veranda ministries

Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's mother's homegoing happened on a Leap Year. As with any family losing a loved one, the anniversary of that loved one's death comes in a tsunami-like wave of great proportion each year. But February 29th only happens every four years, and obviously, it can make the intensity of the weight of grief even more difficult. 

Take a drive "across that Memphis Bridge" with Mary Anne as she revisits the most difficult days of her life. She shares how the broken system of her parents' care throttles her passion in offering hope for caregivers by fascillitating The Veranda Ministries respite program for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Supportive friends and family, along with your own quality of health and well-being, can play a role in how grief impacts you following bereavement. It’s important to know that there are healthy ways to cope with grief. Life may never be quite the same again, but honoring your loved one on those anniversaries can bring hope and optimism as you move forward with your life.

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Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's guest is Brenda Powers, a registered nurse specializing in geriatric care, with a strong focus on supporting the aging population, especially those with dementia. Brenda has actively contributed enhancing geriatric care through workforce development panels, aiding in devloping dementia education programs like the Vanderbilt Nurse Practitioner School and participating on boards dedicated to the health care improvement within the aging community.

This episode is a difficult reality to hear, speciifically addressing the truth about unment needs and the use of medications for those living with dementia. Families of demetia loved ones need to heed and be aware. Practical, insightful and filled with hands-on advocacy, this episode is just the beginning of the dialogue between Brenda and Mary Anne.

www.verandaministries.org

Episode 46 from the #agingangstandalleluiaspodcast, featuring host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Teepa Snow, is a candid and vulnerably honest dialogue about hospice and dementia. The hunger for knowledge to help others began with Mary Anne's desire to experience Teepa and The Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Team, bringing it to fruition, for without this team, there would be no Veranda Ministries.

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With relationship-based approach for individuals with dementia, human touch plays an important role in promoting overall well-being. There's nothing quite like a hug or holding hands to promote a physical relaxation response. It's known to reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress. And there's no difference between those with or without dementia in that response.

The Veranda Ministries offers caregivers the role of "Second Family", as each day, clients are treated with great care and personal attention. When one of the Veranda "chosen" passes on, it's not unlikely that the remaining friends and staff also go through their own kind of grief. Much like Miss Jane, Yvonne and Ricky, you will hear the heart-felt journey that each one took, as Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly tells their moving stories. 

Caregivers need aftercare too.

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Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Veranda Ministries, has added a new dimension to her impactful work in senior care with the release of her latest book, A Proactive Perspective in Dementia Care: A Relationship-Based Approach, on November 2, 2023. The book is now available in paperback and ebook version on Amazon.

In her book, Oglesby-Sutherly draws upon her extensive experience as a certified dementia practitioner and her role as a leader in senior care advocacy. A Proactive Perspective provides a unique and empowering approach to dementia care, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies in fostering meaningful relationships with individuals facing cognitive challenges.

A Proactive Perspective invites readers to ponder a deeper meaning to personhood, challenge stigmas surrounding dementia, and celebrate enduring human connections. Oglesby-Sutherly encourages caregivers, family, and individuals involved in experiencing dementia to live a more vibrant and connected life with each other.
Oglesby-Sutherly founded Veranda Ministries, an accredited non-profit organization offering dementia care, and The Veranda, a respite program for aging adults.

Podcast producer, Sue Duffield, praises the relevancy and biblical necessity of “The Kingdom principle" as definitively described in scripture. According to Leviticus 19:32, to ‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.’ Mary-Anne says it best: 'Sadly, instead of a refuge to run to as we age, church has become more of a place to run from.' Something is horribly lost when our local church stops considering the aging members of their congregation as part of their community. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, and her diverse ministry of caring for those with dementia, teaches and facilitates churches, via conferences and outreaches on how to understand the need for congregations to embrace generational care and its benefits.”

