caregiver tips

It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.

Careblazers, have you ever wondered if your loved one with dementia can have a pet? 🐶🐱 In today's video, I dive into this heartwarming topic, inspired by my dad's secret wish for a Jack Russell Terrier. I'll share my personal journey with pets, the pros and cons of introducing a pet into your loved one's life, and the most crucial factor to consider before making this decision. Plus, I'll reveal my final choice regarding my dad and a potential pet. Tune in to find out if pets and dementia can be a match made in heaven!

#DementiaCare #PetsAndDementia #AlzheimersCare #CaregivingTips #AnimalTherapy #ElderlyCompanionship #PetOwnership #dementiasupport

If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel here.

🌟 Sign up for our free dementia training: https://www.dementiacareclass.com/yt

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It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.

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**This channel and any information by Dementia Careblazers is not a substitute for healthcare. This is not healthcare advice. Please talk to your healthcare providers for specific feedback on your situation.

All Home Care Matters was honored to welcome Kristin Nelson as a guest to the show. Kristin is the founder and CEO of Audivi Memory Banks.

About Kristin Nelson:

Kristin Nelson is Founder/CEO of Audivi Memory Banks, a business inspired by her experience as a caregiver for her mother with dementia. Seeing firsthand how her mother's long-term memories provided comfort and familiarity, Kristin developed Audivi Memory Banks to help individuals & families save and play back memories, anytime, anywhere, with the click of a button. Prior to this work, Kristin served for over 20 years on the senior leadership team of Partners In Health, an international nonprofit dedicated to providing quality health care to the poorest of the poor. Kristin is passionate about ensuring provision of services to those who need them most: in this case, memories to those losing their memory. She has been certified as a Dementia Care Practitioner, a UCLA Memory Trainer, and is an Advisor at University of Vermont's Women in Leadership Program at the Grossman School of Business.

About Audivi Memory Banks:

Audivi Memory Banks is an app-based reminiscing activity and tool. Ask a question, record a memory, upload a photo & play back memories anytime, anywhere with the click of a button. Audivi's audio-visual platform creates an engaging trip down memory lane that ensures on-going access to memories and the benefits of reminiscing. For those experiencing memory loss, Audivi Memory Banks provide a comforting touchstone to the past, a springboard to connect & converse, and a tool for caregivers to redirect moments of anxiety, confusion, irritability.

Welcome, Careblazers! In this heartfelt podcast, we sit down with Anne, an extraordinary caregiver with over 65 years of marriage and 20 years of caregiving experience. Anne opens up about her journey as her husband battles vascular dementia, sharing profound insights and poetry that will touch your heart. 

📌Join us in this uplifting and insightful conversation about finding joy in the caregiving journey. Your support and shared experiences make the Careblazers community stronger. Together, we navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories. 💙 #Careblazers #DementiaJourney #FindingJoyInCaregiving

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If you found this information helpful, consider subscribing to my free email newsletter for even more valuable insights on dementia by clicking here: https://www.careblazers.com/dose

#DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #AgingPopulation #DementiaFriendlyWorld

Join our empowering Change Maker Community! Dive into discussions on navigating tough situations with a supportive network. Let's tackle challenges together at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/change

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It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we create free educational training podcasts like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.

**This channel and any information by Dementia Careblazers is not a substitute for healthcare. This is not healthcare advice. Please talk to your healthcare providers for specific feedback on your situation.

Hey Careblazers! Welcome back to our dementia awareness journey. Part two is here, and you won't believe what we've uncovered! 🕵️‍♂️ In this video, we dive deep into five surprising symptoms that often fly under the radar, leaving many caregivers perplexed. From bizarre syndromes to unexpected sensory changes, we've got it covered.

🤔 Ever wondered if your loved one's diagnosis might be missing something? Join me as we explore the lesser-known aspects of dementia that often get overlooked.

