Caregiver Wellness Podcast For Alzheimer's And Other Dementias

Donna Thomson is a caregiver, author and teacher.  She is the mother of two grown children, one who has severe cerebral palsy and medical complexity. Donna also helped care for her mother who lived with dementia until she passed away in the summer of 2018 at the age of 96. Donna is the co-author (with Dr. Zachary White) of The Unexpected Journey of Caring: The Transformation of Loved One to Caregiver (Rowman & Littlefield, 2019) and author of The Four Walls of My Freedom: Lessons I’ve Learned From a Life of Caregiving (McArthur and Co., 2010 and The House of Anansi Press, 2014). She blogs regularly at The Caregivers’ Living Room.  Donna is the past Vice-Chair of Kids Brain Health Network and is a leader and instructor in family engagement in health research. She is a co-designer and co-instructor of The Family Engagement in Research Course and the facilitator of the Caregiving Essentials Course, both at McMaster University.  Blog: The Caregivers' Living Room (www.donnathomson.com) Facebook: The Caregivers' Living Room (https://www.facebook.com/donnathomsonauthor) Twitter: @thomsod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna4walls/ https://www.donnathomson.com/ Caregiving essentials https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgW-AY2zjrEUYr28ebAHOY1Edc5WA3DMM

Caregivers when first learning of diagnosis- don’t even know to define themselves as caregivers yet! Each stage of dementia is different. How do you prepare yourself as a caregiver - start to finish to transition within each stage gracefully? Join us to find out.  Regina Koepp, PsyD, ABPP Clinical Geropsychologist Founder & Director, Center for Mental Health & Aging Dr. Regina Koepp is a  clinical geropsychologist, and founder and director of the Center for  Mental Health & Aging: the “go to” place online for mental health  and aging. Dr. Koepp is creator and host of the Psychology of Aging  Podcast where she discusses the aging process and its complexities. Dr.  Koepp has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, and is a  contributing writer at Psychology Today, where she discusses mental  health and aging.  She is a former assistant professor at Emory University School of  Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a former staff psychologist at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, where she  provided direct patient care and consultation on the Geropsychiatry Outpatient Mental Health team for more than a decade. Dr. Koepp earned  her doctorate at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium and completed her  post-doctoral fellowship at Emory University Department of Psychiatry  & Behavioral Sciences Richard W. Morrell Community Commitment Award   Learn more at mentalhealthandaging.com  What are 3 questions which you want me to be sure to ask you during our session together? :  - I'd like to talk about the transitions when becoming a caregiver.  - What are some of the role transitions that arise when people become a caregiver?   the go-to  PGP - What can new caregivers do to help make this transition smoother? 

Rebecca Handler is a writer who lives and works in San Francisco.  Rebecca’s stories have been published and awarded in several  anthologies, and she blogs regularly at www.onewomanparty.com. Edie Richter is Not Alone is her debut novel, and in a Starred Review, Booklist writes,  "Handler's Edie has joined the ranks of unforgettably eccentric,  intelligent women protagonists.” Kirkus Starred Review says, "A  tragicomic exploration of the collateral damage of Alzheimer's  disease... Handler gets it right from the title on out. Edie is  definitely not alone.” 

Sara Traub, Attorney at Law Sara’s practice focuses on estate planning, and also includes probate administration, guardianships & conservatorships, disability planning, elder law, and taxation. Sara is actively involved in professional and community organizations. Sara represents the third generation of her family to become a New Mexico attorney.  Find her here: https: https://pbwslaw.com/our-team/sara-r-traub-cpa/ or https://pbwslaw.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/PBWSLaw/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pregenzer-baysinger-wideman-&-sale-pc/  Twitter: @pbwslaw

We discuss everything from her hallucinations, to her views and myths surrounding the stages of dementia, practical end of life care advice, and how carers can tap into the secret behind caregiving for someone living with dementia. Jennifer Bute was a highly qualified senior doctor in a large clinical practice, whose patients included those with dementia. Then she began to notice symptoms in herself. She was finally given a diagnosis of young-onset dementia in 2009. After resigning as a GP, she resolved to explore what could be done to slow the progress of dementia. Dementia From the Inside is a practical book designed to help people who are living with dementia and give hope to those who are with them on the dementia journey. Jennifer believes that her dementia is an opportunity as well as a challenge. Her posts on Facebook take a raw and intimate look inside of her daily life.  Links referenced: Website: https://www.gloriousopportunity.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gloriousopportunity/ Dementia Issues, carers: https://vimeo.com/116634591 Dementia Issues - End Of Life: https://tinyurl.com/4m7fz5vh

