Imagine your loved one living with Alzheimer's in a place where they could truly feel at home, free from the fear of wandering. This episode shares heartfelt stories of personal experiences, including my own mother's joyful time in a vibrant Los Angeles loft community. Join my co-host, Don Priess and I, as we welcome esteemed guest Dr. Allen Power, a renowned geriatrician, whose compassionate approach to dementia care challenges traditional methods and focuses on creating environments that foster contentment and security for those affected by Alzheimer's.

We venture into the transformative journey of Dr. Power, who moved from general practice to become a leading advocate for non-pharmacological dementia care. Influenced by the Eden Alternative movement, he reveals his insights on the misuse of antipsychotic drugs and highlights the importance of communication and community integration. Our discussion sheds light on the experiences of families affected by medication misuse and calls for innovative care models that prioritize the well-being of individuals with dementia, emphasizing the power of love, companionship, and understanding.

Explore how rethinking dementia care can enhance quality of life, balancing safety and freedom in care environments. Together with Dr. Power, we reflect on the power of intergenerational relationships and the vital need for societal shifts towards embracing diversity and supporting aging in place. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, we challenge misconceptions about dementia, highlighting the lessons of mindfulness and the importance of integrating people with dementia into communities, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to care.

Thanks for watching, listening, and sharing!

Much Love,

Susie

Dr. Allen Power is a board-certified internist, geriatrician, Schlegel chair in aging and dementia innovation at the Schlegel U Waterloo Research Institute for aging, a sought after speaker around the world, and a trained musician and songwriter with four recordings. Peter, Paul and Mary performed his song of elder autonomy, “If You Don’t Mind”, and Walter Cronkite used his song, “I’ll Love You Forever” in a 1995 Discovery Channel profile of American families. A recent project was composing music for Anne Hills’ latest album (www.annehills.com).

Contact: [email protected]

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Have you ever considered creating a “contract” with yourself as a caregiver—one that clearly defines what you can and cannot do? Debra Hallisey, caregiver advocate and author of A Relationship Contract for Dementia Caregivers, joins us to share her insights on navigating caregiving dynamics, especially for those caring for a loved one with dementia.

In this heartfelt conversation, Debra offers practical tools and exercises to help caregivers embrace the reality of dementia while maintaining their emotional well-being. From her caregiving journey to her work supporting families, Debra provides a profoundly compassionate perspective on the challenges and rewards of creating a safe and loving environment for individuals with dementia.

Whether you’re a caregiver or supporting someone who is, this episode is a valuable resource filled with actionable strategies and powerful insights to help you navigate the complexities of dementia care. Don’t miss it!

In addition to learning more about relationship contracts, you’ll learn:

The importance of NOT keeping dementia diagnoses secret Managing grief throughout the caregiving journey Transitioning from home care to assisted living Cultural perspectives on caregiving Debra also offers the following advice for caregivers:

Remember your person is “still in there” despite changes Set clear boundaries using “I” statements Be specific when asking others for help Give yourself grace throughout the journey Quote: “Grief runs through caregiving like a river” - Debra Hallisey

After the Podcast:

Read Debra's AlzAuthors blog post

Buy the book, A Relationship Contract for Dementia Caregivers, by Debra Hallisey, Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.

Follow Debra

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

Resources mentioned in this episode are:

Documentary: Wine, Women and Dementia by Kitty Norton Goodwin Living (Virginia) - Model program for caregiver education and support 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

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

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"I was feeling angry, I was feeling resentful." - Kate Washington

JJ and Natalie sit down with author Kate Washington to uncover the emotional, financial, and mental health challenges of caregiving. Kate shares her personal journey of caring for both her mother and husband, revealing the unseen struggles caregivers face, from healthcare system hurdles to burnout and grief. Kate and the sisters, JJ and Natalie reflect on their own caregiving experiences, highlighting family dynamics, systemic issues, and the path toward healing.

🔹 The emotional toll of caregiving

🔹 Navigating healthcare challenges

🔹 The reality of caregiver burnout

🔹 Finding joy amidst the struggle

About Kate Washington:

Kate Washington is the author of Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout In America (Beacon Press, 2021) and a frequent speaker on the systemic challenges facing family caregivers. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, TIME, Eater, Catapult, and many other publications. She holds a Ph.D. in Victorian literature from Stanford University and lives in Sacramento with her two daughters, one very friendly dog, and one very unfriendly cat.

Social Media

Website: www.kawashington.com

Twitter: @washingtonkate

Instagram: @washingtonkate

Facebook: facebook.com/katewashington

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katewashington/

Books/E-Book/Resource: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/659447/already-toast-by-kate-washington/ 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807055522

Other Links to Include: Media coverage of Already Toast: https://www.beacon.org/Already-Toast-P1645.aspx

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real caregiver stories!

#CaregiverSupport #ConfessionsOfAReluctantCaregiver #KateWashington #MentalHealth #CaregiverBurnout #FamilyCaregiving

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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Connection is key in dementia care. Discover the transformative power of arts engagement for people living with dementia in this inspiring conversation with Mary Crescenzo, author of “The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own.”

In this heartfelt episode, a replay of an Aging & Amazing Books & Chit Chat discussion, Mary shares her decades of experience using various art forms to connect with and enrich the lives of people living with cognitive decline. From her early days as an art teacher to becoming a pioneering voice in arts engagement for dementia care, Mary offers practical, accessible ways to bring creativity into caregiving.

You’ll learn:

Simple ways to incorporate music, visual arts, movement, and storytelling into daily care How creative expression can bridge communication gaps The importance of intergenerational engagement through art Self-care strategies for caregivers through creative writing Ways to implement arts activities in both home and facility settings Mary’s Key Messages for Caregivers:

Everyone has innate creative abilities Art activities don’t require expensive materials or special training Focus on the present moment rather than past relationships Celebrate and display creative works Don’t give up if first attempts aren’t successful Quote: “Art brings joy into the darkness of this disease.” - Mary Crescenzo

After the Podcast

Download Mary's Tip Sheet: 7 Tips for Connection and Communication through the Arts

Get the book: The Planet Alzheimer's Guide by Mary Crescenzo

Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you or the author.

Read her AlzAuthors Blog

Catch the Dementia & the Arts Podcast Episode

Follow Mary

Listen to her co-hosted show: Dementia and the Arts on Alzheimer's Speaks

Resources mentioned:

Mary's Caregiver Tip Sheet: “8 Ways to Use Arts for Engagement” Learn more about Mary’s play "Planet A" and the inner world of Alzheimer’s: Remember: You don’t need to be an artist to engage in creative activities with your loved one. As Mary says, creativity is an innate human ability that can bring connection and joy to the dementia journey.

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.

Meet the Moderators

Marianne Sciucco

Christy Byrne Yates

Support AlzAuthors

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

Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network

Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org

Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know

We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

In this episode of Care Lab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie welcome back hospice expert Helen Bauer to discuss the importance of rituals in grief, cultural perspectives on funerals, and how to find the right hospice care that aligns with personal values. They explore the emotional aspects of loss, the significance of shared experiences, and the need for compassionate care at the end of life. Helen also introduces her new Hospice Navigation Services, aimed at providing unbiased guidance to families navigating hospice options.

Learn more about Helen Bauer’s Hospice Navigation Services: https://www.theheartofhospice.com/

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

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

Don't forget to download, and follow CareLab for more episodes!

#HospiceCare #GriefSupport #CompassionateCare #Caregiving #EndOfLifeCare

This episode is a heartfelt invitation to practice self-appreciation and self-care. Isabel shares practical tips on how to be gentler with ourselves, acknowledge our efforts, and treat ourselves with the same care and affection we offer to others. Whether it's indulging in a small treat, taking a quiet moment to reflect on your progress, or simply speaking kind words to yourself, she encourages you to embrace the day as an opportunity to honor your own journey.

Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with warmth, encouragement, and self-love.

As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we often face the challenging question: "Is it time to change my care receiver's living situation?" We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, and through our experiences, we've developed five essential tips to help you navigate this complex decision-making process.

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]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.com/time-for-a-change-home-and-community-living-options-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Takeaways

1. Understand Your Financial Resources

This foundational step requires a thorough assessment of both current and future financial resources.

