Dementia Caregivers Community

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.

Episode 14: Marketta's Musings, Blind Fear and Blind Faith

Marketta shares what she learned about caregiving by facing her own fears and watching a small child do the same at North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge.
As Marketta tells us, fear can affect our decisions as a caregiver. It's also easier to face your fears when you are not alone. Alzheimer's Tennessee's Caring and Coping Caregiver Workshops are a great way to see how others face the challenges dementia care puts in our way. Learn more and sign up for a free Workshop near you at alzTennessee.org/Workshop. 
 
 

Episode 13: A Caregiver's Journey, Brady Part 2, Tough Decisions

This episode is the second of a two part conversation with Brady about his Caregiver's Journey. Marketta and Tracey pick up the discussion as Brady is faced with a tough decision about his father's care and living situation. Like many family caregivers, Brady realized his father could no longer live in his own home. Tracey, Marketta and Brady discuss the emotional, practical and financial issues that come with this milestone on the Caregiver's Journey.
Those facing a similar milestone in the Caregiver's Journey may benefit from a Alzheimer's Tennessee Caregiver's Workshop.  These half day events take place across Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to help in Caring and Coping with all the issues caregivers face. Go to alzTennessee.org/Workshops to learn more.

Episode 12: A Caregiver's Journey, Brady Part 1, Role Reversal

This episode is the first of two following the journey of Brady as he cares for his father with dementia.  In Part 1, he shares the difficulty he faced when the roles reverse and the son finds himself forced to make decisions for the father. Plus, hear how finding the right Support Group made all the difference. Learn more about Alzheimer's Tennessee support groups at www.alzTennessee.org/SupportGroups .

Episode 11: Difficult Discussions and Decisions - Behavioral Expression

As the disease progresses in a person with dementia, their behavioral expression often change. These changes may be alarming or even embarrassing for a family caregiver. While every person and every disease is different, some expressions are very common. Tracey and Marketta share a far reaching discussion that will help caregivers to be ready for whatever happens along their own journey. 
To learn more about behavioral expressions go to the Alzheimer's Tennessee Caregiver Academy at alzTennessee.org/Academy.  
And please know you are not alone. To speak to someone go to Alzheimer's Tennessee's 24/7 Helpline.

Episode 10: Sincerely, a Letter from Loved Ones

This letter is written by a former family caregiver.  Her husband received a diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer's the same year her father passed away from complications due to Alzheimer's. Her caregiver's journey as a daughter and wife lasted almost 15 years.
A feeling of deep admiration for the consistent kindness her husband and father displayed compelled her to write a letter from their voice of influence over her life. She conveys their message as if written by them to all caregivers.
To find help along your caregiver's journey go to alzTennessee.org or call Alzheimer's Tennessee's Helpline:

Episode 9: When the Casseroles Stop Coming

When we learn of a family in need we want to butter up a baking dish and make them a casserole. But for caregivers of those living with dementia the need for help goes far beyond what a hot dish can provide. In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Community hosts Marketta Puckett and Tracey Kendall Wilson discuss the best ways to offer help. Perhaps more importantly, they help families to get comfortable with accepting and even asking for help.