How does caregiving change your life? Dr. Aaron Blight shares with us his book, When Caregiving Calls, about lessons from his own journey and valuable tools to combat loneliness and the normalization of our emotions as caregivers. It's a powerful life-giving conversation with someone who's lived it and shared his expertise for more than 20 years. Aaron Blight, Ed.D., is an international speaker and consultant on caregiving, aging, and healthcare. His book, When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative, received a 2020 Best Indie Book Award. Dr. Blight is the founder of Caregiving Kinetics and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Healthcare Management and Public Health at Shenandoah University. He has served as a family caregiver, home care company owner, caregiving scholar, and leader at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Aaron was recently recognized as a “Top 100 Healthcare Leader” by the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare. He currently serves as a board member for several care-related organizations. caregivingkinetics.com

"Just like gems, each person is precious, valuable, and unique, and given the right setting and care, can shine." - Teepa Snow Topics -What is an Occupational Therapist  -5 ways we can really care for ourselves as a caregiver -How is dementia caregiving different than other types of caregiving?  -Why should dementia caregivers take time for themselves?  -What are some practical ways that dementia caregivers can take care of themselves and let go of the guilt? www.teepasnow.com  https://www.facebook.com/teepasnow.dementiaexpert  https://www.linkedin.com/company/positive-approach-llc/ Gems she talks about https://teepasnow.com/about/about-teepa-snow/the-gems-brain-change-model/ free 45 min consult: https://teepasnow.com/services/consulting/phone-consultations/ Teepa Snow is an Occupational Therapist with over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. Her experiences led her to the development of the GEMS® State Model, for understanding the progression of dementia, and the Positive Approach® training strategies. Her company, Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) provides online and in-person education and products. Teepa presents with extraordinary expertise and humor to audiences throughout the world.

Listen as Dr. Jennifer Bute shares why dementia has been an unexpected gift.   Dr. Jennifer Bute lives in a Dementia inclusive retirement village. Previously she worked in Africa as a doctor before working as a GP for 25 years involved in medical education. She was diagnosed with dementia ten years ago. She speaks at conferences and on the radio and has been involved in television programs raising awareness and understanding dementia. She passionately believes more can be done to improve both the present and the future for those living with dementia. Her book ‘Dementia from the Inside A Doctors Personal Journey of Hope’ is her story and explains these principles. "I used to be a GP, but I retired early with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. Since then, it has become my passion to try and help people understand about it because I do believe it is a great opportunity, a God-given unexpected gift in order to understand this hurt section of society." - Dr. Jennifer Bute Key takeaways: How does poetry and music impact us and our memory? What is the Japanese Memory group, and how does it work? What are the 3 Rs? References: Watch on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/Caregiversofalzheimersretreat/videos/295473745400888 Jennifer's website: www.gloriousopportunity.org  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gloriousopportunity/ Music is essential video: http://www.gloriousopportunity.org/dementia-issues.php Video - what dementia is to me: https://vimeo.com/40513833 Her book:  https://smile.amazon.com/Dementia-Inside-Doctors-Personal-Journey/dp/0281080690/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Jennifer+Bute+Dementia+Inside&qid=1619532680&sr=8-1  Example of Japanese Memory Book: http://www.gloriousopportunity.org/resources/JMG_01_11_K.pdf

Dayna Steele worked with the world's greatest rock stars for years, observing what makes a rock star and what makes a fleeting one-hit-wonder. This rock radio Hall of Famer brings her Rock Star Principles of Success to The Rock Business: entertaining podcasts, popular speeches, best-selling books. Check out her wonderful book: Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine https://amzn.to/2X6byTR  Her podcast and other books: www.therockbusiness.com  Facebook Live recording here. Here are some of the links we discussed: Check out her wonderful book: Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine https://amzn.to/2X6byTR Her podcast and other books: www.therockbusiness.com Dayna's play: https://www.youtube.com/playlist. The Woman in the Mirror A caregiver's story of love, laughter, and wine - currently being performed as a 10-episode Zoom video table read. References mentioned:https://wearehfc.org/ HFC is a nonprofit movement, led by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, whose mission is to care for families facing this disease, educate young people about living a brain-healthy life, and activate the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates. Dementia Careblazers with Dr. Natali Edmonds...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dOP31ev294&t=160s Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives https://bookshop.org/.../aging-with-grace.../9780553380927 https://constitutionbroadway.com/ Link to our Virtual Houston retreat: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/virtual-retreats. Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