Professional Resources to Consult:

- Financial advisors (especially those specializing in senior care)

- Elder care attorneys

- Government program specialists

Income Sources to Consider:

- Care receiver's savings

- Pensions

- Long-term care insurance

- Public health insurance (Medicaid in the US)

- Social Security disability benefits

- Family contributions

Expenses to Evaluate:

- Home modifications

- Safety adjustments

- In-home caregiving costs

- Day program fees

- Potential lost income if reducing work hours

- Care community costs

2. Research Care Options

There are three main categories of care options to evaluate:

Non-Residential Options:

- Respite programs

- Memory cafes

- Day programs

In-Home Options:

- Professional caregiving services

- Government programs (VA benefits, Medicare services)

- Family caregiver arrangements

Care Communities:

- Memory care specific facilities

- Communities with memory care units

- Different care models and staffing levels

- Waiting list considerations

3. Assess Home Safety

This evaluation should include multiple perspectives:

Medical Assessment:

- Get an updated medical evaluation

- Discuss current and future safety risks

- Request occupational therapy assessment

Key Safety Considerations:

- Wandering risk

- Cabinet and door safety

- Mobility challenges

- Fall prevention

- Depth perception issues

- Stairs and accessibility

- Emergency services access

4. Evaluate Medical Needs

Current and Future Medical Considerations:

- Impact of multiple diagnoses

- Care complexity

- Required medical procedures

- Medication management

- Physical care requirements

5. Prioritize Wellbeing for Both Care Receiver and Caregiver

This final tip focuses on quality of life considerations for everyone involved.

Socialization Needs:

- Care receiver's social preferences

- Community engagement opportunities

- Caregiver isolation prevention

- Balance of stimulation and comfort

Safety and Emotional Considerations:

- Physical safety for both parties

- Emotional wellbeing

- Caregiver burnout prevention

- Managing aggressive behaviors

- Personal boundaries

Making the Final Decision:

- Consider all evaluation points

- Involve family members

- Maintain awareness of available options

- Stay connected with potential care communities

- Be prepared to act when needed

In today’s podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Paul and Rachel, who share their wisdom on mindfulness, chocolate, yoga and self-care. They dive into the incredible benefits of cacao, highlighting it as one of the most powerful antioxidants available. They also explain how combining cacao with other natural ingredients from the earth can help us feel more grounded and connected.

Beyond the science, Paul and Rachel offer practical tips on how to enhance your everyday experiences, turning ordinary moments at home into opportunities for emotional connection and joy. Whether you’re looking to bring more mindfulness into your routine or searching for ways to manage the challenges of being a caregiver, their advice is sure to resonate.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice—don’t miss it! Tune in and discover how small changes can make a big impact on your well-being.

Links mentioned in the interview:

The Chocolate Genius – Industry-Leading Chocolate Experiences & Gifts

Caputo's Market & Deli – Purveyors of regional Italian and Southern European foods

The Yoga Lab | Yoga in Winter Springs | 1340 Tuskawilla Road #102, Winter Springs, FL, USA

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can often feel like chaos. Days are unpredictable, emotions run high, and the demands can seem endless. This constant state of chaos not only impacts the person with dementia, but also takes a toll on the caregiver's well-being. It can lead to burnout, stress, and even health problems.

It's crucial to move away from this chaos and find moments of calm. By creating a more peaceful environment, both the caregiver and the person with dementia can experience improved quality of life. This means less stress, better communication, and more meaningful interactions.

Taking that first step can be daunting, but there's support available. Start by reaching out to your local Alzheimer's Association chapter for information, support groups, and educational resources. Consider respite care to give yourself a break. Don't hesitate to ask family and friends for help with errands or appointments. Even small steps can make a big difference in navigating the dementia journey with more peace and less chaos.

Our Guest:

Debbie Compton is a three-time caregiver for parents with different forms of Dementia. She is a Certified Caregiving Consultant and Advocate, Educator for the Alzheimer’s Assoc., speaker, and author of 10 books including her latest, The Caregiver's Advocate, which is an International Bestseller.

Find all of Debbies books here!

Debbie founded The Purple Vine, whose mission is to empower caregivers to reduce stress, block burnout, and laugh again. 

In this episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland welcome Mim Senft, co-founder and CEO of Motivity Care, to discuss the complexities of caregiving and the importance of self-care strategies for caregivers. The conversation explores various techniques for managing stress, the impact of caregiving on women's financial stability, and the significance of human connection in caregiving roles. Mim shares her personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by caregivers, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in both personal and professional contexts.

Learn more about Mim Senft and Motivity Care: www.motivitycare.com

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

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

Download this episode and follow CareLab for more!

#Caregiving #SelfCare #CareLabPodcast #MotivityCare #CaregiverSupport #CommunityCare