UP IS HIGHER THAN DOWN

A transparent and delightful chat with my friend Grammy Award-winning Country artist Michael Petersen. Michael's known for million-selling country music chart toppers such as “Drink Swear Steal & Lie” and “From Here To Eternity”. The multiple Grammy and CMA award nominee has moved audiences all over the globe for decades. He shares a few of his life experiences and words of encouragement for creatives.

A loving wife shares her journey of learning to care for her husband while attempting to maintain her balance, reduce her stress, and continue a normal life.

Social Issues Theatre

Enable Me Theatre is a fantastic initiative! Maintaining the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia and their caregivers involves a multifaceted approach that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs. Here are some ways in which Enable Me Theatre can help achieve this goal:

Creative Expression: Engaging in activities like theatre allows individuals with dementia to express themselves creatively, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. It can also serve as a form of therapy, providing an outlet for emotions and experiences.

Social Interaction: Participation in theatre programs provides opportunities for individuals with dementia and their caregivers to socialize and connect with others in similar situations. Building a support network can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging.

Cognitive Stimulation: Acting in a play or participating in theatre exercises can help stimulate cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This stimulation can potentially slow down the progression of dementia and improve overall cognitive functioning.

Emotional Support: Caregivers often experience high levels of stress and burnout. Enable Me Theatre can offer a supportive environment where caregivers can share their experiences, receive validation, and learn coping strategies from peers and professionals.

Sense of Purpose: Being involved in theatre gives individuals with dementia and their caregivers a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It helps them focus on their abilities rather than their limitations, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.

Education and Resources: Enable Me Theatre can provide caregivers with valuable information and resources on dementia care, communication techniques, and strategies for managing challenging behaviors. Empowering caregivers with knowledge can help them feel more confident in their caregiving role.

Respite: Theatre programs offer caregivers much-needed respite from their caregiving responsibilities. It allows them to take a break, recharge, and engage in activities that promote their well-being.

By incorporating these elements into its pilot program, Enable Me Theatre has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia and their care partners. It provides a holistic approach that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs, ultimately promoting overall well-being and quality of life.

A candid chat with recording artist, actress, and Las Vegas performer, Steph Payne. Dementia doesn't discriminate Steph shares her experience as a dementia caregiver for her beloved grandmother.

"dementia is the devil"

Listen and purchase Steph Payne's music on iTunes and other music streaming platforms.

A warm chat with the Founder and Chair of the Clark County Black Caucus and Executive Director of the BSU (Black Student Union) reminded us to be mindful of the often overlooked emotional impact on youth dementia caregivers.

Sibling relationship dynamics. I see my dementia experience with Mom and Dad this way, but my sister sees it from a different perspective. All experiences and perspectives gained from those experiences are valid.

Jennifer Wampler shares a portion of her journey caring for two parents who passed with dementia.

There are few things more comforting than the support of a good friend

Dementia caregivers endure a tremendous amount of emotional and physical stress. Having someone you can talk with honestly is so important to the mental health and emotional stability of dementia caregivers.

Friendship and Chosen Family are often dementia caregivers' greatest support system. Having someone to help you navigate your dementia caregiver journey can make a huge difference in maintaining the quality and longevity of your life.

The song Friendship The Bff Song as heard during the interview sung by artist Esther Denis is from Social Issues Theatre's musical dramedy The Wonderful World of Was.

This is the first of a 7 part series. Dementia Caregivers need self-care. Respite is a mandatory need that must be met for the emotional and physical stability of the care provider. May we all share a bit of ourselves to help dementia caregivers take a break. Help them step away from the stress, rest, and breathe.