If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers

Videos Mentioned:

Capgras Delusion Video: https://youtu.be/okC9hdCppvs?si=y0FxncxuZUtMF1ai

Stages of Dementia Videos: https://youtu.be/sGjuX8WHJLk?si=ngWvs7pCtDvbf_gZ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm6cHa-0Qb0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGjuX8WHJLk

Articles Referenced in this video:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2947856/ https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.9.1399 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197458006004374

If you found this information helpful, consider subscribing to my free email newsletter for even more valuable insights on dementia by clicking here: https://www.careblazers.com/dose

#DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #AgingPopulation #DementiaFriendlyWorld #DementiaSymptoms #CaregiverTips #dementiaawareness

Join our empowering Change Maker Community! Dive into discussions on navigating tough situations with a supportive network. Let's tackle challenges together at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/change

It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.

**This channel and any information by Dementia Careblazers is not a substitute for healthcare. This is not healthcare advice. Please talk to your healthcare providers for specific feedback on your situation.

All Home Care Matters is honored to welcome award winning author, Tracy Cram Perkins as guest to the show.

An award winning author, Tracy Cram Perkins is a four-time dementia caregiving survivor with sixteen-years of experience caring for four family members with dementia. She is the author of Dementia Home Care, How to Prepare Before, During and After. It is her mission to supply caregivers with proven shortcuts to reduce the stresses of dementia care. 

Tracy teaches hands-on solutions for reducing repetitive questions, melt downs, and wandering. She includes tips using simple, inexpensive fixes found at hardware and office supply stores. 

Summary of "Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After": 

Dementia Home Care meets an unmet emotional need that bridges the isolation and the not knowing what to do that comes with dementia care. Written with the caregiver in mind, the book is large print and easy to read. It is designed for the stressed-out caregiver, supplying them multiple options to try or mix and match to meet their loved one’s ever-changing needs.

It teaches how to use the hardware and office supply stores to make a home more dementia friendly on a budget, how to prepare for emergencies and how to distract and redirect a loved one. It gives caregivers a tool to identify why their loved one is melting down and steps to prevent the meltdown that can be shared with respite caregivers, family members, and friends. 

It reduces the stresses of dementia care--giving and receiving. It contains 130+ resources and services from adaptive clothing to wandering prevention. It includes resources for those in underserved communities, including financial and legal resources. It addresses care for those with English as a second language, and the Deaf and LGBTQIA+ communities, and includes resources for people of color and Spanish speaking communities. 

For those in rural communities with access to the internet, it supplies links for global resource directories for services they could not find locally. It is a dementia map, how-to manual, and toolbox for readers to flip to the page that meets the challenges of the day from diagnosis to beyond death.

Navigating the holiday season as a caregiver? Expand your toolkit with our personal stories and practical advice to create new holiday memories and traditions that bring joy and simplicity. As a caregiver myself, I've encountered many of the challenges and emotions that often arise during this time of year. I've learned valuable lessons along the way - from acknowledging my feelings to accepting the helping hand of a loved one. Trust me when I say, you're not alone in this journey, and this episode is designed to equip you with strategies for managing holiday stress and embracing the present.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the holiday expectations? Let's put an end to that. We cut through the noise of what 'should be' and remind ourselves to say 'no' to overwhelming expectations and 'yes' to embracing the present. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we guide you on a journey towards simplifying your holiday season – focusing on creating new traditions, letting go of high expectations, and realizing that it's okay to accept help. The tips we share are not just practical, they're life-tested, helping to transform your holiday season into a time of joy rather than stress. So join, as we explore together the art of embracing simplicity and finding joy in the present.

Thank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:

• ➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT
• If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat
• CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration

It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia friendly world, we must first create a caregiver friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.

Hey Careblazers! Join me, Natali Edmonds, board-certified geropsychologist, for an incredible story of a devoted husband caring for his wife with dementia. He yearned to hit the golf course, but every mention of it upset his beloved. Today, I'm sharing this heartwarming tale to inspire you - because there's always hope for doing what you love! 

🏌️‍♂️ Can't pursue your passions due to a loved one's upset? Listen to this podcast for a game-changing solution! Don't believe it can work for you? Think again! 

This Careblazer's journey back to the golf course is proof that change is possible, no matter how long you've put aside your passions. You can do it too! Sending you loads of love and encouragement.

#CaregiverTips  #DementiaSupport  #CaregivingJourney

If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers

You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

**This channel and any information by Dementia Careblazers is not a substitute for healthcare. This is not healthcare advice. Please talk to your healthcare providers for specific feedback on your situation.

It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.