Dr. Natali joins us to talk about some of the biggest challenges that caregivers face and simple ways to overcome and persevere. She is a board-certified geropsychologist whose mission is to help family members cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. She posts weekly videos on her YouTube channel addressing common struggles and questions. The channel has been viewed over 4 million times worldwide.  www.careblazers.com www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers  www.instagram.com/dementia_Careblazers  Facebook Live recording here. Below is a list of resource links that we covered during our conversation based on your input and questions. * www.careblazers.com
 * www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers So many great videos here on a variety of real-life topics. 
 * www.instagram.com/dementia_Careblazers
 * Teepa Snow: https://teepasnow.com/about/about-teepa-snow/
 * These 3 doctors diagnose dementia
 * 4 tips to avoid difficult dementia behavior
 * How to change difficult dementia behaviors
 * When someone with dementia acts fine around others
 * What to say to someone with dementia when they want to see someone who's dead 
 * 3 steps to help you manage guilt and sadness as a caregiver
 * Careblazer Survival guide includes strategies for managing difficult dementia behaviors and caregiver stress.
 Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

Depression and Dementia: What you need to know Padmaja Genesh, Alzheimer Society of Calgary Join us for this candid conversation with Padmaja Genesh of the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, where she is a Learning Specialist at the Alzheimer Society of Calgary focusing on Supporting Learning & Excellence in Dementia Care since September 2012. Padmaja Genesh received her medical degree from Calicut University, India. She has worked as a family physician for several years in India and the Middle-East, before migrating to Canada. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology from Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario. Her passion for working in the field of Dementia stems from her experience with her father-in-law, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1999 Join Padma on the third Tuesday of every month for a live chat with an expert- Facebook live www.alzheimercalgary.ca Notes from the podcast! A recent talk on apathy (vs. depression) https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=349045676194893&ref=watch_permalink Mental health concerns with dementia with Padma & Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Dallas Seitz. https://www.facebook.com/116306041728999/videos/353089466103803 Our previous podcasts https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/family-caregivers-self-care-podcast Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

How to know when you need help. It's a question everyone asks at some point in the care of another. And, the answer, it may surprise you.   Our conversation with Ken Hendricks, Community Services of Home Instead Senior Care (Santa Fe, NM) chats with us on cultivating resiliency, what to look for in a home care provider and how do you know when you need help... when is the right time? You can find all our podcasts here: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/family-caregivers-self-care-podcast The Dementia Possibilities mentioned: February 8-12th www.dementiapossibilites.com and you can find the conference after the 12th on their youtube channel. Ken can be found here: www.HomeInsteadSantaFe.com www.StayHomeInsteadChats.com And.... on  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeInsteadSantaFe/videos/967684847011610 Youtube: https://youtu.be/TeDboWEoffU Prior conversation on the wellbeing of caregivers with Ken and Melissa: HISC Blog: https://www.homeinstead.com/185/blog/melissa Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

Family Caregiving with G.J. Hodson What Caregiving Teaches Us About Family What does Caregiving teach us about our family and chosen family? Learn tips to retain your own agency and also in asking and receiving help from family. Plus, strategies for evaluating the quality of care. G.J. Hodson is a genderfluid researcher, facilitator, and dementia care coach. He cared solo for his grandfather, then enrolled in graduate school to research caregiving as an identity. They graduated into the pandemic with a Master's in Sociology, a certificate in Multicultural Women's and Gender Studies, and a forthcoming book chapter. She has been a volunteer for several organizations since 2017, facilitating support groups and presenting for specialized topics and communities. G.J. currently lives in Arlington, Texas, with chosen family. @theoriesofcare on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WordPress, and Google Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

Join us for this important chat with Laura Smothers-Chu is the CEO & Founder of Befriended Heart. We talk about everything from how to be a better long-distance caregiver to what it's like to be a caregiver to your parents in the 20's. And a powerful redefining of the stages of dementia with a focus on what the middle stage is. Here, she helps long-distance daughters navigate their parents’ dementia. Laura is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. With over 10 years of experience in health care, Laura was also a long-distance daughter of dementia. She's been featured in AARP articles, recently wrote an article for Parade Magazine, and she hosts a YouTube channel called Joy in Dementia. Her mission is to empower long-distance daughters one positive + practical step at a time. Laura lives in Washington DC with her husband, rescue dog, and cat. She enjoys living in the moment and discovering joy wherever possible. Website: www.joyindementia.com, for your free copy of how to navigate the middle stage. YouTube: https://rebrand.ly/joyindementia Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

