Life, Death, and What Matters In-Between

Politics plays a crucial role in tackling Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses because of the need for policy creation, adherence to regulations, and fiscal resource allocation and management. It also can be a vehicle of cooperation with local support organizations to assist and educate families whose loved ones have dementia.Senator Malcolm Augustine of District 47, Prince George's County, is invited to this podcast by Perry Limes. They talk about the government's role and how it might assist communities to deal with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses more effectively. They also discuss the prejudices that people of color face when seeking medical help. The listener is introduced to the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council, and the role the council plays to assist persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Senate Bill 27, piece of legislation that has great potential to impact the experience for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, is presented and discussed. Key TakeawaysThe Role of Politics for Those Living with Dementia and Their CaregiversImproving the Healthcare Situation for Communities of ColorsAn Overview and Role of Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias CouncilAn Overview of the Senate Bill 27, "Dementia Services Act of 2022" legislationTakeaways of our Guest for Folks Advocating for More Support for Individuals with DementiaGovernor Hogan signed SB 27 into law on May 16, 2022QuotesWe will get them (families whose loved one has dementia) connected to local support groups who have experience in dementia and can help these folks navigate these very difficult situations. - Senator Malcolm Implicit bias training is one of the things we're focusing on there to assist the complete spectrum of persons involved in this care in better understanding what they're coming in with and hope that they'll be able to treat people fairly and with dignity. - Senator Malcolm Featured in this EpisodeSenator Malcolm Augustine47th Legislative District, Prince George's CountyWebsite: https://www.malcolmaugustine.com/Profile: https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa18049.htmlFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MalcolmLAugustinePerry LimesDirector, Strategic PartnershipsHospice of the ChesapeakeProfile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/perry-limes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrylimesPrince George's Health and Human Services: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/2234/Health-Human-ServicesAlzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council: https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdpc/Pages/Alzheimers-Council.asp Thanks and AppreciationsWe'd like to thank the John and Cathy Belcher Institute for their generous support of our community outreach and education programs. Chapters00:00 Introduction00:54 The Impact of Politics and How Senator Augustine becomes an advocate for individuals with dementia04:58 How Can Senators Help Individuals with Dementia with their Constituents06:48 Coordination between Federal level and State level to address dementia 08:00 Making the Situation Better for Communities of Color10:58 About the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council13:37 About the Senate Bill 27, "Dementia Services Act of 2022"16:10 The Allocation of Funds for Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias18:16 Suggestions and Recommendations for Folks Advocating for More Support19:54 Thanks and Appreciation

As our loved ones get older, we want to be there for them in their golden years. We want to give them great care, a safe environment to live in, and the proper treatment if they become ill. However, most American families with older relatives find it difficult to provide them with the finest care possible. Family members may find it difficult to simultaneously provide all the necessary care to their loved ones while going about their daily lives.One solution for many families is to use the services of an assisted living facility. Assisted living is a form of accommodation for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal assistance. Memory care programs are available in several assisted living facilities for those individuals with dementia. These specialized units provide safety features that make quality of life safer, since there are frequent behaviors like wandering, agitation, and falls which expose these individuals to risk.In this podcast, Perry Limes interviewed Maresa Henry, the Executive Director at Spring Arbor Senior Living Severna Park. They discuss the benefits of receiving services of an assisted living facility for seniors, when the time is right to get the services, what programs are offered especially for those with dementia, and the positive experiences and moments in these kinds of communities. Key TakeawaysWhat is assisted living and its purpose for individuals with dementiaKey indicators to look for the services of Assisted LivingThe Memory Care Program and what is it all aboutThe benefits of Assisted Living Facilities partnering with Palliative and Hospice CareExperiences during the COVID outbreak and how they've managed QuotesNo one is really excited to sign up for an assisted living. However, once they move and they've acclimated to the community, they love it and they thrive. - MaresaThey find themselves in a space where they're not being judged and they can be themselves. - MaresaPartnership with hospice and supportive care programs makes their loved ones really enjoy and make the most of their stays. - Maresa Featured in this EpisodeMaresa HenryExecutive Director, Spring Arbor Senior Living Severna ParkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringArborSevernaPark/ Website: https://www.springarborliving.com/md/severna-park/spring-arbor-of-severna-park/ Perry LimesDirector, Strategic PartnershipsHospice of the ChesapeakeProfile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/perry-limes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrylimes Thanks and AppreciationWe'd like to thank the John and Cathy Belcher Institute for their generous support of our community outreach and education programs. Chapters00:00 Intro01:32 Maresa Background03:21 What is assisted living?05:28 Getting the services of assisted living07:46 The provided services10:07 Factors in decision making10:49 The Memory Care Program13:50 Qualification for Memory Care Program15:28 Mingled with cognitively impaired persons16:35 Palliative care and hospice care18:08 Pearls of wisdom 19:43 During the COVID outbreak21:40 Thanks and appreciation