As a seasoned geropsychologist, I understand the challenges that come with being a dementia caregiver. It's normal to feel frustrated, lose patience, and grapple with difficult emotions. In this video, we dive into the transformative journey of caregiving and how imperfections can be a natural part of the process. If you've ever felt dissatisfied with the person you're becoming while caring for a loved one with dementia, this video is for you. 🌟

#CaregiverTips #EmbracingImperfection #CaringForLovedOnes #DementiaSupport #SelfImprovement #CaregivingJourney

If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers

You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

**This channel and any information by Dementia Careblazers is not a substitute for healthcare. This is not healthcare advice. Please talk to your healthcare providers for specific feedback on your situation.

It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.

Are you a caregiver struggling with resentment? In this podcast, we'll dive deep into effective techniques for alleviating caregiver resentment. Discover practical tips, personal stories, and expert advice to transform your caregiving experience. Don't miss out - listen now!

If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers

You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

**This channel and any information by Dementia Careblazers is not a substitute for healthcare. This is not healthcare advice. Please talk to your healthcare providers for specific feedback on your situation.

It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.

Have you ever seen those "Help! I've fallen, and I can't get up" commercials? They're talking about a medical alert device. In the world of caregiving for individuals living with dementia, the use of medical alert devices can be a key factor in ensuring their safety and well-being. Today, I want to chat about the good and not-so-good sides of using one. I'm Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist, and I'm here to break it down for you.

 Click below to see NCOA's list of top-rated medical alert devices: https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/best-medical-alert-bracelets/.

If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers

You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

**This channel and any information by Dementia Careblazers is not a substitute for healthcare. This is not healthcare advice. Please talk to your healthcare providers for specific feedback on your situation.

All Home Care Matters was honored to welcome Mary Ellen Spangler as a guest to the show to share her story.

Mary Ellen shares her story of finding out that her father who was successful was slowly dealing with health issues that the family was unaware of at the time and these issues would later lead to homelessness for her father.

This is Mary Ellen's story and what she went through trying to help her father with what was diagnosed as Alcohol-Induced Dementia.

Mary Ellen is 31-year-old copywriter from Rocklin, California. She was born and raised in Rockin, California and has no plans to leave the beautiful state any time soon. Writing is her greatest passion, but she is also an educator at heart and has her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology as well as a CA teaching credential.

In her free time, Mary Ellen is an avid reader, hiker, and love's to spend as much time with her family as possible.

Get ready for a mind-blowing tip, Careblazer! We're tackling the anger puzzle in dementia caregiving. Find out how a simple action can save your sanity and keep your loved one calm.

If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers

You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

In this podcast, I share four steps to feeling better as a dementia caregiver. If you'd like to join us for the live class series on how to feel better, you can click here to learn more: https://www.makecaregivingeasier.com/feelbetter

If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers

You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

Interviewing other caregivers are one of the best parts of being a podcaster.  But this episode is EVEN BETTER.  When you hear how a caregivers takes her skills and talents and uses them to her advantage in caregiving, you see the positive impacts to her advantage.   Rosa Everson is a caregiver, retired teacher, professional organizer and a declutter coach.  She shares her  incredible journey of becoming her mom's primary caregiver after her mom suffered a stroke. Rosa opens up about the challenges she encountered while dealing with facilities, paperwork, and legalities, and offers valuable insights on making caregiving more manageable and efficient.

You'll walk away from this episode with valuable tools and a renewed sense of purpose.

You can learn more about Rosa by going to her website at  https://www.ahome4everything.com/

Get my free resource:  17 SHIFTS TO TAKE CONTROL OF CAREGIVER STRESS that will take you to the best version of yourself.

Thank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:

• ➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT
• If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat
• CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration

I had the complete pleasure of interviewing Kelly Carthy.   She has over 20 years experience working with influential business leaders and organizations around the world.   Kelly is passionate about facilitating and empowering change. By delivering key strategies that support leaders to be more present and discerning so they can drive effective outcomes with less clutter and confusion.

In our conversation together, she shared her powerful story of where things were falling apart. It was so bad that she was losing her hair, anxiety and panic attacks and she was in denial.  You will hear how it took years to recover - but she did.  Kelly shares so many good tips and powerful statements that I listened to this several times to capture it all.  

