Beginners Archives - Fading Memories Podcast: Recent Episodes
Alzheimer's Caregivers
Living with Alzheimer's is a journey filled with challenges and hope. Pam Montana, diagnosed in her early 60s,transformed her experience into a mission to combat the disease. From exercise and nutrition to advocacy, she's a beacon of inspiration for others facing this diagnosis.
In this episode, Pam shares her personal story, offering invaluable insights and practical advice. Discover warning signs,prevention tips, and the importance of support networks. Learn how to love your brain and maintain a fulfilling life, even while living with Alzheimer's. Join us for a conversation that empowers, inspires, and provides hope.
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Related episodes:Dementia Patients Can Remember: Joy Ride to Past Lives
Empowering You: Changes for Better Living with Alzheimer's
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Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.
Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.
Sign up for a year of support and get:
- Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation
- Actionable strategies to cope and move forward
- Support for those who care about you (optional)
HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.
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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpanRelevate from NeuroReserve
I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
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Join Fading Memories On Social Media!If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com
Visit our website Fading Memories Podcast
The post Living with Alzheimer’s With Pam Montana appeared first on Fading Memories Podcast.
The Savvy Caregiver Program is a training program for caregivers like you. Caregiving is a role far different from being a spouse or child. Those terms describe relationships. Assisting and guiding someone who is living with a chronic illness is the definition of caregiving. It is work.
The caregiving role has a “job description”. Putting together the tasks, the helping, the cleaning up, watching, worrying, everything make up the caregivers job description. Hiring someone to do what you do isn't truly possible. With enough money you can hire people to do many of your caregiving tasks. However, the caregiver role is more than one person can handle.
Caregiving is a job most of us never expected to have and are untrained to do properly. Lacking proper training leads to stress, frustration and sometimes injuries. Taking care of a person living with a demanding illness like Alzheimer's is specialized work. Doing this work successfully requires special skills and knowledge, You also need an outlet and attitude that helps you look after yourself.
Why Do I Need Caregiver Training?Being unprepared for the role of caregiver is common. Lacking awareness of available training or even the need for training is also common. Many family caregivers tackle their role as a caregiver in a way similar to raising children. Unfortunately, this method leads to a lot of stress, frustration and tears. Consider the situation you've found yourself in. Caregiving is likely very different from any other role you have experienced. Seeing, recognizing and understanding that difference are important first steps in appreciating the work you have undertaken as a caregiver.
Most importantly, the Savvy Caregiver Program teaches you how to be a great caregiver. I attended the accelerated version (3 weeks vs 6) this past May. Learning how to be a better care partner to my Mom was a blessing. Taking this training earlier on the disease would have been a huge benefit to my Dad. Between his chronic illnesses and caring for Mom, he had too much on his plate.
What Types of Things Will I Learn In This Training?Firstly, you'll learn about providing contented involvement. In other words, successful caregiving comes down to helping the person be as comfortable & involved & happy as possible. Keeping in mind that a person living with a demanding disorder can still:
zero in on a task or activity
stay with it for some time
have a pleasant time doing it
Keeping the person involved and content may help lessen confusion and reduce the chances of distress and difficult behaviors. Determining contented involvement takes practice. For instance, think of Goldilocks trying to find a balance between too much and too little. That is to say, a just right amount.
As a result of taking the training program I learned new ways to approach caring for Mom as she declines further. Learning that we, as caregivers, are more in charge than we thought was huge. While we can't control the disease, we can control our reactions. For example. reacting in calm, more understanding ways helps our loved one stay calm. Anyone dealing with someone with Alzheimer's knows that being calm can be a challenge.
Changing our behavior, reactions will change the outcomes of many of our interactions. That's the benefit of becoming a Savvy Caregiver. As a result, our journey as caregivers can be a lot easier.
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RELATED EPISODES:
What Is Death Positivity?
The Heart of Caring - Dementia & Hospice
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Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.
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Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.
Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.
Sign up for a year of support and get:
HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpanRelevate from NeuroReserve
I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com
or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com
The post Becoming a Savvy Caregiver appeared first on Fading Memories Podcast.
A Path Revealed, Carlen MadduxElevate your well-being and sense of accomplishment through caregiver goals, a crucial aspect of self-care. Delve into the transformative power of meditation as a self-care technique, exploring its benefits in the context of caregiving. Discover how setting goals can provide a guiding light in the challenging landscape of caregiving.
Meet our guest, Carlen, as he shares a poignant journey. Just days after Martha Maddux, a spirited mother, and civic activist, turns fifty, she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Carlen and Martha find themselves freefalling, with no safety net but each other. However, this is not a story about Alzheimer's; it's about the emergence of a path in their darkest hours. Carlen's travels to the backwoods of Kentucky, encounters with a Catholic nun, and a journey to Australia are woven into a narrative of resilience and self-discovery.
As caregivers, finding a path forward is a universal challenge. Carlen's story offers insights into slowing down, embracing meditation, and seeking solace in unexpected places, including Thomas Merton's cabin. This conversation with Carlen is a guide on setting goals and implementing self-care methods, emphasizing the importance of navigating the caregiver's life and lifestyle.
Join us in exploring the intersection of caregiver goals, self-care, and the broader realms of psychology and health. Gain valuable perspectives and practical tips for your own caregiving journey.
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Related Episodes:Alzheimer’s Caregivers-Sending You Encouragement Today
Yoga for Busy Caregivers
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Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist.
Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice.
Sign up for a year of support and get:
- Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation
- Actionable strategies to cope and move forward
- Support for those who care about you (optional)
HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpanRelevate from NeuroReserve
I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order.
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com
or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com
The post Caregiver Goals & Self Care appeared first on Fading Memories Podcast.
Unlocking the Power of Your Support System: A Guide for Caregivers. Being a long-time caregiver is an immense challenge, and finding and retaining good help can feel equally daunting. Many of us fail to fully tap into our built-in support systems, which can be a valuable resource. In this article, I will share the advice I give to all new caregivers to help them navigate this demanding role more effectively. Let's dive in!
Step One: List Your TasksBegin by making a daily task list for one week, including all the responsibilities you need to manage. Add monthly tasks and recurring appointments, ensuring you also account for your needs. This comprehensive list should encompass everything necessary to run your household and care for your loved ones.
It's important to note here that you should also consider scheduling respite for yourself, allowing time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy. Maintaining a sense of normalcy in your own life is vital for your well-being and caregiving abilities.
Step Two: Identify Your Support NetworkNow that you have a thorough list of tasks, it's time to create a list of people you can rely on in your life. These individuals need not be family members or reside in the same city; think broadly about the people who form your support network. Take a few days to reflect on who is likely to be there for the long haul. Once you have your list, consider the strengths and abilities of each person and match them with tasks they would be best suited to assist with.
For instance, if making phone calls to insurance companies or banks is not your forte, identify someone who excels in this area. It could be your spouse, a close friend, or a trusted relative. On the other hand, if someone is skilled at driving, preparing freezer meals, or spending quality time with your loved one, assign those tasks to that person.
"But I Don't Need Help Right Now."You might be thinking, "But I don't need help right now; I can handle everything." While that may be true at present, it's essential to plan for emergencies and the future. What if you become injured and are unable to fulfill your regular responsibilities? Having a support system already in place will greatly reduce stress during such challenging times.
Dementia, in particular, is a merciless disease. While the progression may be gradual, there are sudden dips that require immediate adjustments in handling household matters. Waiting until your loved one requires more help may only exacerbate the stress. In my experience, my mother initially resisted the idea of assistance, but she accepted caregivers during my father's hospice care. Despite her initial reluctance, she eventually thrived once she settled into memory care.
By involving your friends and family in your caregiving journey from the beginning, you allow them the time to understand the changes in your life and the life of your loved one. Asking for help when it's most difficult might lead to excuses instead of actual assistance. Educating your support system and allowing them to contribute in ways that suit them best will make the entire experience smoother for everyone involved.
Caregiving is undoubtedly challenging, so it's crucial not to make obtaining help harder than it needs to be. Embrace the power of your support system and unlock the potential for smoother caregiving experiences. Remember, you are not alone, and with a strong network by your side, you can face the demands of caregiving with greater ease and confidence.
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Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter.
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The post Unlocking the Power of Your Support System: A Guide for Caregivers appeared first on Fading Memories Podcast.
What is a Memory Care Facility? A memory care facility is a kind of long-term care that provides care and services to individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Memory care facilities are sometimes called dementia care homes, Alzheimer's, or nursing homes. How do we discuss a move with someone living with Alzheimer's or dementia? […]
Don't let yourself down, get the savvy guide to burial insurance. If you are considering burial insurance, then pat yourself on the back. You are thinking ahead — and beyond. For most of us, retirement planning involves deciding how to make our money last until the end of our life. One crucial part of the […]
Falls can be deadly for older adults. Fall prevention is an important part of caregiving. Most of us have probably heard a story about someone who is healthy, vibrant, active even, falling, breaking a hip, and dying within a few weeks. If you haven't tuned in to the episode on Frailty, that explains a lot […]
In this episode, I bring you as many tips, suggestions, and ideas as we could fit in an hour. My guest, Barbara Cohn cared for her husband for a decade. He had younger-onset Alzheimer’s. In writing her book Calmer Waters, it was Barbaras' goal to help other caregivers feel happier, have more energy and time […]
When it comes to caring for your loved one, do you feel like you are the expert? Do you ever feel like the medical profession has no idea how to handle a person living with Alzheimer’s? Have you had to educate doctors, nurses, and every medical professional you encounter? What’s been your experience after you’ve […]
A caregiver's journey is not an easy one. There's stress, frustration, sadness, even anger. There are many ways to cope with these feelings, some good, some not so good. Learning mindfulness from my guest helped me tremendously. Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and […]
The loved one you're caring for is still around yet you feel their loss. Some think this is depression but it's actually a form of caregiver grief. It's commonly referred to as anticipatory grief and it's very common when caring for someone with an incurable disease. This podcast episode is a discussion on how to […]
When should we consider in-home care for my loved one? How do we find the right help and where do we start? First, if your loved one is struggling to perform basic activities of daily living it's probably time to get help. Part-time help to start might be the best way to go in the […]
Providing caregiver help isn't easy. Asking for help is just one more task in a long list of tasks. Learning how we can provide help is the topic of this podcast. Because of their ever-increasing workload, 65% of caregivers are hospitalized or die before their loved one. For that reason, finding ways to provide help […]
These days there’s a lot more knowledge about Alzheimer's and I am truly grateful for that. I’m grateful to be part of the knowledge space. By learning more we are better able to handle challenging situations and keep our stress as low as possible. This episode is about how I use knowledge as a coping […]