In this episode Bobbi & Mike continue their conversation with Mary Underwood – a social worker of 33 years with a primary focus on memory care, and two-time Alzheimer’s Association Outstanding Caregiver of the Year Award winner – has learned a lot in her career. Most importantly, care facilities and caregivers need to always focus on the person, not the illness. Even if a person’s needs and conditions for living a good life change as a cause of dementia, their unique life story is always wit...
Jun 29, 2022•21 min•Season 3Ep. 137
Mary Underwood – a social worker of 33 years with a primary focus on memory care, and two-time Alzheimer’s Association Outstanding Caregiver of the Year Award winner – has learned a lot in her career. Most importantly, care facilities and caregivers need to always focus on the person, not the illness. Even if a person’s needs and conditions for living a good life change as a cause of dementia, their unique life story is always with them and should be reflected in their care. It's a philosophy th...
Jun 21, 2022•28 min•Season 3Ep. 136
Parlez-vous Français? Habla Española? Parli italiano? Speaking more than one language opens doors in many ways, especially for nurses and caregivers caring for a dementia patient who can no longer speak English. Dr. Zoila Ortega knows this firsthand. She learned a lot taking care of a mother with Alzheimer’s, including the importance bilingual nurses. As a health care professional and teacher for more than 50 years, she founded a nursing school that makes it possible for ESL CNA students to more...
Jun 14, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 135
Wouldn’t it be nice if we each had by our side a personal advocate, cheerleader, companion, guide, ear, and rock? This is the role of an end-of-life doula. Similar to birth doulas, they are nonmedical professionals offering emotional, spiritual, informational, and physical support. In her role as a doula, Jane Euler talks with Bobbi & Mike about how she can be a listening ear, compassionate partner, and advocate for families on the journey of serious illness and end-of-life. Don't forget to ...
Jun 08, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 134
At the core of person-centered care is the person. And despite all the limitations dementia can bring, caregivers must remember that the person is still in there. So how do we reach them? Don Wendorf is a psychologist of 40 years who retired to become a full-time caregiver. He’s learned that focusing on a patient’s competencies – what they can still do – helps them feel safe, loved, and useful, while helping caregivers feel less frustrated and better handle their emotions. It’s a great lesson fo...
May 31, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 133
A fashion designer once said that life’s too short for boring clothes. But any caregiver will tell you that life’s too short for complicated clothes, including our guest, Andrea Wurster. As the head of product and partnerships at Silverts , an adaptive clothing company, Andrea is helping provide easy dressing solutions with simplified, stylish designs for seniors and disabled people. From magnetic buttons to pull-on pant loops, this apparel reduces the risk of injuries for caregivers and those w...
May 25, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 133
Being imperfect is perfectly human. And with so many unknowns for first-time caregivers, they should never be afraid to ask for help. Bobbi & Mike talk with Breeda Miller , whose story about helping her mother at the end of her life has resonated with millions. And now her one-act play tells the story of her mother, from a young woman to a spirited senior coping with dementia. Breeda’s stories are full of powerful insights that all family caregivers will find helpful. Don't forget to subscri...
May 17, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 131
Marriage is bliss, right? Well, whoever said that was never a co-caregiver for a family member with their partner. In this episode, Douglass Christensen talks with Bobbi & Mike about the stress a marriage can undergo while caring for a loved one with dementia, but also the ways it can bring you closer together. His role as a co-caregiver Vincent Zappacosta, author of “ Dementia-Mama-Drama ”, helped add a new level to their relationship, and others can learn from their experience. With patien...
May 10, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 130
For many students, the college experience involves 24-hour cramming sessions, annoying group projects, and partying for days. But for Jillian Lee of National Alzheimer’s Buddies (NAB), a nonprofit pairing students with Alzheimer’s patients, college is a time to build bridges towards a society with equitable dementia care. Like so many, she knows that there’s a special connection between seniors and young people as they are each reassessing priorities in life. This helps build a friendship and br...
May 03, 2022•28 min•Season 3Ep. 129
Is your fridge covered in sticky notes? Do you keep a notebook with enough highlighting that it looks like a coloring book? Or maybe your hand is covered in ink messages? You are not alone. Keeping all of your notes in order is a challenge and critical to providing accountability, continuity, and efficiency in care. Mike Michel , a former caregiver and case manager, developed Care Trainr, an app that is a modern solution for continuous caregiving and puts an end to confusing paper trails. He’s h...
Apr 27, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 128
Due to the nature of dementia, it is likely that, at some point, the person you are caring for will need to be hospitalized. Unfortunately, hospitals are not typically well-designed for dementia patients and preparation can make all the difference. Dr. Brittany Lamb knows firsthand the frustration that overwhelmed caregivers encounter when visiting the emergency department. Bobbi & Mike talk with Dr. Lamb about how to help caregivers prepare for these decisions before a medical crisis happen...
Apr 19, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 127
Tune in as Bobbi & Mike talk with author and caregiver Nancy Poland. Nancy teaches us the importance of caring for the caregiver and we learn how to “dance” with dementia behaviors. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rodger That, head over to rodgerthat.show. ***************************************** Rodger That is produced by Missing Link —a podcast media company...
Apr 13, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 126
In this foot-tapping episode, Bobbi & Mike talk with Joshua Vickery, Executive Director of Encore Creativity for Older Adults . We learn how Joshua uses music to engage people living with dementia and tap into their memories of beloved songs. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rodger That, head over to rodgerthat.show. ***************************************** Rod...
Apr 05, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 125
Tune in as Bobbi & Mike have a chat with Lenny, the dementia-friendly barber . We hear how Lenny uses a jukebox and an old-fashioned shave to bring a little joy and bit of fun into care homes. We also walk away with some valuable dementia caregiving tips. As Lenny says, “Laugh a lot and forgive often.” Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rodger That, head over to r...
Mar 30, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 124
In this episode Bobbi & Mike talk with Senior Activities Coach Hayle Wilder . Hayle gives us tips on how to engage our loved ones living with dementia on a daily basis. We learn how Hayle applies a person-centered approach to design activity curriculum, and how caregivers can connect personally with those living with Dementia by understanding their interests and background. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and...
Mar 22, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 123
Tune in as Bobbi & Mike chat with the fun and fabulous filmmaker and caregiver Lickety Glitz. We learn the importance of surrounding ourselves with kindred caregivers who can pick us when dementia has us down for the count, and also remind us we can get up tomorrow and “punch dementia in the face” once again. As Lickety says, “Until there’s a cure, there’s community.” Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike ...
Mar 15, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 122
Dr. Robert Arnold joins Bobbi & Mike to guide us into the specialty of Palliative care and how we can help promote the quality of life for our loved ones living with dementia. We learn that Palliative care involves caring for the whole person—their pain, symptoms, depression, anxiety, confusion, living environment, social concerns, as well as existential and spiritual issues—and helping them find joy and meaning while living with a serious illness. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and re...
Mar 08, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 121
Tune in as Bobbi & Mike sit at the feet of Lynda Everman , author, caregiver and fiber artist, to explore how her faith informs her advocacy for those living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Lynda teaches us that fabric holds memories, is symbolic and can communicate love and affection when words may no longer be accessible. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rodger...
Mar 01, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 120
In this fun-loving episode, Vincent Zappacosta , author of Dementia-Mama-Drama , joins Bobbi & Mike to connect and, at times, commiserate in the adventures of caring for a parent with dementia. Vincent teaches us his secret to surviving caregiving (hint: check the title) and gives us tips on sustaining a happy marriage while sharing caregiving responsibilities. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the ...
Feb 22, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 119
Tune in as Kate Fassbender talks with us about using writing as a technique to express the myriad of feelings dementia patients and their caregivers experience. Kate’s gentle, kind spirit invites us to open and share our own stories as well as receive the stories our loved ones living with dementia want to share. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rodger That, head ov...
Feb 16, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 118
Tune in as Dr. Sion Scott of the CHARMER research project talks with Bobbi & Mike about the risks and benefits of de-prescribing medicines that your elderly loved one with dementia may no longer need. It is so important to talk to the doctor about whether or not a medication that has been used for many years is still the right fit. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcas...
Feb 08, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 117
Studies show that dance increases activity in the circuits of the brain helping to reduce anxiety, trigger memories, and improve overall well-being and quality of life. On this episode, dancer, choreographer, creative aging advocate and community-based teaching artist Magda Kaczmarska discusses the benefits of dance and movement for both dementia patients and their caregivers. Join us as Bobbi, Mike, and Magda bridge the gap between science and the arts. Remember: We can move the body to move th...
Feb 01, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 116
The hypervigilance required to care for someone with dementia can take its toll, causing stress, anxiety, exhaustion, anger, and depression. So how can you cope with these challenges? Jon Macaskill, a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned mindfulness and meditation coach, joins this episode to discuss techniques that allow you to be emotionally and physically stronger with better focus and the ability to accomplish more in less time with reduced stress. Best of all, it only requires a few minutes e...
Jan 25, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 115
On this episode, Joy Loverde highlights the importance of helping people in the early stage of dementia to continue working and living their best life. Join us as we talk about the issues facing younger people who are getting diagnosed with dementia – How can employers create a dementia-friendly workplace? Does HR have a plan for such patients? Are there protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act? These are all important questions to ask as we seek to create a healthy dialogue a...
Jan 18, 2022•34 min•Season 3Ep. 114
In this episode Bobbi & Mike talk with Ian Kremer, JD, of the LEAD Coalition, whose dedication to dementia policy has helped pass legislation at the federal, state and local levels for over 25 years. In this conversation we focus on the importance of dementia friendly communities as well as de-escalation training for police officers when working with people suffering from dementia. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about B...
Jan 12, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 113
Happy New Year from all of us at Rodger That! We are taking a short break as we celebrate the holidays with our loved ones. We’ll be back next Tuesday January 11th to launch our 3rd season with more wonderful guests and helpful caregiving guidance. In the meantime, listen in as Bobbi & Mike share a caregiving tip to help us move more easily through the start of this new year. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi a...
Jan 05, 2022•2 min
Happy Holidays from all of us at Rodger That! We are taking a short break as we celebrate the holidays with our loved ones. We’ll be back on January 11th to launch our 3rd season with more wonderful guests and helpful caregiving guidance. In the meantime, listen in as Bobbi & Mike share a caregiving tip to help us more more easily through this holiday season. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the in...
Dec 28, 2021•2 min
Family caregiver Kathy Peters joins Bobbi & Mike to talk about employing hospice care for those living with dementia—even sooner than one might expect. Tune in as they empower caregivers to “shop around” for the best agencies in their area and share resources that can help them do so. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rodger That, head over to rodgerthat.show. **...
Dec 21, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 112
In this thought-provoking episode, Bobbi & Mike talk with Dr. Kalisha Bonds Johnson , a nurse practitioner, researcher and assistant professor at Emory University. Dr. Bonds Johnson’s work focuses on improving health outcomes for African Americans living with dementia and their families. Tune in to learn how factors such as environment, family situation, and patient/provider relationship all play a part in managing our health. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your tho...
Dec 14, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 111
In this episode, Bobbi & Mike talk with dementia consultant and family guide, Pam Ostrowski . She shares how caregivers can utilize different levels of care for their loved ones living with dementia and empowers us to think strategically about milestones that may signal a transition is necessary. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rodger That, head over to rodgert...
Dec 08, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 110