Having a loved one diagnosed with dementia takes a toll on their families, especially those who provide care for them throughout their journey. Family members must carry out their daily routines while simultaneously caring for their loved ones who have dementia. Because you are seeing your loved ones slowly succumb to the disease, it can cause stress, anxiety, and emotional suffering. It exacerbates the pain if you have little knowledge and information about the illness since some medical practitioners are unable to give you guidelines and plans for treatment. In this podcast, Perry Limes talked with Alice Jo Weaver and Cathleen Rawlings, the caregivers for their loved ones who had Dementia. They shared what they experienced, the challenges, the suffering as well as lessons when taking care of loved ones that had dementia. Key TakeawaysThe Story of Alice Jo and Cathleen as caregivers with their Family member having DementiaThe Challenges They Faced When Dealing with and Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia Surprising Things They Discovered Regarding the Condition of Dementia Tips on Coping with Stress and Anxiety while Caring for Loved Ones with DementiaAlice Jo and Cathleen’s Hospice Care ExperienceTakeaways and Lessons from Caring for Individuals with Dementia QuotesOne thing that surprises me is having a diagnosis, entering the medical system with a diagnosis, and receiving such little advice and information. - CathleenThe mood swings and massive personality shift that happened as a result of dementia as a whole also surprised me. She was no longer the person she used to be. - CathleenWe were hopeful since the experts and everyone indicated we may have 10, fifteen, or twenty years because progress was slow. So my husband and I made plans. We had bucket lists. We were going to do what we could and have as rich a life as we could together. And none of that happened because of how quickly he declined. - Alice JoI needed some help around the house since I couldn't leave the house without worrying about my husband's safety. So I called the Visiting Angels and arranged for someone to come in a couple of times a week for a couple of hours so I could go out of the home and do some shopping or just go for a walk if I wanted to. - Alice JoFeatured in this EpisodeAlice Jo WeaverWife and Caregiver for her Late Husband Diagnosed with DementiaCathleen RawlingsDaughter and Caregiver for her Late Mother Diagnosed with Dementia Perry LimesDirector, Strategic PartnershipsHospice of the ChesapeakeProfile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/perry-limes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrylimes Thanks and AppreciationWe'd like to thank the John and Cathy Belcher Institute for their generous support of our community outreach and education programs.https://www.alz.org/https://www.visitingangels.com/ Chapters00:00 Introduction01:40The story of Alice Jo’s Husband and his journey with Dementia02:59 The Challenges Alice Jo faced with his Husband06:40 Cathleen’s Mother and her Journey with Dementia10:00 The Challenges Cathleen Faced with her Mother11:15 Surprising Things about Cathleen’s Mom on her Journey with Dementia13:03 Surprising Things about Alice Jo’s Husband on her Journey with Dementia16:19 Tips on Coping with Stress and Anxiety20:13 The Experience with Hospice Care Services24:08 Lessons Learned When Taking Care of Dementia Patients26:20 Thanks and Appreciation

