Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support
793 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 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
Nostalgia Inspired Engagement
July 19, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBThis week's guest is Laurette Kiler, the author and creator of Nana's Books. When her mother-in-law developed Lewey-Body dementia, Laurette looked for ways to have quality engagement with her. In this chat with her, you'll learn how this need ended up as a passion project for anyone who has a loved one with dementia. Nana's books is an educator-created treasury of nostalgic books designed to engage people in cognitive decline and their care partners. Lovingly designed and created, each book ...
Books for Connection: Memories from Nana
July 19, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBBooks for Connection: Memories from Nana. Discover the immense benefits of these transformative books. Reading and reminiscing offer profound benefits for individuals living with dementia. Engaging in familiar stories stimulates memory recall and cognitive function, fostering a sense of comfort and connection to the past. This activity promotes emotional well-being, reduces anxiety, and encourages meaningful interactions with loved ones and caregivers. About Our Guest: Books for Connection:...
Evoke Memories, Forge Connections: The Magic of Nana's Books
July 19, 2022 07:00 - 5 MBThis week's guest is Laurette Kiler, the author and creator of Nana's Books. When her mother-in-law developed Lewey-Body dementia, Laurette looked for ways to have quality engagement with her. In this chat with her, you'll learn how this need ended up as a passion project for anyone who has a loved one with dementia. Nana's books is an educator-created treasury of nostalgic books designed to engage people in cognitive decline and their care partners. Lovingly designed and created, each book ...
Learning to PACE Yourself
July 12, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBLearn how to PACE yourself while caregiving. Today I'm chatting with Tami Anastasia about strategies for dementia caregiving. Tami offers a fresh and practical approach to the challenges faced by wives, husbands, and adult children who care for loved ones with dementia. Using the four D's of Dementia Care, detach, document, diffuse, and distract, caregivers can find solutions for behaviors ranging from shadowing to wandering to medication refusal. The PACE model is what we discuss in this ...
227 - Learning to PACE Yourself
July 12, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBLearn how to PACE yourself while caregiving. Today I'm chatting with Tami Anastasia about strategies for dementia caregiving. Tami offers a fresh and practical approach to the challenges faced by wives, husbands, and adult children who care for loved ones with dementia. Using the four D's of Dementia Care, detach, document, diffuse, and distract, caregivers can find solutions for behaviors ranging from shadowing to wandering to medication refusal. The PACE model is what we discuss in this ...
Dementia Care Conversations: Unveiling the Four Essentials
July 12, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBLearn how to PACE yourself while caregiving. Dementia Care Conversations: Unveiling the Four Essentials. Engaging in conversations about dementia involves embracing four pivotal aspects. First, granting oneself permission for trial and error fosters an environment of learning and adaptation. Acknowledging their reality validates their experiences, promoting empathy and understanding. Compassionate care entails providing support with kindness and patience. Lastly, empowering oneself equips c...
The Four D's of Dementia Care: A Conversation with Tami Anastasia
July 12, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBLearn how to PACE yourself while caregiving. Today I'm chatting with Tami Anastasia about strategies for dementia caregiving. Tami offers a fresh and practical approach to the challenges faced by wives, husbands, and adult children who care for loved ones with dementia. Using the four D's of Dementia Care, detach, document, diffuse, and distract, caregivers can find solutions for behaviors ranging from shadowing to wandering to medication refusal. The PACE model is what we discuss in this ...
Connecting The Screen Generation to Aging Adults
July 05, 2022 07:00 - 5 MBMatt wanted his Mom to hear from her four sons and thirteen grandchildren daily! She needed a simple and direct way to communicate, ask for assistance, and conveniently interact with her grandchildren. Screens and phones are complex for her. Amazon Alexa and Speak2 Family remove this barrier. The entire family can watch out for her and help her with her requests. It keeps her as the family centerpiece, just like she always was. This need is the basis for my conversation with Jillian Guerra,...
226 - Connecting The Screen Generation to Aging Adults
July 05, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBMatt wanted his Mom to hear from her four sons and thirteen grandchildren daily! She needed a simple and direct way to communicate, ask for assistance, and conveniently interact with her grandchildren. Screens and phones are complex for her. Amazon Alexa and Speak2 Family remove this barrier. The entire family can watch out for her and help her with her requests. It keeps her as the family centerpiece, just like she always was. This need is the basis for my conversation with Jillian Guerra,...
