This month we're talking about how to best work through dementia-related behaviors and minimize their impacts. This week we're diving into delusions and accusations. When reason and facts are not your friends, responding to accusations can be challenging! So we're talking about how to de-escalate the situation, how to prevent these behaviors in the future and how to take care of yourself. Resources: Get our tips for working through behaviors here; Dementia-related behaviors infographic What did ...
Aug 23, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 27
This month we're talking about how to best work through dementia-related behaviors and minimize their impacts. This week we're tackling hitting and other physical aggression. These things can come up at inconvenient times or be way more intense than they were before the disease and we're talking about how to de-escalate the situation, how to prevent these behaviors in the future and how to take care of yourself. Resources: Get our tips for working through behaviors here; Dementia-related behavio...
Aug 16, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 26
With dementia often comes behaviors that can be difficult both for the care partner and the person living with the disease. This month we're talking about how to best work through those behaviors and minimize their impacts. This week we're tackling distress and agitation. These things can come up at inconvenient times or be way more intense than they were before the disease and we're talking about how to de-escalate the situation, how to prevent these behaviors in the future and how to take care...
Aug 09, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 25
This week we're asigning blame where it belongs. Just so it's very clear to our care partners (and their loved ones) who and what is to blame when things go sideways. This is a quick affirmation episode, but you might want to bookmark it so you can come back and listen again the next time things go awry. Resources: Choose from 4 phone backgrounds to keep this message top of mind: Get an email with your 4 FREE phone backgrounds What did you think of the tips? We'd love to hear from you! hello@dem...
Aug 02, 2023•7 min•Season 1Ep. 24
We're continuing the series here on Everyday Dementia Guide about what’s normal and expected when living with dementia versus what’s a problem. Sometimes it can be hard to recognize and label what behavior you are seeing until someone points it out to you. When my family was supporting my dad, we didn’t know what we were supposed to expect and what was coming next, and what we should try to avoid, and neither did the professionals we consulted. We’re going to go through what to do if you start h...
Jul 26, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 23
We're continuing the series here on Everyday Dementia Guide about what’s normal and expected when living with dementia versus what’s a problem. Sometimes it can be hard to recognize and label what behavior you are seeing until someone points it out to you. When my family was supporting my dad, we didn’t know what we were supposed to expect and what was coming next, and what we should try to avoid, and neither did the professionals we consulted. So, we’re going to go through some of the things yo...
Jul 19, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 22
This mini-episode is my experience with NOT talking about dementia with my loved one. I'm sharing this in the hope that I helps you if your loved one is living with Alzheimer's or dementia and doesn't want to talk about it! I share: How did I know he didn't want to talk about it? What did I do instead? How did I channel my energy and desire to help? Want to talk about your experience with a dementia guide? Sign up for a free initial consultation....
Jul 18, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 21
We're continuing the series here on Everyday Dementia Guide about what’s normal and expected when living with dementia versus what’s a problem. Even if this isn't your first time supporting someone living with dementia, it can be hard to know what's a normal part of the disease and what's not. When my family was supporting my dad, we didn’t know what we were supposed to expect and what was coming next, and what we should try to avoid, and neither did the professionals we consulted. So, we’re goi...
Jul 12, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This month we’re doing a series here on Everyday Dementia Guide about what’s normal and expected when living with dementia versus what’s a problem. I know that when we were walking this journey, we didn’t know what we were supposed to expect and what was coming next, and what we should try to avoid, and neither did the professionals we consulted. So, we’re going to go through some of the things you might start to see, and whether they’re expected and what to do when you see them, and we’re talki...
Jul 05, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode we’re discussing a topic that strikes fear in the hearts of both those living with dementia and their loved ones, driving. Or rather, what to do if or when driving with dementia becomes unsafe. Ultimately this isn't the end of freedom or enriching activities, but it can be a big change for people who have been used to driving. We'll talk you through the considerations and strategies to keep going. In this episode: What driving behaviors to watch for What to expect when talking ab...
Jun 28, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Today we’re talking about a sundowning, which might be the reason that you're finding yourself dreading the end of the day. This is a very common phenomenon when supporting someone living with dementia and there are ways to recognize it and things that you can do to prevent it, but first you have to know what you’re looking for. In this episode: What is sundowning? How to prevent it? How to support someone through it? Resources: Alzheimer's Association printable - Free download of tips on how to...
Jun 21, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 17
During this Alzheimer’s and brain awareness month, we're talking about how the changes in the brain during dementia affect the five senses. It's helpful to remember that as dementia progresses, memory is only one of the things that will be impacted. We'll talk about how you can make sense of what you're seeing and hearing about senses from your loved one, and how to best support them when these things come up. In this episode: What are some of the changes that happen with each sense? How can you...
Jun 14, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 16
It's June, which is Alzheimer’s and brain awareness month, and we’re talking about friends. One of the best things you can do for your brain is to engage socially. But what if you’re living with cognitive impairment, either yourself or a loved one? You might be feeling alone, especially if some of your relationships are changing. There may be some hard realities in store, but this does not mean the end of friends. Today we’re talking about staying connected and even making new friends when there...
Jun 07, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Have you been feeling stuck at home? If you’re in a rut and haven’t been getting out, this can be really frustrating and isolating. As the disease progresses, it becomes harder to get out and about. In this episode we're talking about how to get past the objections and excuses, how to set yourself up for success to get up and going out of the house. In this episode: How can I get past common obstacles? What do I need to consider? What does success look like? Resources: Find your local Area Agenc...
