Claim OwnershipHope Floats: Navigating Caregiving in Dementia
Subscribed: 11Played: 98
Subscribe
© 2025 Hope Floats: Navigating Caregiving in Dementia
Description
A podcast for people who are navigating the challenges of caring for a person with Dementia. A place where your well-being matters, where community and support can be found, and where hope on this journey exists. We are in this together.
23 Episodes
Reverse
This episode of Hope Floats delves into the behaviors exhibited by individuals with dementia in advanced and memory care settings. We discuss building new relationships with caregiving staff, managing care expectations, and learning about typical behaviors that come with joining a new environment- particularly focusing on dementia patients’ tendency to explore others' personal spaces and the implications this has for families. It highlights the importance of understanding these behaviors as a...
In this episode, Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the unique challenges faced by spousal caregivers of individuals with dementia. They explore the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of caregiving, the changes in intimacy and connection, and the feelings of isolation and stigma that caregivers often experience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building a support network, understanding the legal and financial aspects of caregiving, and fostering empathy amon...
Summary: "We need more vitamin joy." In this episode of Hope Floats, registered dietitian Meredith Kleinhenz discusses the nutritional needs of individuals with dementia, emphasizing the importance of understanding changes in eating habits and preferences as the disease progresses. She advocates for a flexible approach to food, encouraging caregivers to prioritize enjoyment and comfort over strict dietary rules. The conversation covers practical strategies for managing weight loss, the signif...
In this episode, Rachel Coady and Shoshawna Rainwater explore the emotional, financial, and social burdens in the current dementia caregivers role and emphasize the need for a “make-over” that could bring better awareness, support and acknowledgement culturally for caregivers. The conversation highlights innovative ideas for community engagement, workplace support, and the importance of recognizing caregiving as a shared responsibility. They also touch on the lack of positive media representa...
In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the complexities of moving a loved one with dementia into a care facility. They explore the emotional and logistical challenges caregivers face, including financial considerations, legal decision-making, and the importance of mindset on move day. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful planning, consultation with professionals, and the emotional support required for both caregivers and those living wit...
Summary In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the complexities of moving a loved one with dementia. They explore the emotional significance of home, the challenges of aging in place, and the signs that indicate it may be time to consider a move. They discuss understanding the unique needs of dementia patients and the impact of caregiving on family members, the reasons families consider moving their loved ones, the financial implications of differen...
In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Rachel Coady and Shoshawna Rainwater welcome licensed music therapist Lisa Peterson, founder of Come on, Let's Sing comeonletssing.com , who shares her journey and insights on music's profound impact in dementia caregiving. Lisa discusses how music can foster connection, reduce anxiety, and empower caregivers, emphasizing that every human is innately musical. The conversation explores practical applications of music therapy, including th...
In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady engage with Lisa Hulick, a licensed massage therapist, to explore the vital role of self-care and healing for caregivers of individuals with dementia. The conversation delves into the significance of touch, the physical manifestations of stress, and the importance of vulnerability in caregiving. Lisa shares insights on how massage therapy can provide a much-needed respite for caregivers, allowing them to reconnect with...
On this episode of Hope Floats, Shoshawna and Rachel welcome their first guest- Dr. Linda DeSitter. Dr. DeSitter is a double-board certified hospice and palliative care physician practicing in Portland, Oregon. Today, they discuss end-stage dementia and the unique features that accompany it. They also talk about support for caregivers in some of the complex decisions that come with end-of-life care. They also discuss hospice and how that program can support families and people nearing the end...
In this episode of Hope Floats, Rachel Coady and Shoshawna Rainwater explore the complexities of moderate-stage dementia, discussing the emotional and practical challenges faced by caregivers. They emphasize the importance of understanding the changes that occur during this stage, including neuropsychiatric symptoms and the need for increased support. The conversation also highlights coping strategies and practical recommendations for caregivers to enhance safety and well-being for both thems...
In this episode of Hope Floats, licensed clinical social worker Shoshawna Rainwater and professional certified coach Rachel Coady discuss the early stages of Alzheimer's and dementia, focusing on symptoms, caregiver preparation, and the importance of legal and financial planning. They discuss mild cognitive impairment (MCI), its symptoms, and how it can progress to dementia. They emphasize the need for a thorough medical workup and the significance of staying present and mindful throughout th...
In this episode of Hope Floats, licensed clinical social worker Shoshawna Rainwater and professional certified coach Rachel Coady delve into the complex topic of anosognosia, a condition where individuals with dementia lack insight into their own cognitive decline. They discuss the prevalence of anosognosia among dementia patients, its impact on caregivers, and the challenges it presents in communication and care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding this condition to i...
In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the challenges faced by caregivers caring for individuals with dementia. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging the hard work caregivers do, the need for self-compassion, and the significance of reflecting on the past year while setting intentions for the new year. The conversation also includes practical tips for supporting caregivers and highlights the value of simply listening to their expe...
Summary In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Rachel Coady and Shoshawna Rainwater discuss the critical steps to take after receiving a dementia diagnosis. They emphasize the importance of understanding the type and stage of dementia, planning for future decision-making, and the significance of advanced directives. The conversation also covers how to communicate the diagnosis to the care team and the necessity of establishing a support system for caregivers. The hosts aim to provide listeners...
In this episode of Hope Floats, Rachel Coady and Shoshawna Rainwater explore the concept of ambiguous loss in the context of dementia. They discuss the unique challenges caregivers face, including the emotional rollercoaster of grief when caring for someone who is still alive yet psychologically absent. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, understanding grief, and finding creative outlets to process emotions. Listeners are encouraged to embrace “both and” thinking,...
In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the complexities of navigating the holiday season while caring for a loved one with dementia. They explore the emotional challenges caregivers face, the importance of simplicity, routine, and flexibility, and provide practical tips and hacks to make the holidays more manageable. The conversation emphasizes the need for caregivers to communicate their needs and adapt holiday traditions to create a supportive env...
In this episode of Hope Floats, professional coach Rachel Coady (PCC) and licensed clinical social worker, Shoshawna Rainwater discuss effective strategies for caring for individuals with dementia. They emphasize the importance of understanding behaviors as communication signals indicating unmet needs. The conversation introduces the P-BREATHE framework, which helps caregivers identify potential causes of distress. The hosts also highlight the necessity of unlearning certain communicati...
In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the complexities of seeking a dementia diagnosis for loved ones. They explore what constitutes normal cognitive aging versus concerning changes, the importance of obtaining a diagnosis, and strategies for approaching the conversation with loved ones. The episode emphasizes the emotional challenges faced by caregivers and the significance of communication and support in navigating the journey of dementia c...
In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the often-overlooked experiences of caregivers for individuals with dementia. They explore the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, the importance of building a support team, and practical tools for self-care. The conversation highlights the need for caregivers to recognize their own needs and seek support while navigating the complexities of dementia care. Takeaways ● There ar...
Summary In this conversation, Rachel and Shoshawna delve into the complexities of dementia, discussing its various subtypes, including Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. They explore the unique characteristics and progression of each subtype, emphasizing the challenges caregivers face and the importance of understanding these differences for better management and support. Takeaways There are four main subtypes of dementia: Alzheimer's, vascular, f...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States