Music has the power to alter people's emotions and sentiments in an instant. It has the power to alleviate tension, discomfort, difficulty, and distraction while also bringing enjoyment and tranquility into our life. Music has the power to unite people in a number of ways.Music is being utilized to treat various memory-loss-related disorders such as dementia in the medical field. According to several studies, persons with Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia can benefit emotionally and behaviorally by listening to or singing music. Because major brain regions associated with musical memory are generally unaffected by Alzheimer's disease, musical memories are frequently maintained.In this podcast, we are joined by Joshua Vickery, Chief Executive Officer, Encore Creativity for Older Adults. Joshua talks about the importance of music in our lives and how it affects our memory. He also suggested that music be utilized as a treatment for those suffering from memory disorders. He also discusses how music therapy might aid individuals with dementia and how it is gradually becoming recognized as an alternate treatment approach.Key TakeawaysThe Importance of Music in the Journey with Dementia Individuals with Dementia how Music is Beneficial with Challenging BehaviorsThe Difference between Listening Music and Therapeutic Music Music Genres, Instruments, Singing, and Procedures Incorporated into Music TherapyThings about the Sentimental Journey Singer ProgramMusic Therapy and the Impact of Care Partners on Dementia PatientsThe Medical Community Recognizes Music Therapy's BenefitsJoshua's Personal Experience with Music Therapy with PatientsHow to Join the Organization and What are The Things to Look at to be a Music TherapistQuotesWe all know that music is universal; we all like music, regardless of our age or stage in life, and music is associated with memories. - JoshuaMusic therapy is unique in this regard. Music therapy involves competent professional health care therapists who use treatments to promote therapeutic effects, such as employing music. - JoshuaFeatured in this EpisodeJoshua VickeryChief Executive Officer, Encore Creativity for Older AdultsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-vickery-02441463 Website: https://encorecreativity.org/ Contact Details: 410-2160-350Perry LimesDirector, Strategic PartnershipsHospice of the ChesapeakeProfile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/perry-limes/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrylimesThanks and AppreciationsWe'd like to thank the John and Cathy Belcher Institute for their generous support of our community outreach and education programs.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:04 Joshua Background03:38 The Role Music Play in the Journey with Dementia05:15 Specific Behaviors of Dementia where Music is Beneficial07:46 Therapeutic Music versus Listening Music09:14 Procedures and Things used in Music Therapy12:32 Sentimental Journey Singers14:46 The Impact of the Care Partners on Dementia Patients15:52 Medical Community Seeing Benefits with Music Therapy17:04 Personal Experience of Joshua on Music Therapy with Patients19:38 Joining the Music Therapy and the Organization21:13 Online Sessions 21:54 Conclusion

Dementia has a deep impact not only on those who are diagnosed but also on the people who are closest to them. Family members have to take on different responsibilities when a relative is diagnosed with dementia. As the disease progresses, you or others in your family may find the changing roles tough to accept. It may become harder when roles change in some ways, but not in others. When this happens, it can lead to some confusion about how to act. It sometimes takes a while to figure out just who will do what.Perry interviews Jessica Whittemore, a social worker with Hospice of the Chesapeake. She discusses the necessity of advance care planning, the procedure, and the problems that families may experience when discussing the subject. She also discusses the difficulties that families face when a family member has dementia. She also mentions the signs and behaviors of individuals with dementia, as well as how to deal with them. She went on to explain what a social worker does and why it's crucial when dealing with individuals with dementia and their loved ones.Key TakeawaysImportance of Advance Care Planning especially with Dementia PatientsThe Process of Having an Advance Care Planning ProcessThe Challenges Faced By Families when Discussing Advance Care PlanningKnowing the Legal Aspects of Advance Care Planning for PatientsUnique Behavioral Challenges to Persons with DementiaThe Challenges and The Change of Family Dynamics Having a Family Member going through DementiaSymptoms and Behaviors of Dementia Patients based on Jessica's ExperienceDifferences between a Home Care and a Health Care Provider Facility For the Patient and the FamilySome Advice and Recommendations to Family Members with Dementia PatientsThe Important Role of Social Workers in regards To handling Dementia PatientsQuotesNobody wants to talk about death. But, you know, it's something that happens. - JessicaIt's hard having a dementia family member since many people don't recognize that they're going through all those grief phases at different times while their loved ones are still alive. - JessicaYou're going to see disagreements with family members because they all want to handle it differently, we all have instincts to handle it differently. - JessicaSocial workers working with patients with dementia, they're key in education, helping families understand what's going on. - JessicaFeatured in this EpisodeJessica WhittemoreLCSW-C, APHSW-C Clinical Practice SpecialistSocial Work Hospice of the ChesapeakeProfile: https://education.hospicechesapeake.org/speaker/jessica-whittemore-1288111 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-whittemore-bb49a3b8Website: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/Contact Details: 443 - 837 - 3376Perry LimesDirector, Strategic PartnershipsHospice of the ChesapeakeProfile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/perry-limes/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrylimesResourceshttps://theconversationproject.org/https://chesapeakesupportivecare.org/Thanks and AppreciationsWe'd like to thank the John & Cathy Belcher Institute for their generous support of our community outreach and education programs.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:55 Jessica's Background and her Profession as a Social Work03:46 How does Advance Care Planning Work With Dementia Patients?05:52 The Advance Care Planning Process06:05 The Challenges when Discussing Advance Care Planning10:45 The Legal Side of Advance Care Planning13:37 Unique Behavioral Challenges to Persons with Dementia15:56 Challenges of Families having a Family member with Dementia20:18 Symptoms and Behaviors of Dementia Patients based on Jessica's Experience22:16 Home Care vs Health Care Provider Facility 25:13 Advice and Recommendations to Families with Dementia Patients34:00 The Important Role of Social Workers in regards To handling Dementia Patients37:29 How To Reach Jessica37:54 Thanks and Appreciation

The number of people diagnosed with dementia has progressively grown in recent decades. According to some estimates, around 5.8 million people in the United States suffer from dementia-related diseases, with 5.6 million older than age 65 being at risk. Dementia-related diseases are not like cancer patients or patients with other chronic diseases like diabetes, but families suffer physically and emotionally. In this podcast, Perry Limes, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Hospice of the Chesapeake interviews Eric Bush, MD, the Chief Medical Officer at Hospice of the Chesapeake and Chesapeake Supportive Care and talks about dementia. They discuss what is the medical definition of dementia and how it is related to Alzheimer's. They also discussed who is more at risk, what the symptoms are, and what the patient and family should do if they are diagnosed. They also discussed the importance of palliative care, also known as supportive care, for those with dementia, as well as the advantages of establishing a dementia continuum of care program. Finally, Dr. Bush gave the audience some takeaways in case anyone in the audience has a family member who has been diagnosed with dementia or knows someone who has.Key TakeawaysThe Medical Definition of Dementia and the people who are at riskThe Symptoms and Diagnosis of having DementiaThe Role of Palliative Care or Supportive Care with Dementia PatientsContinuum of Care and the Benefits of it in regards to Dementia PatientsTakeaways and Tips from our Guest, Dr. Bush, to Families with Dementia Patients QuotesSo the earlier you can get these things (supportive care) implemented, the earlier you can get help for patients and families. I just wanted to go a little more into what makes the dementia journey so difficult. And one of those aspects is that it may have a lot of different twists and turns, and various varieties of dementia might have different rates of progression. However, the practical issues are very universal.Websites Mentioned in the Episodehttps://www.alz.org/https://getpalliativecare.org/https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/http://chesapeakesupportivecare.org/Featured in this EpisodeEric Bush, MD, RPh, MBA, CHCQMChief Medical Officer at Hospice of the Chesapeake and Chesapeake Supportive CareProfile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/eric-bush-md-rph-mba/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bush-md-975b1844Website: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/Perry LimesDirector, Strategic Partnerships Hospice of the ChesapeakeProfile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/perry-limes/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrylimes Thanks and AppreciationsWe'd like to thank the John & Cathy Belcher Institute for their generous support of our community outreach and education programs. Chapters00:00 Introduction00:44 Dr. Bush’s Background03:27 What is Dementia? And who is at risk?06:08 Symptoms and Diagnosis of having Dementia14:35 The role of Palliative Care and Supportive Care with Dementia Patients18:43 What is Continuum of Care?23:06 Takeaways from our Guest in regards to Hospice Care29:17 Conclusion

Life, Death and What Matters In-Between provides awareness, information and understanding regarding the journey of living with advanced illness and life-limiting conditions. Discussions will empower listeners to have a better quality of life, even at the end.