May 31, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 14
This month we're diving into tips for navigating challenging conversations that come up when you're supporting a loved one living with dementia. This week we're discussing those repeating questions. You know the ones that are asked over and over and over. We'll talk about what you can do and what you can say to get through it! In this episode: The cardinal rules of conversations with someone living with dementia How can memory aids help? Will this ever end? Which responses will work? Resources: ...
May 24, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 13
This month we're diving into tips for navigating challenging conversations that come up when you're supporting a loved one living with dementia. This week we're discussing SUCH a hard conversation. When your loved one says, "I hate you." This is so hard to hear and we'll cover 3 approaches that can help get you through it. In this episode: The cardinal rules of conversations with someone living with dementia Why it's probably not even about you 3 types of responses you can have prepared What to ...
May 17, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 12
This month we're diving into tips for navigating challenging conversations that come up when you're supporting a loved one living with dementia. This week we're tackling one of the most dreaded points in this disease. When your loved one doesn't recognize you and asks, "Who are you?" This is a tough one and we'll cover 2 approaches that set you up for success, and one that doesn't. In this episode: 2 types of responses that often work well 1 that just doesn't work when dementia is in the picture...
May 10, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This month we're diving into tips for navigating challenging conversations that come up when you're supporting a loved one living with dementia. This episode is all about when you hear, "I gotta get outta here!" We'll talk about 4 occasions where this comes up and how to join their reality to work toward a successful outcome. In this episode: 2 cardinal rules for communication What to say when someone wants to go where they already are When to drop everything and go Resources: Dementia Conversat...
May 03, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 10
If the thought of asking for help from someone has you cringing AND you are a care partner for someone with dementia or Alzheimer's, this one's for you. We've got 5 ideas for you to lighten your load plus a bunch of helpful downloads! Resources: Realistic Caregiver To Do List Template Set up a Caring Village site to help with community caregiving Sign up to get or give help in your neighborhood with Lotsa Helping Hands...
Apr 26, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Denial is very common in discussions about dementia or cognitive impairment. Today we're going to look denial right in the eye, and make peace with it. We're going to cover how to know it when it comes up, why it needs to be recognized and accepted, and how to get through it. Today's episode covers: What does denial look and sound like? Why is it important? How to work with it? What not to do! Resources: Permission to go do something that fills you with joy and gratitude and forget about the den...
Apr 19, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 8
It's so terrible when you're waiting, especially if it's for health-related things like having to do with cognitive issues! In today's episode we give some tips on what you can do while you're on the waitlist so you can be ready for what comes next. What to do while you're on the waitlist for: Cognitive testing Memory care or Assisted Living Financial Assistance Resources: Waitlist Checklist Alzheimer's Association Know the 10 Signs Need some individual help? Schedule a meeting with our Dementia...
Apr 12, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Ever feel like dementia just disappears in some situations? It might leave you questioning what that's about, especially if others say it seems like everything is normal! Well, you might be experiencing showtiming. In this episode we're talking about what it is, how to manage it, and why you might even enjoy showtime. Resources: First Steps: Memory Loss Online Dementia Preparedness Class Alzheimer's Association Class Finder...
Apr 05, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Today we're talking about what to do when that first conversation goes sideways. Whether it's with a healthcare provider or your friends and family, it often takes more than one attempt. Learn the ABCD model for identifying an issue and determining the best way to move forward. This is a continuation from Episode 2, so if you haven't heard that one yet, go back and give it a listen. Resources: What to Expect When You're Expecting Memory Loss - Free Download! Excellent guide from The Conversation...
Mar 29, 2023•16 min
In this episode we dive into the Caregiver Bill of Rights. We'll explore each of the rights that caregivers can and should expect, and explore what's especially important when you're caring for someone living with dementia. Resources: Caregiver Bill of Rights is originally from Jo Horne's Caregiving: Caring for an Aging Loved One What to Expect When You're Expecting Memory Loss - Free Download!...
Mar 22, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Today we're talking about whether to seek a diagnosis if you've got concerns about memory. We'll talk about common arguments for and against getting a comprehensive diagnosis. We also go through what steps you'll need to take to start the process if you do decide to move ahead with diagnosis. Thanks for listening! RESOURCES: Click here to download your free guide on What to Expect When You're Expecting Memory Loss For the Alzheimer's Association's guide on seeking a diagnosis, click here...
Mar 15, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 3
We discuss how to set up for success when you're talking with someone about memory concerns. Whether the concerns are yours or you want to approach someone you care about, tune in to find out how to set up for success with this potentially sensitive topic. Resources: Excellent guide from The Conversation Project: Your Conversation Starter Guide For Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s or Other Forms of Dementia Knowledge is power. Download our free guide: What to Expect When You're Expecting Me...
Mar 08, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Hello! We're new here. We're adding our voice to share everyday tips, education and support you need when living with or supporting someone with memory impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer's. Resources: Dementia Conversation Forums from the Alzheimer's Association Facebook Groups for Dementia Support Download our free guide: What to Expect When You're Expecting Memory Loss: 10 Things to Expect and How to Get Ready Submit your ideas or questions for future episodes here ....
Mar 01, 2023•7 min•Season 1Ep. 1
