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.

Paul Ptashnick is back with us continuing his story of his caregiving journey. When his father was diagnosed with Parkinson's shortly after retirement, Paul stepped up to provide support, navigating the complexities of his father's declining health. His story takes an unexpected turn when Paul's mother is also diagnosed with Lewy body Parkinson's, requiring him to juggle the care of both parents simultaneously.

The challenges Paul faces are multifaceted, from his mother's phobia of nursing homes to the differing symptoms exhibited by his parents. Paul's proactive approach, including finding a family friend to provide overnight care for his wandering mother, showcases his resourcefulness and dedication. Additionally, Paul's insightful decision to involve his mother in daily tasks like laundry and cleaning demonstrates his understanding of the importance of maintaining a sense of purpose for those living with Parkinson's.

As Paul's caregiving journey evolves, he encounters the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, particularly when his mother transitions to hospice care. Paul's willingness to make tough decisions, such as opting out of hospice at times, highlights his ability to prioritize his mother's well-being and his own mental health. Throughout it all, Paul's commitment to self-care, including seeking therapy, exemplifies the importance of caregivers tending to their own needs to ensure they can continue providing the best possible support.

About Paul:

Paul Ptashnick is a freelance copywriter and fractional marketer focused on B2B startups in the InsurTech, FinTech, and AgeTech spaces. In addition, Paul’s wife Ana is also an entrepreneur, opening Red Apron Charcuterie in 2023.

When Paul and Ana aren’t working or playing with their fur baby Marty, they are usually traveling somewhere. Paul and Ana have visited Peru many times, and they have also spent time in England, Ireland, France, Colombia, and Mexico.

For Paul’s 50th birthday, they have another European vacation planned with stops in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Croatia.

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Facing a Difficult Choice: Death with Dignity and Dementia

Death with dignity, also known as medical aid in dying, offers terminally ill individuals the right to control their end-of-life decisions. But what happens when dementia enters the equation? This episode tackles the complex ethical and legal challenges surrounding death with dignity for individuals with dementia.

We'll explore:

The challenges of cognitive decline: How does dementia impact a person's ability to make informed decisions about their own care? Advance directives: A voice for the future: Can these documents truly reflect a person's wishes in the later stages of dementia? Balancing autonomy and compassion: How do we navigate the ethical considerations of respecting a patient's choices while ensuring a humane and dignified death? Discover practical strategies to facilitate open communication with loved ones about end-of-life wishes. Join us as we delve into the medical, legal, and ethical complexities surrounding death with dignity and dementia. D. Liebhart is a nurse and writer. She writes (and sometimes lives) stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, where they learn that life is rarely predictable and answers to life’s most complex questions are almost never black and white.

House on Fire, her debut novel, was long-listed for the 2022 Petrichor Prize. Her essay Thalassophobia (a true account of a very out-of-the-ordinary honeymoon) won the 2021 Linda Julian Creative Nonfiction Prize from Emrys Journal

In this episode of Finding a Foothold, I discuss where to begin as you struggle to come to grips with the devastating news that your loved one has had a stroke. You are likely entering a new world full of unfamiliar medical jargon, different medical professionals, and so many moving parts.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information given to you, on top of the whirlwind of emotions caused by your concern about your loved one. Take a deep breath. I'm here to help. And just so you know, I have been in your shoes. During this episode, I will begin to share my personal story as both a caregiver to my mother, who had multiple strokes; And as an occupational therapist who has worked on rehab units and in home health, I will share insights on ways you can navigate the recovery process and share practical strategies that can help you support your loved one's care needs now and when they return home.

Key Points:

The importance of learning: What is a stroke? What type of stroke did your loved one have? The critical role of hope and motivation during recovery. Tune in to hear about how caregivers can stay informed, make the best decisions, and support their loved one's recovery journey.

Tune in for practical advice and heartfelt support, with more episodes to follow.

If you are a caregiver and have a question that you would like to have addressed on the Finding A Foothold Podcast, leave a comment on the website: or

You can also leave a question by filling out this Jotform:

https://form.jotform.com/231966483352160

Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver Coach Fall Prevention Specialist Certified Aging in Place Specialist Certified Dementia Care Practitioner Certified Geriatric Care Professional

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Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside.

If you or someone you love has recently had a stroke, this is a MUST LISTEN episode. Hear Lori and Mark's story of stroke survival, along with some of the most vital information to know if you or someone you love is recovering from stroke. #carelab #carelabit

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

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

Find more from Lori at www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

@CareLabPodcast @wholecarenetwork @Asksamie @higherstandardscaregiver @higherstandardardscaregivertraining

In this episode, Sarah interviews Sabrina Ortolano, who served as a caregiver for her spouse with cancer. They discuss how you can be there for your caregiver friends.

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In this podcast I share with you how, during a lift I took I had an amazing conversation. As we grow older, we become more aware of what we truly need. We all go through tough times, but often, we don't pay attention to how we're feeling. This lack of awareness makes it difficult to communicate our needs to others. Learning to recognize our emotions is crucial.

Recognizing emotions involves pausing and tuning into our mental and physical states. Are you feeling anxious, tired, or overwhelmed? Identifying the emotion is the first step, but it doesn't stop there. The next step is to accept those emotions without judgment and find ways to express them constructively.

When we become more aware of our emotions, we can start having healthier conversations with those around us.

In this episode of our WCNFluencer podcast, host Christopher MacLellan visits with Jennie Dopp, who is the Director of CaringTide, a professional disability planning organization. Jennie is also a caregiver and a mother to a young adult son with multiple disabilities. Jennie has almost 2 decades of experience working in advocacy and developing resources and tools for caregivers. Jennie's latest endeavor is to assist families with one of the heaviest questions they carry, "Who will care for my loved one when I am no longer able to do so?"

Throughout the episode, Jennie and Chris discuss the importance of caregiving for children with disabilities and the challenges caregivers face. Jennie shares her personal experience as a caregiver for her son with multiple disabilities and the impact it has had on her family. They also talk about the services Caring Tide provides, including financial planning, legal support, and resources for caregivers. The conversation highlights the need for caregivers to plan for the future and ensure the well-being of their loved ones.

To learn more about Caring Tide and to take their free Caregiver assessment, please visit https://caringtide.com/

Email Jennie: [email protected]

Follow Caring Tide on Social Media:

Facebook: thecaringtide

Instagram: @caringtide

LinkedIn: CaringTide

Takeaways

Caregiving is not limited to seniors; it also includes caring for children with disabilities.

Caregiver fatigue is a real issue that can affect the well-being of caregivers.

Siblings of children with disabilities also play a caregiving role and need support.

Planning for the future is crucial for caregivers, including financial planning and legal support.

Titles

The Role of Siblings in Caregiving

Understanding Caregiver Fatigue and its Impact

Caring Tide provides comprehensive services to help caregivers navigate the challenges they face.

Being an advocate for someone in hospice care is a big job. MSW Jacob Kendall of Demystifying Healthcare is teaching us how to do it well. Advocacy for his own healthcare needs has taught him how to communicate with a healthcare team to get the best care possible. Jacob teaches about the various aspects that influence that care that’s available for patients, including time and communication. He’s also looking from a 30,000 foot view as well, acknowledging that geography, poverty, time, and policies influence the kind of care we receive.

Jacob is a fan of interdisciplinary care. He believes every specialist or discipline should be working together to create more continuity in our healthcare. In addition to clinical providers, Jacob also thinks other modalities add value to our care. Connecting with other people experiencing similar health challenges can be valuable. Jacob brings a multidimensional perspective to his work as a healthcare consumer and an educator.

Connect with Dr. Jacob Kendall, MSW MPH PhD at jacobevanskendall.com.

Talk with Jacob about speaking at your event by clicking here.

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)

Description

When a close family member is diagnosed with dementia, it can be uniquely challenging for young adults to navigate this new reality. We are Nancy and Merritt Treaster. When Merritt was in his early twenties, his dad, who was 60 at the time, was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia. A few short years later, his grandfather, at the age of 85, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Merritt’s experiences led us to create this episode to help other young adults. He has distilled his thoughts on how to be better prepared into four essential tips for young adults facing a family member’s dementia diagnosis.

Takeaways

For takeaways click here

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Keywords

Young adult, teenager, boundaries, incontinence, Alzheimer's, dementia, caregiver, caregiving, dementia care, memory care, dementia caregiver blog, Alzheimer's blog, caregiver blog, senior caregiver blog, dementia caregiver tips, how to care for someone with dementia living alone, information on dementia for caregivers, how to be a caregiver for someone with dementia, family caregiver, frontotemporal dementia, dementia caregiver tips, family caregiver, Sue Ryan, Nancy Treaster, Susan J Ryan, Merritt Treaster