Connect The Screen Generation to Aging Adults
July 05, 2022 07:00 - 54 minutes - 75 MBConnect The Screen Generation to Aging Adults. Inter-generational connection holds immense significance in fostering understanding, empathy, and a sense of community. Through meaningful conversations, different generations can exchange insights, experiences, and perspectives, bridging gaps and enriching each other's lives. These connections promote mutual respect, empathy, and appreciation for diverse viewpoints, contributing to a more cohesive and compassionate society. Embracing inter-gener...
225 - Best Practices With Essential Oils in Dementia Care
June 28, 2022 07:00 - 54 minutes - 75 MBUsing natural remedies has been my preferred method of health care whenever possible. My dad spent the last decade of his life on many prescription drugs, which caused numerous unpleasant side effects. They added more to address the latest side effects instead of reducing the number of drugs he was on. After moving Mom to memory care, my sister wanted to diffuse essential oils in her room, but it wasn't practical since we were not there every day. In this episode, I talk with a past guest, D...
The Essence of Healing: Optimal Strategies for Dementia Care with Essential Oils
June 28, 2022 07:00 - 58 minutes - 80.3 MBUsing natural remedies has been my preferred method of health care whenever possible. My dad spent the last decade of his life on many prescription drugs, which caused numerous unpleasant side effects. They added more to address the latest side effects instead of reducing the number of drugs he was on. After moving Mom to memory care, my sister wanted to diffuse essential oils in her room, but it wasn't practical since we were not there every day. In this episode, I talk with a past guest, D...
Best Practices With Essential Oils in Dementia Care
June 28, 2022 07:00 - 58 minutes - 80.3 MBUsing natural remedies has been my preferred method of health care whenever possible. My dad spent the last decade of his life on many prescription drugs, which caused numerous unpleasant side effects. They added more to address the latest side effects instead of reducing the number of drugs he was on. After moving Mom to memory care, my sister wanted to diffuse essential oils in her room, but it wasn't practical since we were not there every day. In this episode, I talk with a past guest, D...
Essential Oils in Dementia Care
June 28, 2022 07:00 - 58 minutes - 80.3 MBUtilizing essential oils in dementia care offers numerous benefits, including promoting relaxation, reducing agitation, and improving sleep quality. Certain scents, such as lavender and rosemary, have been shown to have calming effects, easing anxiety and enhancing mood. Additionally, aromatherapy can stimulate memory recall and cognitive function, providing a comforting and familiar environment for individuals with dementia. Incorporating essential oils into care routines can enhance overall...
224 - Montessori-Style Dementia Engagement
June 21, 2022 07:00 - 55 seconds - 1.26 MBRegular listeners will remember that this podcast started because I sought better engagement methods with my Mom. Thankfully, we know better ways to help keep our loved ones active, engaged, and happy. Montessori engagement creates an environment filled with cues and memory support that is explicitly designed to enable individuals to care for themselves. Using the Montessori methods, generally associated with teaching children, people living with dementia can learn to shop and prepare their ...
Cameron Camp on Montessori: A Deep Dive into How This Enhances Life for Individuals with Dementia
June 21, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBRegular listeners will remember that this podcast started because I sought better engagement methods with my Mom. Thankfully, we know better ways to help keep our loved ones active, engaged, and happy. Montessori engagement creates an environment filled with cues and memory support that is explicitly designed to enable individuals to care for themselves. Using the Montessori methods, generally associated with teaching children, people living with dementia can learn to shop and prepare their ...
Montessori Style Dementia Engagement
June 21, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBMontessori-style dementia engagement emphasizes individualized, meaningful activities tailored to each person's abilities and interests. By focusing on tasks that promote independence and purpose, such as sorting, crafting, or gardening, this approach fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. It encourages cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and sensory experiences, enhancing overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with dementia. This person-centered appr...
Montessori-Style Dementia Engagement
June 21, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBRegular listeners will remember that this podcast started because I sought better engagement methods with my Mom. Thankfully, we know better ways to help keep our loved ones active, engaged, and happy. Montessori engagement creates an environment filled with cues and memory support that is explicitly designed to enable individuals to care for themselves. Using the Montessori methods, generally associated with teaching children, people living with dementia can learn to shop and prepare their ...
Creating Sustainable Caregiving
June 14, 2022 03:35 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBTheresa Willbanks talks to me about how we can create sustainable caregiving. Creating sustainable caregiving will be something more of us will have to know as our population ages. Caring for another person, especially a parent, can feel like navigating an unpredictable, wild river. How do we determine when it's no longer safe for Mom or Dad to live alone? When do we step in to help manage finances and or medications? How do we get our loved ones to stop driving and continue to allow them t...
223 - Creating Sustainable Caregiving
June 14, 2022 03:35 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBTheresa Willbanks talks to me about how we can create sustainable caregiving. Creating sustainable caregiving will be something more of us will have to know as our population ages. Caring for another person, especially a parent, can feel like navigating an unpredictable, wild river. How do we determine when it's no longer safe for Mom or Dad to live alone? When do we step in to help manage finances and or medications? How do we get our loved ones to stop driving and continue to allow them t...
The Path to Resilient Caregiving: Strategies for Long-Term Sustainability
June 14, 2022 03:35 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBTheresa Willbanks talks to me about how we can create sustainable caregiving. Creating sustainable caregiving will be something more of us will have to know as our population ages. Caring for another person, especially a parent, can feel like navigating an unpredictable, wild river. How do we determine when it's no longer safe for Mom or Dad to live alone? When do we step in to help manage finances and or medications? How do we get our loved ones to stop driving and continue to allow them t...
Caregiver Strategies for Long-Term Sustainability
June 14, 2022 03:35 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBCaregiver Strategies for Long-Term Sustainability. Creating sustainable caregiving will be something more of us will have to know as our population ages. Caring for another person, especially a parent, can feel like navigating an unpredictable, wild river. How do we determine when it's no longer safe for Mom or Dad to live alone? When do we step in to help manage finances and or medications? How do we get our loved ones to stop driving and continue to allow them their independence? These que...
Fading Memories Trailer
June 13, 2022 19:39 - 2 minutes - 2.96 MBFading Memories is a podcast for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. It provides insights and guidance on communicating effectively, managing stress, and coping 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. What do you do when your Mom h...
Assemble A Care Team (Shopping & Meal Prep)
June 09, 2022 19:05This Care Team article is on shopping and meal prep. If you haven’t read Assemble a Care Team (General)) start there first. As I’ve mentioned in previous care team articles, evaluating your strengths and weaknesses is where you need to start when getting help. In the earlier stages of the disease, it’s not impossible to handle […]
Caregivers & Employment – A Look at the Challenges
June 09, 2022 19:04Caregivers & employment challenges were a big problem before Covid-19 made them worse. This is a companion article to the podcast episode Caregiving & Employment – Make it All Work. Currently, there are over 16 million Americans that require help with daily living. Most of these people get help from unpaid family members and friends. Some […]
Creating A Personalized Playlist for Someone Living With Alzheimer’s
June 09, 2022 19:02Memories are profoundly linked to music. We know this because we remember what was going on when a particular song was popular. We associate songs with our first love, our first break up so it’s not surprising that music can reach someone locked in a dying brain. Even for people with severe dementia, music can […]
My Caregiving Journey
June 09, 2022 19:01Regular listeners know a lot about my caregiving journey, but maybe you’re new here. Even if you’re not new, there are stories I probably haven’t discussed much on the podcast. Coupled with what you’ve already heard, there’s a lot I rarely shared. I have kept many of the stories relatively basic for fear that I […]
Integrating Cognitive Stimulation Through Play According to the Different Phases of Alzheimer’s Disease
June 09, 2022 19:00The article is on how Marie Vaudry is a caregiver of a mother, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 59 years old uses play therapy. She is the Founder of Gleam in Your Eye, a company dedicated to bringing joy to the lives of people with dementia. The evolution of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders does […]
What Are the Living Options for Adults With Dementia?