Just a few  of many great points she shares:  

"We're not really great at receiving. We lack receiving our own gifts. When that balance tips, and we're constantly in that giving space. We feel like there's never enough time."

"I was looking after the one thing that I do have control over, and that was my myself. I have to find a way or there is a way. There's always a way there's always another way."

"Caregivers are overwhelmed. Yeah. If they're stuck and they're overwhelmed, I would absolutely take an approach that I take myself and I take with every single client who's in that stuck space. It's what I call the Slingshot method. Oh, if you can physically do this even better, but you slow down, you take the space, you step back and you lift yourself up above your."

Kelly is an international self-leadership strategist, keynote speaker, mindset coach and published writer, Kelly’s ability to transition you from the ‘doing’ to the ‘being’ to live purposeful, present and successful life is at her core. 

 Through highly personalized mentoring and coaching programs you’re empowered to unearth hidden clues, insights to create easy to implement strategies to balance your day-to-day through self-leadership and a whole new way of being. I believe self-leadership is about taking ownership of our lives and understanding the importance of undoing a busy life in order to create a space for being well, managing responsibilities and commitments without falling victim to burnout, guilt and judgement in the process.

Grab the show notes and full episode transcript here.   ➡️ https://www.cathylvan.com/episode112

Get more information on Kelly Carthy
➡️  https://www.kellycarthy

Join the Caregiver Cup Circle  ❤️ https://www.cathylvan.com/caregivercircle
The small group meets every other Tuesday.  We would love to have you!

>>CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips a

Get my free resource:  17 SHIFTS TO TAKE CONTROL OF CAREGIVER STRESS that will take you to the best version of yourself.

Thank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:

• ➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT
• If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat
• CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration

Today we’re talking about being prepared and proactive in this challenging &crazy life you’re living right now.  I want to share my tips based on what has worked for me & what has crashed and burned. 

You 're juggling work hours, your everyday schedule  plus caring for your Loved One.  Then add the normal every day responsibilities like house chores, meals & errands.

Picture this:  

• My work calendar is online - on my work laptop - on an outlook calendar
• My Mom’s appointments are on her paper calendar on her bulletin board
• My spouse’s appointments are on his phone and through his doctor’s app and when he or I remember, they are put on the calendar on our refrig
• My business is on my Google calendar
• Then my personal appointments are on post it notes, in your wallet, maybe the refrig calendar & if I am feeling organized, I add them to the refrig calendar  

Can you relate?  Prior to caregiving, I thought I was organized & actually when I was raising my 3 boys, I used to refer to myself as the project master a& knew exactly what was going on at any time.  

Times have changed.  I could psycho- analyze myself,  but I believe it takes a heck of a lot of energy, emotions, patience a& time to care for a Loved One.  

So in this episode I want to talk about what you can control & what you can do to be as prepared & organized with your time as possible.  

Disclaimer here - my way is not always the right way for you.   It took me months  to find what worked for me.  Then, when I got it right, the situation changed again.  

You may be saying, why plan & why organize?   

Planning is important because it helps you use your time in the most efficient way. You can realistically gauge how much you can get done & how much time you have to do it. That way, you can feel accomplished knowing that you did what you set out to do.

When caregiving, you're actually setting expectations for your Loved Ones, keeping your life somewhat organized, & most importantly setting boundaries for yourself & making yourself a priority  

Think long &hard on what boundaries you NEED to set for yourself.  You need to put yourself first so you don’t stress & burnout.  You are no good to anyone if you can’t function physically & emotionally.  

So here’s a sneak peek into my Sunday’s night planning time.  I first grab my favorite beverage & block off 1 hour to plan my week’s schedule.    I go into the week feeling much better & have found out that I'm somewhat of a planning nerd now.  

Before I share & walk through the steps, I captured everything for you in an easy step by step free document.  Just go to cathylvan.com/sundayplanning

Look at all your calendars & put into one calendar

• If you are old school, find yourself a nice planner
• If you like electronic,  you can use something like google

Get my free resource:  17 SHIFTS TO TAKE CONTROL OF CAREGIVER STRESS that will take you to the best version of yourself.

Thank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:

• ➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT
• If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat
• CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration