In addition to his work as medical director of palliative care services, Matthew educates the public about having meaningful discussions with their healthcare teams, especially the doctor. He calls it “How to Train Your Doctor”. People with serious illnesses, along with their decision-makers, can get better care if they know how to communicate their needs.

Matthew tackles some of the trickiest topics with his How to Train Your Doctor social media posts. Feeding tubes, CPR/DNR decisions, confusing medical jargon, and palliative care are included in YouTube videos and Instagram posts. Matthew says it’s important to determine what the patient considers a meaningful outcome, and what the goals of the patient care are.

Credit for the healthcare "f-word" (medically futile) goes to Dr. Nathan Gray, M.D. of inkvessel.com.

Connect with Dr. Matthew Tyler at howtotrainyourdoctor.com

Download your free Goals of Care Jump Starter document here.

Website: https://howtotrainyourdoctor.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtotrainyourdoctor

Interested in purchasing a GrandPad to stay connected with a senior loved one?

Get more information at https://www.grandpad.net/thoh.

GrandPad website: https://www.grandpad.net/

Social Media for GrandPad

https://facebook.com/grandpad

https://instagram.com/grandpad_social/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/grandpad

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuFAJCb7_tTneM_ikABq08Q

Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to [email protected].

Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

How can a system meant to care for our most vulnerable turn into our worst nightmare? Join us as we kick off a special series of Love Conquers Alz episodes, inspired by our soon-to-be-released documentary, "No Country for Old People." We’re honored to have Rick Mountcastle, former U.S. attorney and co-producer of our documentary, with us. Rick offers his eye-opening experiences prosecuting nursing homes for fraud and abuse. Together, we hope to shed light on the urgent need for public awareness and collective action to combat the systemic neglect rampant in the long-term care industry. In this series, we will present personal narratives that serve as powerful calls to action, urging us to demand better care standards and advocate for systemic change.

In this episode, we feature the poignant account of Jen Trejo, who faced unimaginable hardship after her son Christopher (whose story was featured in the Netflix limited series "Painkiller") was prescribed OxyContin. From a mother's gut-wrenching moment of signing surgery papers for her son, to the neglect suffered within skilled nursing facilities, her story uncovers the severe failings of our profit-driven healthcare system. Jen shares the struggle of finding appropriate care for a loved one with a history of drug addiction and the frustrations of a system that prioritizes financial considerations over patient care. Jen also talks about the poor conditions in certain facilities and the lack of support for patients with more intensive care needs are also examined.

We also explore the transformative power of love and advocacy in these challenging times and how collective efforts have sparked progress, especially in addressing the opioid crisis and improving caregiving standards.

From the emotional toll of dealing with addiction and inadequate medical care, to the relentless pursuit of improvement despite resistance, this episode underscores the importance of empathy, persistence, and the human spirit in driving change. Tune in and join us in our mission to make a real difference.

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JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME

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Josh and Chris discuss Grandparents Day and the experiences of gay grandparents. They share personal stories and highlight the importance of community and support for aging LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation emphasizes the value of chosen family and the impact of acceptance and love in the lives of grandparents. They also touch on the challenges faced by gay grandparents and the need for connection and understanding.

Takeaways

• Grandparents, including gay grandparents, play a significant role in the lives of their families and can have a lasting impact on their grandchildren.
• The experiences of gay grandparents can vary, with some facing acceptance and support from their families while others may experience rejection or strained relationships.
• Finding a community of like-minded individuals, such as through support groups or social networks, can provide a sense of belonging and understanding for gay grandparents.
• Chosen family, consisting of close friends and mentors, can also play a vital role in providing support and connection for aging LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Creating a safe space for sharing stories and experiences can help combat feelings of isolation and provide comfort and validation for gay grandparents.
• The theme of Grandparents Day, 'Great Minds Learn Love Legacy,' highlights the importance of lifelong learning, love, and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel.

Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

AgingGayfully™ is about living life with dignity in an age-friendly society regardless of orientation or economic status because longevity is a justice issue.

AgingGayfully™ is about finding your voice as we age. We are all part of the aging process and have real connections in diversity.

AgingGayfully™ is a modern type of activism that supports the concept of belonging.

AgingGayfully™ is about Adventure, Leisure, Travel, being a citizen of the world, traveling to destinations, and being part of the global community as we age and prosper in body, mind, and spirit.