June 09, 2022 18:59There comes a time when a parent with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can no longer live independently. When that day comes, do you know where your loved one will go? Aging in place with dementia Aging in place is familiar, but is it safe? Living in their own home is an option for adults with […]
Gardening in Your Senior Years Is Easier Than You Think
June 09, 2022 18:59Senior gardening? As we get older, our health and mobility may change our activity level. We may no longer feel comfortable doing many of the things that we’ve enjoyed our entire lives. Fortunately, gardening is not something that we have to give up, and Fading Memories Podcast presents some senior-friendly ideas on how to keep your lawn and garden […]
Losing Someone During This Pandemic
June 09, 2022 18:58Losing someone during the 2020 pandemic is more challenging than losing them in “normal” times. I said many times that I was ready for Mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s to end. In all honesty, I thought we had 2-3 years left. It was hard to see what was so evident to others while in the thick […]
Holiday Survival Tips for Caregivers
June 09, 2022 18:57Please don’t lose your mind! I’ve got holiday survival tips for caregivers right here! The holiday season can be an incredibly challenging time for families living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Many people are looking forward to spending time with family and friends, and these tips are to help you do the same. I’ve curated the […]
Anxiety Over The End-Of-Life Process
June 09, 2022 18:56The end of life isn’t something most of us want to discuss or think about most of the time. We don’t want to talk about dying either. The end of life and the transition leading up to it fill many people with unnecessary anxiety. It’s understandable to feel this way; we don’t want to say […]
Moms Uncharted Path Into Dementia
June 07, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBEvery caregiver has their own unique story about how they learned a loved one had dementia. Carolyn Birrell used her experiences with her Mom to write a book. Walking With Fay – My Moms’ Uncharted Decline Into Dementia, released in time for Mother’s Day 2022, is a heartwarming story. It’s a story of a mother and daughter as they navigate the twists and turns along the path into dementia. How do you stop someone who lives in a different state from driving down the wrong side of the road? What...
222 - Moms Uncharted Path Into Dementia
June 07, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBEvery caregiver has their own unique story about how they learned a loved one had dementia. Carolyn Birrell used her experiences with her Mom to write a book. Walking With Fay – My Moms’ Uncharted Decline Into Dementia, released in time for Mother’s Day 2022, is a heartwarming story. It’s a story of a mother and daughter as they navigate the twists and turns along the path into dementia. How do you stop someone who lives in a different state from driving down the wrong side of the road? What...
When Memory Fades: Carolyn Birrell's Brave Odyssey with Mom
June 07, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBUnderstanding the shifts in your loved one as their memory fades can be challenging yet crucial for providing support. Keep communication open, listen attentively, and validate their feelings. Educate yourself about memory loss and its progression. Be patient, compassionate, and adapt activities to their abilities. Seek professional guidance and consider support groups for caregivers. Embrace each moment with love and understanding as you navigate through this journey together. About Our Gue...
Caring For a Caregiving Spouse (feat. the hubby!)
May 31, 2022 14:00 - 58 minutes - 80.5 MBCaring for a caregiving spouse involves understanding their needs and offering unwavering support. Encouraging open communication, sharing responsibilities, and providing emotional reassurance are vital. Creating a supportive environment by organizing respite care, offering assistance with daily tasks, and prioritizing self-care for the caregiver are essential. Additionally, expressing gratitude and showing appreciation for their dedication fosters a nurturing dynamic within the relationship....
221 - Caring For a Caregiving Spouse (feat. the hubby!)
May 31, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBCaring for a caregiving spouse is not a topic I’ve discussed on this show. Not directly. I was pleasantly surprised when my hubby told me he had an idea for an episode. To be fair, I don’t need someone to feed me ideas, but I listened. You’ll be glad I did because his idea was gold. My Mom died at the start of the pandemic, and life kind of went on the way it was unfolding back in March of 2020. We haven’t had a lot of conversations about our feelings, but that changes with this episode. To...
Mindfulness Reduces Caregiving Frustration
May 24, 2022 14:16 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBFinding ways to reduce caregivers’ frustrations is a worthy goal that may be helped by mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness can significantly alleviate caregiver frustrations. Start by acknowledging your emotions without judgment, allowing yourself to respond rather than react impulsively. Stay present in the moment, focusing on your breath or surroundings when stress arises. Cultivate self-compassion, understanding that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Take regular breaks to recharge and engag...
Using Mindfulness to Reduce Caregiving Frustrations & Stress
May 24, 2022 14:16 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBFinding ways to reduce caregivers’ frustrations is a worthy goal that may be helped by mindfulness. Caregivers are faced with a very high level of frustration triggers. How can we use mindfulness practices to reduce these frustrations is the topic of today’s conversation. I talk to Sel Gaston of the Find Your Daily Calm podcast. His family is also caring for a loved one with dementia. You’ll find it interesting how both hosts learn from each other in this conversation. Regular listeners like...
220 -Using Mindfulness to Reduce Frustrations
May 24, 2022 07:16 - 58 minutes - 80.5 MBFinding ways to reduce caregivers’ frustrations is a worthy goal that may be helped by mindfulness. Regular listeners likely know that I discovered the benefit very late in my caregiving journey. Thankfully, it still helps me today which is why we’re revisiting the topic. Being frustrated happens for many reasons. Understanding the reasons and how we can reduce them can serve us well in our daily lives. But, caregivers are faced with a very high level of frustration triggers. How can we use ...
