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Do you know about Area Agencies on Aging? This is a nationwide network of nonprofit agencies created by Congress in 1974 to be one-stop shops with information about programs, services, and resources to assist with the care of older adults. And Lesley Katz is helping people connect with these services. She’s a social worker and community educator with the Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging who is passionate about improving older adults' and caregivers' quality of life by creating environments of dignity, respect, and empowerment. And though this is our final show, our message has never been more clear: ca...

People don’t like to think about death. And they certainly don’t like to talk about it. Or do they? Sharon Crowell is an end-of-life acupuncturist and hospice volunteer who facilitates Death Cafés where participants have honest and often lively discussions about death, dying, and impermanence. And it’s not as morbid as it sounds. By encouraging early conversations about end-of-life wishes with loved ones before a medical crisis occurs, we can help ensure a better death experience for everyone, including caregivers. Thanks to Sharon and these gatherings, more people have an increased awareness of death, which is help...

Sitting down with your aging parents to discuss long-term care issues can be difficult, but these tough talks are critical to have early. Melissa Fritz is helping get these conversations started. She hosts the show Inside Senior Living. which follows families on their journeys to finding living options for the next stage of their lives. By bringing to light the heart-wrenching drama and decisions that must be made when an older adult is at risk living on their own she’s helping families find hope as they navigate the complicated and sometimes contentious process of finding the right solution fo...

As Dr. Steven Sabat says, “Look at those with dementia as people, rather than patients – just because they have certain difficulties doesn't mean they cease to be a person.” Amen! In part two of our interview, we continue our talk about the gross underestimation of the capacity of people with dementia. These are people with significant remaining social and cognitive strengths that can be engaged by care partners to the advantage of all. To paraphrase Maya Angelou: people might forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. This includes those w...

We know about the weaknesses of people with dementia, but what about their strengths? Dr. Steven Sabat, professor emeritus in psychology at Georgetown University, reminds us that these people retain awareness, thinking ability, and sense of self. He’s learned that those diagnosed with dementia have more in common with people who don’t than we generally assume; we have to remember the commonalities that we share. It’s a powerful lesson on how to facilitate communication even when one has great difficulty finding the words to speak.

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Low health illiteracy is a barrier not only to getting the right care but also to creating peace of mind for a caregiver. Thankfully, Jennifer Woodruff is helping to remove these barriers. She’s founder of the Patient Better Project, which helps patients and their families form an at-home care team, enhance communication with health professionals, strengthen health literacy skills, and organize the most individualized and effective health story possible. Oh, and it also reduces stress! Because of this project, caregivers can now have the essential healthcare knowledge and confidence to thrive in today's medical landscape.

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Sometimes caregivers just need a break. Daphne Johnson started Respite for All to help them and the ones they care for. RFA’s volunteers are helping improve quality of life for people with dementia while offering peace of mind and respite to their caregivers. It’s a great way to help offset growing social isolation for both patient and caregiver as the disease advances. Plus, the organization's volunteer model provides patients with variety, stimulation, and a welcome change of routine while reducing burnout among caregivers. Sounds like a win-win to us!

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Where flowers bloom, so does hope. And in Florida today, hope for delivering better care to dementia patients is growing thanks to Sira Botes. Her role as a home care clinician inspired her to create a communication platform, the Memory Bouquet, that helps everyone involved with dementia care by identifying the highest, safest cognitive level and establishing the most appropriate care plan. It’s an approach that meets patients where they are at. And more importantly, it elevates the quality of life and decreases the burden of this disease for everyone involved. 

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Caregiving can change everything and Jillian McCleary understands that first hand. Over a period of 6 months Jillian left her career to care for her mother with Dementia, bought a house that could accommodate her mother’s needs, started her business “Lovelind”, and got married! Listen in with Bobbi & Mike as they talk with Jillian about the ups and downs of caregiving and how to know when it’s time to reach out for help.

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When your partner or spouse has a dementia diagnosis it is so important to find support. That’s why Laurel Whitman joined Well Spouse, an organization that advocates for and addresses the needs of individuals caring for a chronically ill and/or disabled spouse or partner.  Join Bobbi, Mike & Laurel as they discuss the significant stress disability and illness can place on a marriage or partnership and how to find moments of joy and connection once again.

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