Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support
793 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 63 ratingsFading Memories is a podcast for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. It provides insights and guidance on how to communicate effectively, manage stress, and cope with grief and loss. The lessons are relevant to anyone caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability. By prioritizing the well-being of both caregivers and their loved ones, the podcast's messages of empathy and self-care have the potential to benefit everyone facing these challenges.
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Episodes
145 - A Musical, Emotional Memoir on Caregiving (Caregiver Carols)
December 22, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBCaregiver Carols – a self-help book in song format Caregiver Carols A Musical Emotional Memoir is a book with a unique twist. It focuses on dealing with the emotional aspects of caregiving. In this episode, my guest is Don Wendorf, who, like most of us, tackled caregiving, knowing he could continue his psychiatry practice, manage his care team, and do it all perfectly. We know how that ends. One of Don's coping techniques is playing music. Don is not a huge fan of self-help books, so being ...
A Musical, Emotional Memoir on Caregiving (Caregiver Carols)
December 22, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBCaregiver Carols – a self-help book in song format Caregiver Carols A Musical Emotional Memoir is a book with a unique twist. It focuses on dealing with the emotional aspects of caregiving. In this episode, my guest is Don Wendorf, who, like most of us, tackled caregiving, knowing he could continue his psychiatry practice, manage his care team, and do it all perfectly. We know how that ends. One of Don's coping techniques is playing music. Don is not a huge fan of self-help books, so being ...
Music As An Emotional Memoir on Caregiving
December 22, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBCaregiver Carols – a self-help book in song format. Music As An Emotional Memoir on Caregiving Caregiver Carols A Musical Emotional Memoir is a book with a unique twist. It focuses on dealing with the emotional aspects of caregiving. In this episode, my guest is Don Wendorf, who, like most of us, tackled caregiving, knowing he could continue his psychiatry practice, manage his care team, and do it all perfectly. We know how that ends. One of Don's coping techniques is playing music. Don is...
More Caring for The Caregiver
December 15, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 154 MBExhausted from caring for someone with dementia? You're not alone. This episode, More Caring for the Caregiver dives deep into practical self-care strategies specifically for dementia caregivers. Learn how to prioritize your own well-being,manage stress, and avoid burnout. We'll explore tips for finding pockets of time for yourself, setting boundaries, and fostering a support network. Discover how caring for yourself can actually make you a better caregiver for your loved one. ++++++++++++...
144 - More Caring for The Caregiver
December 15, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 154 MBAs a new caregiver or one who has been caregiving for a while, you're going to hear how important it is to take care of yourself. Take care of yourself first. I'm sure, like most people, you think, “yeah, right! When am I supposed to do that?”
Allowing for A Natural Death – Alzheimer’s Living Will
December 08, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MBWe never know when it's our time for death. In just over four years, or 2025, the first of over 77 million baby boomers will turn 80. Our 8th decade is when frailty becomes common; memory loss affects 25% of us, and most will need help to get through the day. Dementia and other diseases can affect personality, turning warm and friendly people argumentative, anxious, and self-centered. Dementia is not an individual tragedy. It is a family illness, rippling out in ever-widening circles that af...
Embracing the Natural Journey: Dementia and End-of-Life Choices
December 08, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MBWe never know when it's our time for death. In just over four years, or 2025, the first of over 77 million baby boomers will turn 80. Our 8th decade is when frailty becomes common; memory loss affects 25% of us, and most will need help to get through the day. Dementia and other diseases can affect personality, turning warm and friendly people argumentative, anxious, and self-centered. Dementia is not an individual tragedy. It is a family illness, rippling out in ever-widening circles that af...
Dementia & End-of-Life Choices: Embracing the Natural Journey
December 08, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MBWe never know when it's our time for end-of-life, but as the first Baby Boomers turn 80 in 2025, dementia and its impact become more relevant. Our 8th decade often brings increased frailty, with memory loss affecting 25% and many needing daily assistance. Dementia and other diseases can affect personality, turning loved ones argumentative, anxious, and self-centered. It's not just an individual tragedy; it's a family illness impacting finances, causing physical burden, exhaustion, and antici...
143 - Allowing for A Natural Death – Alzheimer’s Living Will
December 08, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MBWe never know when it's our time for death. In just over four years, or 2025, the first of over 77 million baby boomers will turn 80. Our 8th decade is when frailty becomes common; memory loss affects 25% of us, and most will need help to get through the day. Dementia and other diseases can affect personality, turning warm and friendly people argumentative, anxious, and self-centered. Dementia is not an individual tragedy. It is a family illness, rippling out in ever-widening circles that af...