The Talley family's love and compassion for their parents and grandparents will bring sincere joy, levity and hope for families who take on this great calling called "care partnering." Gospel singer/songwriter, Lauren Talley, along with her Uncle Kirk Talley (also a singer/songwriter), shares on this episode that through thick and thin, family always comes first. 

Even throughout their former road life together as a family with extensive touring and concert appearances, the Talleys (including Roger and Debra) managed to be creative with their care for their loved ones at home with dementia. Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, expresses the privilege and honor it was in helping this family's journey during some of the most difficult of times.

But the best part of this episode is the hilariously true stories that are like a salve to the soul. Laughing WITH your family during the tough times, is and will always be a thorough and amazing way to healing. Care partners will identify with the hope and joviality that the Talley family convey, as they share the aspect of joy in the journey of dementia. 

www.theverandaministries.org

www.laurentalley.com

It’s a known fact that the elderly and especially those with dementia or Alzheimers respond positively to the music that was part of their world for most of their lives. Today’s episode features two friends of host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, who have a long and productive history in southern gospel music. Danny Jones is vice president of The Singing News and Billy Blackwood is a singer/songwriter and son of the legendary James Blackwood and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.

Both hilarious and honest is the tri-alogue between these friends, who take gospel music and the hymns of the church seriously. They know the impact it makes on the aging. 

www.theverandaministries.org

This episode shows the extraordinary love of a son for his mother with dementia. Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's part of this story was in previous episode 25. This is a heart-felt perspective and cry from that son, Anthony Facello 

Being a caregiver for a parent is never easy, especially if you are younger and thrown into a broken system that makes no sense in treating those with dementia. It’s taken a few months for Anthony to share his journey but if your loved one has dementia, you will definitely relate and benefit from his story of redemption for his "mama", as Anthony so affectionately calls her. That unseen hand of miracles guided Anthony through Mary Anne and a nun from Oklahoma, to a basement hospice full of compassion and mercy called "The Heart of Mary House" in Nashville, TN.

www.theverandaministries.org

There’s a lot we can learn from the palliative care movement: it considers death as meaningful and dying as a stage of life to be valued, supported and lived. Welcoming mortality might actually help us live better lives and support communities — rather than relying on medical systems — to care for people at the end of their lives. And if you're new to the Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast, be introduced to one of the most compassionate experts on aging and carepartnering in Middle Tennessee - host, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly.

Mary Anne's guest is Danny Jones, a 24-year veteran in Gospel Music and publisher and Editor in Chief of Singing News. During his tenure he has authored five barely successful books (his words!) that offer inside (and often humorous) looks at the world of Southern Gospel music. He is also the host of the 'Danny's Diary' podcast (www.singingnews.com/dannysdiary) and and also heard on Singing News Radio from 6 p.m. to midnight (CST) on Sunday nights.

Discussed on this episode will include Danny's role as 'only son' to care for his aging parents, and more specifically his end-of-life journey with his mother in her final days. A compassionate, humorous and informative dialogue between Mary Anne and Danny is what makes this such a great listen.

www.verandaministries.org

When the FDA gives approval for the first drug to be used for agitation (brexpiparazole) in Alzheimer's and dementia patients, there's also fair warning for the hidden side effects along with mortality risk. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Sue Duffield have an honest and informative discussion about the pros and cons of using this type of drug in a brain that has a disease, and not just depression.

The use of the word "Care Partner" is also described, as families, professionals and the medical profession try and should work together to do what's best for the person with dementia or Alzheimer's. Mary Anne reads directly from the press release from the agency as to the indications, dosage, and side effects of this approved medication. This is not new information, but it is a first for this drug's approval.