Using Mindfulness to Reduce Frustrations
May 24, 2022 07:16 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBFinding ways to reduce caregivers’ frustrations is a worthy goal that may be helped by mindfulness. Regular listeners likely know that I discovered the benefit very late in my caregiving journey. Thankfully, it still helps me today which is why we’re revisiting the topic. Being frustrated happens for many reasons. Understanding the reasons and how we can reduce them can serve us well in our daily lives. But, caregivers are faced with a very high level of frustration triggers. How can we use ...
Conversations To Remember
May 17, 2022 07:15 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBConnectedness is important for good brain health. Have you ever had a conversation that lasted a long time but didn’t feel as if it did? Perhaps a chat with a loved one that made you feel seen, heard, special – alive? Conversations can be mood elevators as well as help maintain good cognitive health. We’ve all lived through a time that forced us to rethink how we stay in touch with other people. While many are excited to return to “normal” the pandemic did give us new tools for helping those ...
Conversations to Remember
May 17, 2022 07:15 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBConnectedness is important for good brain health. Conversations to Remember. Have you ever had a conversation that lasted a long time but didn’t feel as if it did? Perhaps a chat with a loved one that made you feel seen, heard, special – alive? Conversations can be mood elevators as well as help maintain good cognitive health. We’ve all lived through a time that forced us to rethink how we stay in touch with other people. While many are excited to return to “normal” the pandemic did give us ...
219 - Conversations To Remember
May 17, 2022 07:15 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBConnectedness is important for good brain health. Have you ever had a conversation that lasted a long time but didn’t feel as if it did? Perhaps a chat with a loved one that made you feel seen, heard, special – alive? Conversations can be mood elevators as well as help maintain good cognitive health. We’ve all lived through a time that forced us to rethink how we stay in touch with other people. While many are excited to return to “normal” the pandemic did give us new tools for helping those ...
Building Bridges of Connection: The Impact of 'Conversations to Remember
May 17, 2022 07:15 - 1 hour - 86.7 MBConnectedness is important for good brain health. Have you ever had a conversation that lasted a long time but didn’t feel as if it did? Perhaps a chat with a loved one that made you feel seen, heard, special – alive? Conversations can be mood elevators as well as help maintain good cognitive health. We’ve all lived through a time that forced us to rethink how we stay in touch with other people. While many are excited to return to “normal” the pandemic did give us new tools for helping those ...
218 - Add a Gleam in Their Eye
May 10, 2022 07:15 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBAdd a gleam in their eyes by providing tools for interacting that are fun and cognitively appropriate. How do you add a gleam in their eye? Simple, by hearing what this caregiver turned support provider has created. My guest Marie Vaudry is a sandwich generation caregiver who has found a way to make visits easier with curated activities. The Gleam in Your Eye boxes contain games that facilitate discussions, make visits more pleasant, allow you the opportunity to laugh together, and properly ...
Activities for Dementia Engagement with Gleam in Your Eyes Boxes
May 10, 2022 07:15 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBActivities for Dementia Engagement. Discovering warm and meaningful activities to share happy moments with your loved one living with dementia is now easier with our dementia activity subscription box service. Engage in reminiscence therapy with nostalgic items, stimulate creativity with art supplies, or enjoy calming sensory activities. Each box is curated to provide joy and connection, fostering precious memories and enhancing quality time together. Join our subscription service today to ex...
Bringing Joy to Visits: The Magic of Marie Vaudry's 'Gleam in Your Eye' Boxes
May 10, 2022 07:15 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBAdd a gleam in their eyes by providing tools for interacting that are fun and cognitively appropriate. How do you add a gleam in their eye? Simple, by hearing what this caregiver turned support provider has created. My guest Marie Vaudry is a sandwich-generation caregiver who has found a way to make visits easier with curated activities. The Gleam in Your Eye boxes contain games that facilitate discussions, make visits more pleasant, allow you the opportunity to laugh together, and properly ...
Add a Gleam in Their Eye
May 10, 2022 07:15 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBAdd a gleam in their eyes by providing tools for interacting that are fun and cognitively appropriate. How do you add a gleam in their eye? Simple, by hearing what this caregiver turned support provider has created. My guest Marie Vaudry is a sandwich generation caregiver who has found a way to make visits easier with curated activities. The Gleam in Your Eye boxes contain games that facilitate discussions, make visits more pleasant, allow you the opportunity to laugh together, and properly ...