Visual Storytelling of Dementia (The Bob & Diane Fund)
December 01, 2020 15:25 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MBVisual Storytelling can help make complex stories easier to understand. It can deliver more impactful messages. It can make stories as relevant for readers as possible. Why would someone choose to document visually such a difficult subject as dementia? There are as many answers to this as there are caregivers. For some, it's a way to process what they're going through. Whether this is the caregiver's journey or how to process grief, visual Storytelling is a therapeutic process for many. In ...
142 - Visual Storytelling of Dementia (The Bob & Diane Fund)
December 01, 2020 15:25 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MBVisual Storytelling can help make complex stories easier to understand. It can deliver more impactful messages. It can make stories as relevant for readers as possible. Why would someone choose to document visually on such a difficult subject as dementia? There are as many answers to this as there are for caregivers. For some, it's a way to process what they're going through. Whether this is the caregiver's journey or how to process grief, visual Storytelling is a therapeutic process for man...
Visual Storytelling of Dementia
December 01, 2020 15:25 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MBVisual Storytelling can help make complex stories easier to understand. It can deliver more impactful messages. It can make stories as relevant for readers as possible. Why would someone choose to document visually such a difficult subject as dementia? There are as many answers to this as there are caregivers. For some, it's a way to process what they're going through. Whether this is the caregiver's journey or how to process grief, visual Storytelling is a therapeutic process for many. In ...
Photo: Dementia's Story (The Bob & Diane Fund)
December 01, 2020 15:25 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MBPhoto Storytelling: A Powerful Tool for Dementia Photo storytelling can help make complex stories like dementia easier to understand by delivering impactful messages and making them more relevant for readers. Why document such a difficult subject with photos? Reasons vary for caregivers. Some use photo storytelling as a therapeutic way to process their journey or grief. In this episode, we talk to Gina Martin, founder of The Bob & Diane Fund, who spent 21 years at National Geographic.Her l...
141 - When Caregiving Calls & Demands Our Attention
November 24, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 89.9 MBWhen Caregiving Calls, are we going to be prepared? Caregiving doesn't usually call; for most of us, caregiving demands our immediate attention. Can we be prepared when that call comes? We're not a society that, in general, plans for or likes to discuss the end of our lives. However, with a little planning, conversation, and thoughtful consideration, we can help everyone when caregiving becomes necessary. Seventy percent of us will need care before our life is over. Unfortunately, most of u...
When Caregiving Calls & Demands Our Attention
November 24, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 89.9 MBWhen Caregiving Calls, are we going to be prepared? Caregiving doesn't usually make calls; for most of us, caregiving demands our immediate attention. Can we be prepared when that call comes? We're not a society that, in general, plans for or likes to discuss the end of our lives. However, with a little planning, conversation, and thoughtful consideration, we can help everyone when caregiving becomes necessary. Seventy percent of us will need care before our life is over. Unfortunately, mos...
Your Brain is Smart - Keep It!
November 17, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 92.9 MBCan we keep our brains smart and growing even as we age? Yes! Contrary to popular belief, our brains are capable of incredible neuroplasticity, meaning they can continue to form new connections and even grow new neurons throughout our lives. This episode dives deep into the science behind brain health and unveils practical strategies to challenge your brain, fostering this remarkable growth. We'll explore specific "strenuous brain exercises" that go beyond crossword puzzles, and you'll disco...
Keep Your Brain Smart
November 17, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 91.5 MBIs there a way to keep our brain smart as we age? Our brains continue to grow when we challenge them. What exactly should we be looking at in terms of strenuous brain exercise?
140 - Keep Your Brain Smart
November 17, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 91.5 MBIs there a way to keep our brain smart as we age? Our brains continue to grow when we challenge them. What exactly should we be looking at in terms of strenuous brain exercise?
139 - Creativity Is Like Chocolate for the Brain
November 10, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 61.2 MBCreativity is a lifeline for me. Does having a creative mind help you avoid Alzheimer's? Some research has shown that musicians' brains are more resilient because of the additional neural networks formed while learning their craft. Are there other art forms that may provide this same resilience for those who are not musically inclined? Thankfully, there may be. Writing, painting, drawing, sculpting, and dancing are options that may improve our cognitive health. An art kit specially designed...
Chocolate for the Brain? Creative Dementia
November 10, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 61.2 MBChocolate for the Brain? Chocolate for the Brain? Creative Dementia. Creativity is a lifeline for me. Does having a creative mind help you avoid Alzheimer's? Some research has shown that musicians' brains are more resilient because of the additional neural networks formed while learning their craft. Are there other art forms that may provide this same resilience for those who are not musically inclined? Thankfully, there may be. Writing, painting, drawing, sculpting, and dancing are options ...
Creativity Is Like Chocolate for the Brain
November 10, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 61.2 MBCreativity is a lifeline for me. Does having a creative mind help you avoid Alzheimer's? Some research has shown that musicians' brains are more resilient because of the additional neural networks formed while learning their craft. Are there other art forms that may provide this same resilience for those who are not musically inclined? Thankfully, there may be. Writing, painting, drawing, sculpting, and dancing are options that may improve our cognitive health. An art kit, specially designe...
138 - Cruising Through Caregiving (w/Jennifer L. FitzPatrick)
November 03, 2020 11:00 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBIn the first place, is it even possible to find a way to achieve cruising through caregiving? We all know that being a family caregiver is no vacation. Together with my guest on this podcast episode, we talk about reducing the challenges we face, even if only slightly.
Cruising Through Caregiving
November 03, 2020 11:00 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBIn the first place, is it even possible to find a way to achieve cruising through caregiving? We all know that being a family caregiver is no vacation. Together with my guest on this podcast episode, we talk about reducing the challenges we face, even if only slightly.
Cruising Through Caregiving (w/Jennifer L. FitzPatrick)
November 03, 2020 11:00 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBDon't Just Survive Caregiving, Cruise Through It with Confidence! Caregiving can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, you can navigate it with grace. "Cruising Through Caregiving" is your essential guide, packed with practical advice from Jennifer FitzPatrick, a seasoned caregiver and expert. Whether you're a new caregiver or facing unexpected challenges, this episode equips you to handle any situation. FitzPatrick, along with 24 other professionals, provides solutions for everythin...
Self-Care Is Not Just Bubble Baths & Wine
October 27, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBSelf-care is more than bubble baths & wine. Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a glass of wine. Caregivers frequently hear, “you have to take care of yourself,” but they seldom hear how to make that happen. They're also rarely offered the assistance they need that would allow them time for self-care. If you want to demolish the feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and bitterness, you need to learn how to become a Warrior of Light. That is the title of my guest's book. Eileen Silverberg is a c...
Self Care Is Not Just Bubble Baths & Wine
October 27, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBSelf care is more than bubble baths & wine. Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a glass of wine. Caregivers frequently hear, “you have to take care of yourself,” but they seldom hear how to make that happen. They're also rarely offered the assistance they need that would allow them time for self-care. If you want to demolish the feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and bitterness, you need to learn how to become a Warrior of Light. That is the title of my guest's book. Eileen Silverberg is a c...
137 - Self-Care Is Not Just Bubble Baths & Wine
October 27, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBSelf-care is more than bubble baths & wine. Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a glass of wine. Caregivers frequently hear, “you have to take care of yourself,” but they seldom hear how to make that happen. They're also rarely offered the assistance they need that would allow them time for self-care. If you want to demolish the feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and bitterness, you need to learn how to become a Warrior of Light. That is the title of my guest's book. Eileen Silverberg is a c...
Moving On After Caregiving
October 20, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBMost of us don't sign up for caregiving. It happens because of a crisis or slowly takes over more of our day-to-day lives. Eventually, much of our caregiving comes to an end, and then what? When caregiving has been your primary life purpose for years, what do you do when that's gone? Moving on isn't always easy. Even when we think we're ready for the change, we can feel lost when it happens. During this unique time in our world, moving on is even more challenging. How do we move on in a worl...
136 - Moving On After Caregiving
October 20, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBMost of us don't sign up for caregiving. It happens because of a crisis or slowly takes over more of our day-to-day lives. Eventually, much of our caregiving comes to an end, and then what? When caregiving has been your primary life purpose for years, what do you do when that's gone? Moving on isn't always easy. Even when we think we're ready for the change, we can feel lost when it happens. During this unique time in our world, moving on is even more challenging. How do we move on in a worl...
135 - Your Brain Has A Superpower
October 13, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBYour brain has a superpower – do you know how to activate it? Do you want to take charge of your brain? Keep your mind healthy and strong for the remainder of your life? Are you aware of how things and people in your life influence your neurological health? There are ways to take charge of the meaning of your life and tune in to an extraordinary life. My guest for this episode is Dr. Phillipe Douyon. He is a neurologist, an author, an app designer, and a course developer. He's here to teach u...
Your Brain Can Have a Superpower
October 13, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 73.9 MBYour brain has a superpower – do you know how to activate it? Do you want to take charge of your brain? Keep your mind healthy and strong for the remainder of your life? Are you aware of how things and people in your life influence your neurological health? There are ways to take charge of the meaning of your life and tune in to an extraordinary life. When more than 100 million Americans live with a neurological disease, it's crucial to find ways to avoid going down the same path—neurological...
Your Brain Has A Superpower
October 13, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 73.9 MBYour brain has a superpower – do you know how to activate it? Do you want to take charge of your brain? Keep your mind healthy and strong for the remainder of your life? Are you aware of how things and people in your life influence your neurological health? There are ways to take charge of the meaning of your life and tune in to an extraordinary life. My guest for this episode is Dr. Phillipe Douyon. He is a neurologist, an author, an app designer, and a course developer. He's here to teach...
Give Your Brain A Superpower
October 13, 2020 10:00 - 54 minutes - 75.3 MBYour brain has a superpower – do you know how to activate it? Do you want to take charge of your brain? Keep your mind healthy and strong for the remainder of your life? Are you aware of how things and people in your life influence your neurological health? There are ways to take charge of the meaning of your life and tune in to an extraordinary life. My guest for this episode is Dr. Phillipe Douyon. He is a neurologist, an author, an app designer, and a course developer. He's here to tea...
134 - Stress & Anxiety Relief through Music Therapy
October 05, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 63.2 MBStress & anxiety relief through music therapy is definitely something you can do at home. There is abundant research that proves listening to music helps to reduce our levels of anxiety. Anxiety, one of the most common, and most devastating, of all mental conditions, has become somewhat of an epidemic in modern-day society. What is the leading cause of anxiety? The enormous amounts of stress in our lives. This is because stress builds up and up and, if left untreated or unaddressed, resul...
Stress & Anxiety Relief through Music Therapy
October 05, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 63.2 MBFeeling anxious and stressed as a caregiver? You're not alone. Music therapy offers a powerful, at-home solution to manage stress. Studies show listening to music you enjoy lowers anxiety and promotes relaxation. Similar to mood-altering medications, music can positively impact both emotions and the body. The key? Find music that resonates with you! Take a "sound bath" and experiment with different genres. Aim for slower tempos (around 60 beats per minute) to induce calmness. Nature sounds, c...
133 - 356 Caregiving Tips
September 29, 2020 13:02 - 53 minutes - 73.9 MBOne of 5 authors of the books “365 Caregiving Tips” Not all tips will fit every caregiver, but every caregiver will find tips that fit. Those are the wise words you find when visiting the website, www.365caregivingtips.com. Joining me, again, is a favorite guest, Gincy Heins. She was so delightful I knew I had to have her back. Caregiving is a marathon of a journey. The more advice we have to help us navigate this responsibility, the better off everyone will be. With their fourth book, Ginc...
Caregiving Tips for Each Day of The Year.
September 29, 2020 13:02 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBCaregiving Tips for Each Day of The Year. Not all tips will fit every caregiver, but every caregiver will find tips that fit. Those are the wise words you find when visiting the website www.365caregivingtips.com. Joining me, again, is a favorite guest, Gincy Heins. She was so delightful I knew I had to have her back. Caregiving is a marathon of the journey. The more advice we have to help us navigate this responsibility, the better off everyone will be. With their fourth book, Gincy and four...
356 Caregiving Tips
September 29, 2020 13:02 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBOne of 5 authors of the books “365 Caregiving Tips” Not all tips will fit every caregiver, but every caregiver will find tips that fit. Those are the wise words you find when visiting the website, www.365caregivingtips.com. Joining me, again, is a favorite guest, Gincy Heins. She was so delightful I knew I had to have her back. Caregiving is a marathon of a journey. The more advice we have to help us navigate this responsibility, the better off everyone will be. With their fourth book, Ginc...
365 Caregiving Tips - A Years Worth!
September 29, 2020 13:02 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MB365 Caregiving Tips . Not all tips will fit every caregiver, but every caregiver will find tips that fit. Those are the wise words you find when visiting the website www.365caregivingtips.com. Joining me, again, is a favorite guest, Gincy Heins. She was so delightful I knew I had to have her back. Caregiving is a marathon of the journey. The more advice we have to help us navigate this responsibility, the better off everyone will be. With their fourth book, Gincy and four other authors have ...
Make Grandma Smile – Engagement & Activities
September 22, 2020 10:00 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBMake Grandma Smile – Engagement & Activities. Looking for ways to have better visits with my Mom is the genesis of the Fading Memories podcast. After two and a half years, I've learned much more about engagement. We go a long way toward having meaningful visits by learning how to give seniors a purpose and find things they enjoy. By bringing an entertainment and participation component, Make Grandma Smile is looking to standardize senior engagement and activities. You'll enjoy this episode b...