Understanding your loved one's behavior, as a caregiver and care partner, could be the greatest therapy, instead of drugs that carry such risks.

www.verandaministries.org

On previous episode number 28, "Markers of the Heart" touched on the truth about advocating for ourselves. This week's episode number 29 continues with that topic as Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Sue Duffield discuss how to support and advocate for those living with dementia and the aging population. As usual, something always sparks Mary Anne's desire to share the truth with honest concern of life lessons she has learned in her advocacy journey. This week is no exception. Discussion includes Mary Anne's new diagnosis of "non-specified dementia" and also the arrest of a gentleman with FTD and that family's horrific journey. It's very obvious that this culture needs better understanding for those living with dementia. Most of all, the realization is vital to find ways to advocate for our loved one's health, as well as our own. The end of this episode shows a little levity that always seems to work its way into the dialogue between Mary Anne and Sue. It's sort of like a therapeutic release so desperately needed when talking about some of the most difficult realities of aging.

www.verandaministries.org

This week's episode is part two of episode 25 of the Aging, Angst & Alleluias Podcast “A Dementia Doula’s Blessing from the Basement.”  Experience the “alleluias" from that nine-day stay in the basement for host, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's special friend, Diane. This is a resource of magnitude for those living with dementia and those at the end of life.

Kim Derrick, Founder and Director of The Heart of Mary House in Nashville, TN. shares her exceptional story with a happy ending about her mission to help those at the end of life find a peaceful, loving environment to make their sacred passage.  Her mission in life as a hospice nurse led her to find a different approach to caring for those who had nowhere else to turn. Kim's heart, her care and her mission is truly comforting and compassionate for her patients and their loved ones. The Heart of Mary House is changing how end of life looks for those in desperate need, coming from a simple oasis in a cinder-block basement. 

www.heartofmaryhouse.org

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This compassionate episode is about a woman who Mary Anne grew to love and yet never heard speak her name. It’s about a broken medical system that truly left this woman completely desperate and at death's door. Yet, when all options were completely exhausted, a simple basement full of love in Nashville Tennessee was sent via a special friend in Oklahoma. 

Though the basement is simple, the love of Christ oozes out of every cinder block in those three large rooms. Mary Anne describes how she sees the hands and feet of Christ from the moment she walks in. He is there. The heart of heaven resides in that small basement on Thompson Lane. 

This Dementia Doula is forever changed and honored to have cared for this special friend and her family. Life and death will never look the same way again. In those final nine days, even in death, Mary Anne's friend showed her what life is truly about. This is what genuine compassion looks like. This old song says it best:
“ What the world needs now is love, sweet love
That's the only thing that there’s just too little of..."

Except for a small basement on Thompson Lane in Nashville, it's full of that love!

www.heartofmaryhouse.org
www.theverandaministries.org

Today's conversation with Barbara Karnes is to announce her new book, "By Your Side," (A Guide for Caring for the Dying at Home) and the discussion of how vital End of Life Doula and Dementia Doula work is becoming in our society. Her new book is one of the best for family caregivers and since Barbara has been a family caregiver herself, her knowledge of Hospice and the experience in that field is exceptional. 

Barbara Karnes, is an RN Award-Winning End of Life Educator, an Award-Winning Nurse, an NHPCO Hospice Innovator Award Winner 2018 and 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year. 

While at the bedside of hundreds of people during the dying process, this Hospice Pioneer noticed that each death followed a near-identical script. Each person went through the stages of death almost the same way and most families came to her with similar questions. These realizations led Barbara to write "Gone From My Sight, (The Little Blue Book), which changed the hospice industry. 

"Gone From My Sight" also remains to be the most widely used patient/family educational booklet on the signs of approaching death. It has been in print continuously since 1985 and has sold over 35 million copies worldwide. With its publication and distribution, Barbara created one of the essential tools in the end-of-life movement today. 

www.bkbooks.com

www.verandaministries.org

The concept of "Dementia Doula" is somewhat new to the community of caregivers, but not new to compassionate expert, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly. This episode is a celebration of this podcast's first year, but also an anticipatory view ahead into the lives of those who are becoming more aware of how quality end of life should look.