Join us as we chat today with Ellen MacKay and Jennifer Henius, social workers, and yoga teachers who are striving for getting wellness tools out to Caregivers of all types. Our conversations dip into their free offerings, a sample 2 minute practice, and a valuable discussion on the role social workers play in the care of others. Yoga4Caregivers is a new community focused on educating and empowering family Caregivers to explore the embodied self-care practices of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement. These tools are proven to calm the nervous system, increase the mind-body connection, and improve physical health and well-being. Find support and connection, build resilience, and improve your quality of life. The Caregiver Wellness Collective, Inc. This community is dedicated to those who are committed to supporting the well-being of those who selflessly care for others across our communities and around the world: Caregivers. Yog4Caregivers Accessible Yoga Blog http://accessibleyoga.blogspot.com/2020/11/yoga4caregivers.html Yoga4Caregivers Facebook Page www.facebook.com/yoga4caregivers Caregiver Wellness Collective Facebook Page www.facebook.com/caregiverwellnesscollective Social Work Yogis Facebook Page www.facebook.com/socialworkyogis For the full transcript of this podcast, go to https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/yoga-4-caregivers Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

Join me today as we talk with a former caregiver, Geneviève McLean. She was the caregiver to her husband who was diagnosed with Dementia in 2017 and chose as a family to do medical aid in dying. She shares her grieving process and the decisions that lead up to making this choice. Her bravery and boldness to share her story gives us a glimpse into a topic that is normally taboo. If you have a question for Geneviève, please feel free to email us at caregiversretreatinfo@gmail.com. More info on MAID and end of life care resources: Calgary: https://www.alzheimercalgary.ca/find-support/things-to-consider-if-you-have-dementia https://www.neurocogdisorderslab.com/resources Dementia Connections Magazine: https://www.dementiaconnections.ca New Mexico: https://compassionandchoices.org/in-your-state/new-mexico United States: https://endoflifeoptionsnm.org/resources/ For the full transcript of this podcast, go to https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/medical-aid-in-dying Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

If you want to improve communication -- with anyone and the person living with dementia- take a moment to listen to our fun and valuable conversation. A chat with Jytte Fogh Lokvig, Ph.D. who began the Alzheimer's Cafes here in the US- where there are now more than 500 across the US. She's the author of 6 books! www.AlzheimersAtoZ.com  Certified Alzheimer's and Dementia Educator  Author:  Alzheimer's A to Z, Successful Caregiving  Alzheimer's A to Z, A Quick Reference Guide  The Alzheimer's Creativity Project 2  The Alzheimer's and Dementia Handbook For the full transcript of this podcast, go to https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/improving-communication Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

Executive Director Memory Care Alliance, Our Mission: To provide pro-active comprehensive on-going support, education, and resources for those families living with Alzheimer’s and all other dementia-related illnesses. To educate and raise community awareness concerning the level of need. To remove the stigmas associated with dementia-related illnesses and replace them with compassionate understanding. For the full transcript of this podcast, go to https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/laughter-for-stress-relief Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats

Discover how Liz has used drawing as a tool to find peace in the present moment. Liz walks us through a beautiful mediation on an everyday object. We chat about how to find reverence in the ordinary and how that reflects our own nature.  Liz Brindley is a Food Illustrator in Northern New Mexico. She spends her days illustrating, teaching online classes for creatives, and designing products to make your house feel like home. She creates her art, which is inspired by farming and nature, to give people moments of pause to find joy in the present moment. Her work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States, and she is the recipient of a National Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key Award. You can learn more at www.printsandplantspress.com For the full transcript of this podcast, go to https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/reverance-in-the-ordinary Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prints_and_plants/ Website: www.printsandplantspress.com Coloring Pages: Free Pack: https://printsandplants.com/collections/coloring-pages/products/free-printable-coloring-pages Full, Printable Coloring Book ($10): https://printsandplants.com/collections/coloring-pages/products/printable-coloring-book-download

Ruth Dennis, caregiver, and author of Mindful Dementia Care offers her key caregiver tips. From a simple calming breath to learning to forgive yourself. We laugh and get real with how tough it is to be a caregiver. All the while, offering ways you can keep your “center” and who you are while caregiving without risking losing that part of yourself after your season of caregiving has ended. Here’s one secret: Knowledge is power, the more you know about what is going on with your person and the systems you are working with the easier everyone’s life will be. Ask questions. Be annoying at times. Resources: Vista Living: www.vistaliving.com Mindful Dementia Care Book: http://ow.ly/46vm30nOMRt Caregiver Stress Busters: www.caregiverstressbusters.org The Memory Care Alliance: http://thememorycarealliance.org Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.facebook.com/alznmchapter For the full transcript of this podcast, go to https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/mindful-dementia-care Please show your support for our Podcast and host more conversations about Caregiving by donating or signing up to join the conversation today at this link: https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.com/donate-caregivers-retreats "Have balance.  There will be times when you need to fight for the person you are caring for but know when to stop fighting and allow things to work. Gratitude is as important as being a fighter.”       - Ruth Dennis