132 - Make Grandma Smile – Engagement & Activities
September 22, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 63.2 MBLooking for ways to have better visits with my Mom is the genesis of the Fading Memories podcast. After two and a half years, I've learned a lot more about engagement. By learning how to give seniors a purpose and find things they enjoy, we go a long way into having meaningful visits. By bringing an entertainment and participation component, Make Grandma Smile is looking to standardized senior engagement and activities.
131 - Surviving Alzheimer’s As a Well Spouse
September 15, 2020 10:00 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MBHow can you survive being an Alzheimer's caregiver and remain a well spouse? When you are experiencing sorrow, fear, frustration, agony, exhaustion, and depression, and when the level of caregiving stress makes you feel on the verge of a total breakdown, know that you are not alone. There is not the way, there is not a single right way and there is definitely no easy way. However, there are paths through this arduous task.
Surviving Alzheimer’s As a Well Spouse
September 15, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBHow can you survive being an Alzheimer's caregiver and remain a well spouse? When you are experiencing sorrow, fear, frustration, agony, exhaustion, and depression, and when the level of caregiving stress makes you feel on the verge of a total breakdown, know that you are not alone. There is not the way, there is not a single right way and there is definitely no easy way. However, there are paths through this arduous task.
Alzheimer’s: Surviving As a Well Spouse
September 15, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBAlzheimer’s: Surviving As a Well Spouse. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be an emotionally and physically draining experience. You may feel overwhelmed by sorrow, fear, frustration, and exhaustion. But remember, you are not alone. This episode explores strategies to navigate the challenges of caregiving while prioritizing your own well-being. We'll discuss practical steps you can take to stay well, both physically and emotionally. You'll learn how to manage stress,find support sys...
Navigating The Maze of Providing Care
September 08, 2020 10:00 - 42 minutes - 57.7 MBNavigating The Maze of Providing Care. Feeling lost caring for someone with dementia? Unexpected twists and turns are common, leaving you scrambling for answers. This episode with Trish Laub helps you navigate the maze. Learn how to: Cope with the unexpected and adapt to changing situations. Develop a care philosophy that honors the individual's needs. Find tools and strategies for dignified care, even in challenging situations. Join us and empower yourself to provide compassionate care. Le...
130 - Navigating The Maze of Providing Care W/Trish Laub
September 08, 2020 10:00 - 42 minutes - 57.7 MBTraversing the labyrinthine path of caregiving, Trish Laub, an esteemed author, imparts a profound insight: "Expect the unexpected in every situation." As caregivers, we often find ourselves grappling with unforeseen circumstances, caught off guard by diagnoses or finding ourselves lost in the crevices between different medical specialties. Just when we believe we have a firm grasp on the situation, we must come to terms with the realization that we cannot always predict what lies ahead. Hour...
Navigating The Maze of Providing Care W/Trish Laub
September 08, 2020 10:00 - 42 minutes - 57.7 MBWhen you've decided to manage care, other steps are now needed. It's essential to develop a care philosophy, goals, and strategies for reaching the target with the patient. A plan will allow everyone involved with the care to have a clear understanding of the patient's wishes. You'll have a plan to deliver them.
129 - Life on Planet Alz with Jack Cohen
September 01, 2020 10:00 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MBSometimes caregiving can feel like we're living on Planet Alz Caregivers live on Planet Alz, which is a different planet than earth. When you see us walking down the street, you may think that we look normal, but we are not. We are actually on a different planet. In our world, the normal rules do not apply. Everything is unpredictable, and anything can happen at any moment. As caregivers know, living with Alzheimer's is like living on a different planet. Sometimes we're with our intergalactic...
Life on Planet Alz with Jack Cohen
September 01, 2020 10:00 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MBSometimes caregiving can feel like life on Planet Alz Caregivers live on Planet Alz, which is a different planet than earth. When you see us walking down the street, you may think that we look normal, but we are not. We are actually on a different planet. In our world, the normal rules do not apply. Everything is unpredictable, and anything can happen at any moment. As caregivers know, living with Alzheimer's is like living on a different planet. Sometimes we're with our intergalactic travele...
128 - Positive Connections Create Moments of Joy
August 25, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBFinding joy is easier when we have positive connections with our loved ones. Finding joy and contentment is easier when we have positive connections with each other. Our words and actions play a significant role in determining the quality of our loved ones' lives. Creating happy moments with my Mom was a top priority while I was caring for her. It was an elusive and challenging goal but a worthy one. Since our mental well being also plays a significant role in their quality of life, it's cr...