With heartfelt truth and wisdom, the Veranda Ministries continues to open doors for families who so desperately need expert wisdom and tips on how to handle their mentally impaired loved ones. These quality minutes on this episode are merely a conversation between good friends (Sue Duffield, producer and host, Mary Anne) who continually support and bring to light the need for understanding and insight when the time comes to place a loved one in a dementia care facility. It's not easy, but knowledge through training and discernment gives the power to overcome a lot of what's ahead for every caregiver.

Be sure to invest in the ministry of The Veranda, in Gallatin, TN. The Veranda Ministries is a 501(c)3 ministry.

www.verandaministries.org

Welcome to SEASON TWO! Last year (2022) was the Aging Angst & Alleluias pilot year, and what a successful one it was! For dementia, alzheimer's and caregiver interests, this podcast ranks in the high 10% of podcasts internationally of the same theme. To that, we are very proud.

This #22 is a 2022 encore of a previously recorded episode with Barbara Karnes.

Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and her guest, Barbara Karnes, get right to it from the beginnging, describing Barbara's iconic hospice guide “the little blue book”, Gone from My Sight. Barbara is an internationally respected speaker, educator, author, and thought leader on matters of end of life. She is a renowned authority on the dying process and a leading educator for families, healthcare professionals, and the community at large.

Barbara's award winning DVDs and books about death and dying are changing lives - in this country and around the world. In her work, Barbara compassionately explains stages of the dying process, living with a life threatening illness, pain management, and how people grieve. She explains how important it is to take care of yourself as a caregiver and offers guidelines for professionals.

 For more information on Barbara and her life as an American Hospice Pioneer, plus her resource of materials, get on https://bkbooks.com/blogs/media

www.verandaministries.org

(Simulcast from the "Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast" Episode 20)

Since Sue Duffield produces several podcasts, she had a fun idea to "merge" two episodes that have an abundance of hope, laughter and joy for the season. Listen and laugh as Debra Talley (Gospel Music's sweetest and smoothest alto - ever) and Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly (founder and director of the Veranda Ministries in Gallatin, TN - a ministry of caregiving for those with dementia) tackle some of life's most pressing issues on aging. This quick and honest friendship between these three has evolved during the most critical of times. Just as loneliness can hurt our health, friendships can actually improve it in far-reaching (and sometimes surprising) ways. Studies have found that bonding with friends can strengthen the immune system. It helps us recover quickly from illness, lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, and sharpen memory. And since Mary Anne's hope is to keep the connection of friendship open and honest, it's not a surprise that both Debra and Sue agree - it can also improve their odds of living longer, so Mary Anne can take care of both of them! LOL. 

But by far the greatest and funniest aspect of this very episode is the unscripted ending, when they attempt to sing "Silent Night", with the delay of WiFi and network. It's a scream and one for the books!

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 "A Christmas To Remember" Benefit Concert and Auction at Three Oaks Church, Gallatin, TN 5pm featuring Tribute Quartet, Angie Primm, Lauren Talley, Gene McDonald, Riley Harrison Clark, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Jeff and Sue Duffield

www.sueduffield.com

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It's a known fact that singing and music therapy can be used as a treatment for the improvement of cognitive function in people with dementia. On a basic level, songs, hymns and interactive music connect in ways that can't always be explained. Special guest, Dave Clark, a prominent songwriter and storyteller, shares his heart on this episode about his experience within his family navigating Alzheimers. You will love his story of "Alice and Bill" and the song he crafted for his family. Listen here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LVeBvU7KfvM

Dave says every song has a story and well-known artists like Rascal Flatts, Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patty, Steve Green, 4HIM, Al Denson, Point of Grace, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Glen Campbell, Donny Osmond, CeCe Winans, Michael Crawford, The Martins, and others - know the power of his songs and lyrics. But his most heart-felt quote says it all, "Although I don't write many story songs, nearly every song has a story. I am in the process of writing them down so my kids will have them."

For those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's, story set to music can be incredibly healing not only for the loved one, but also for the caregiving family.

www.daveclarkwrites.com

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