A phone call on Mother’s Day, three words that felt like winning the lotto, and a family learning to love in a new language—Kizzy joins us to share the tender, unvarnished story of her mum Ev’s Lewy body dementia. From the first subtle signs to vivid hallucinations, from a medication crisis to an overnight shift from moderate to severe, we move through the realities families face and the support that can change everything.

We talk about how to spot early indicators beyond normal forgetfulness, why Lewy body dementia is different to Alzheimer’s, and how to respond to hallucinations without confrontation. Kizzy opens up about the Later Life Team in Kilkenny—OTs, nurses, psychiatry, and family coaching—that wrapped around her parents with practical, human care. We explore the role of psychiatric units in safe medication trials, the risks of certain antipsychotics, and how autonomic symptoms like bowel obstruction can complicate the journey.

There’s hard-earned guidance here: when to speak to your GP for memory testing, how to build calm routines, and why “validate, don’t argue” is a lifeline. We discuss caring for the carer—Kizzy’s dad—rotating weekends, honest conversations, and the moment a promise to avoid a nursing home meets the limit of what love can safely do. Along the way, we hold space for grief in real time, small bright moments, and a faith that looks like candles lit in quiet corners.

If you’re caring for someone with dementia, or you suspect the first signs, this conversation offers practical steps, community resources, and the reassurance that you’re not alone. Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear what helped you most.

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