Dementia Caregivers Community

Episode 24: Difficult Discussions And Decisions: Coping with the After Effects of a Loved One’s transition to an Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Long Term Care Facility

Many caregivers ultimately make the decision to move their loved one into another environment, outside of the home.  This transition comes with many feelings and can lead to a sense of loss, guilt, and grief.  Join as we delve in to some tips we hope you can use to make the journey a little less painful.   
If you would like to have a conversation, please feel free to reach out to Alzheimer’s Tennessee 888.326.9888.  You are not alone!

Episode 23: Sincerely, A Letter from a Singer and a Son

This letter is written by a loving musician and son who cared for his Mother living with Alzheimer’s.  Charlie and his family experienced a roller coaster of emotions while on their caregiving journey.  These deep thoughts eventually led to a song being recorded to release some of their emotions.  His message is one of encouragement and comfort.  Reach out for help, you are not alone!
To see Charlie perform his song go to alzTennessee.org/Podcast. 

Episode 22: Dementia A-Z: Dementia subtypes

Join Marketta and Tracey as they discuss some of the major dementia subtypes.  We hope having a better understanding of symptoms and behavioral expressions exhibited by your loved one can provide talking points as you seek accurate diagnosis, treatment options, and the best way to approach caregiving, including communication with your loved one and others.

Episode 21: Marketta's Musings - Go with the Flow

This episode reflects on processing the ambiguity, gains and losses, and stresses that accompany caregiving. Marketta shares an important lesson she learned caring for two loved ones living with dementia: Some things change and some things stay the same, and you might have no control over either.  

Episode 20: Experts & Educators: Certified Senior Advisor and Senior Living Specialist

Join us  for an educational and inspirational conversation with Neal Bowes, Certified Senior Advisor and Local Senior Living Specialist with Oasis Senior Advisors.  
Neal and Tracey will be discuss all things assisted living and memory care including reasons to consider senior living, when is the right time, as well as barriers a family may face when making the decision.  These experts take on issues like finances, feelings of guilt and the common promise to "not put me in a home."
You can also reach out to Neal directly by calling 423.896.2747, nbowes@youroasisadvisor.com or www.oasissenioradvisors.com.
And as always, reach out to Alzheimer’s Tennessee after listening, if you have follow up questions, concerns, or would like more information. 

Episode 19: Caregiver's Journey, Sandra Part 2 - Give Yourself Grace

In Part 1, Sandra shared how she and her husband John walked "The Lewy Road" after his diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia and Atypical Parkinsonism in 2018. If part 2, Sandra has advice for care partners on a similar path, including the importance of giving yourself the same grace you give your loved one.  Sandra writes a blog, "Lewy, Dewey, and Me" with thoughts on caring for someone with Lewy Body dementia. You can find her blog here.

Episode 18: Caregiver's Journey, Sandra Part 1 - The Lewy Road

Sandra and John built a beautiful life together.  Lewy Body dementia tried to derail that after John was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Atypical Parkinsonism in January, 2018. They walked the Lewy Road together.  According to Sandra, their journey was messy, frustrating, sweet, tender, heartbreaking, funny; all the things that life is.
Sandra shares thoughts she had while on her active care partner journey and in the hopes it would be a help to those who are also caring for a loved one with LBD. Empathy is powerful!
Sandra writes a blog, "Lewy, Dewey, and Me" with thoughts on living with Lewy Body dementia. You can find her blog here.

Episode 17: Difficult Discussions and Decisions: Safety Concerns with Driving & Wandering

Many times individuals and families believe a dementia diagnosis immediately means a person should retire the car keys. As a primary caregiver or care partner, it is our job to address safety issues like this. 
When can we expect wandering as a behavioral expression to begin?
Will driving challenges and wandering behavioral expressions occur in every journey? 
Join us as we discuss seeking physician’s help, Silver Alert, tracking technology, and other community resources.
For more information on Tennessee's Silver Alert System go to www.alzTennessee.org/SilverAlert

Episode 16: It's Not What You Think

Sincerely:  a letter from a former family caregiver and 25 year dementia care professional and supporter. Tracey Wilson, Regional Director with Alzheimer’s Tennessee shares one voice with a collective message from supported caregivers who attend Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s support groups. They would like to deliver a message to others who are perhaps a little uncertain about reaching out for assistance or encouragement... It's not what you think.
To find a support group, virtual or in person, go to alzTennessee.org/SupportGroups , or call our 24/7 Helpline.
 
 
 

Episode 15: The Six A's of Dementia

Communicating with a person living with dementia subtypes can be challenging and difficult to understand at times. Memory is only one factor in terms of cognitive decline.  Introducing yourself and gaining a better understanding of all of the A’s can help you overcome some of the challenges and try to formulate a game plan.
This video from Alzheimer's Tennessee's Caregiver Academy offers more on on how to engage with someone with dementia at any point on their journey.