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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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It can often feel hopeless trying to engage with a loved one suffering from dementia. That's why it's important for not only family but also friends to share stories that connect with them. In part two of our talk with blogger James Russell, we discuss the wonders of the village that emerged to help him care for his daughter, how he goes about documenting her life on his blog, and how we can better support a loved one in assisted living by sharing stories of their life. After all, we are the memory keepers for those having trouble remembering...

Imagine being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at only 48 years old. This is what happened to Lynn Russell. Her father, James Russell, now helps care for her. He tells their story on his blog, "Nevertheless Dementia, We Persist," where he recounts the daily struggles, joys, and epiphanies of life with Alzheimer’s. In part one of this talk we speak with Jim about his daughter’s early symptoms and her transition from living at home to a care home where she was 20 years younger than the next youngest patient. His stories are a testament to the strength a family...

To look in the eyes of someone you love and have them not know you is heartbreaking. So, after losing four family members to Alzheimer’s, actor and playwright Nancy Daly knew she had to do something. She started Actors & Artists Unite to End Alzheimer’s – a national team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Her touching stories of the loved ones she lost to Alzheimer’s and dementia are an inspiration. And now, thanks to her, thousands of artists and actors across the nation are walking in hope and strength for a future that all can remember.

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One Alzheimer's diagnosis in one’s family is life-changing. But three? That's when Kristina Lubofsky knew she had to take action. She used her gerontology and caregiving backgrounds to create Busy Minds Box. The service helps dementia patients combat boredom, loneliness, and depression with a monthly activity box. Thanks to Kristina, older adults can boost their brain health and reinforce social connections through learning exercises, including arts & crafts, puzzles, and games. And have some fun in the process, too.

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A trip to the hospital, planned or unplanned, with a person who has a memory disorder can be difficult to manage and risky. Not to mention stressful. But you can be ready for it, or even avoid it. Michael Splaine provides an online workshop for caregivers designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to avoid preventable hospital or emergency room visits as well as navigate hospitalization, if needed. From keeping a notebook to having a "go" bag, he has all sorts of great advice to help remove some of the stress of a hospital visit for both...

Caring for a loved one with dementia can have devastating effects on the lives of families and caregivers, including financial pressures, legal quandaries, health problems, and emotional turmoil. Fortunately, the California Caregiver Resource Centers offer free support. As one of the program's consultants, Stephani Gunther is helps families cope with all the burdens of caregiving. It’s a program that every state could learn from. Because as the incidents of dementia continue to grow, so does the importance of having support systems in place for the growing community of caregivers.

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When you have a mom who is a great cook, you notice when she's off her game and forgetting ingredients. For Lily Hernandez's mother this was an early sign that she might not be well. And when she was diagnosed with dementia, it changed her family's life overnight. Like so many caregivers, Lily is learning as she goes, including the power of playing her mother's favorite music. She also understands the importance of keeping her composure. Her attitude of making the best of a difficult situation should be an inspiration to all caregivers facing huge challenges every day.

Long-term caregiving has many emotional and physical impacts on the caregivers, including migraines, depression, hair loss, and a “short fuse”. But Carol Greco is helping to make the experience less stressful. She is founder and CEO of WeCare4, a global platform and community with a portfolio of resources for all caregivers. It has all the information caregivers need so they can better serve those who depend on them and better manage every aspect of day-to-day life. Best of all, it can relieve those headaches better than aspirin.

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What do you do when you are concerned about your parents whose health is deteriorating but your siblings are not? This is just one of the many issues that can create conflict among family members dealing with eldercare. In some cases, a professional mediator can be extremely helpful. Kimberly Best, RN, MA, is a professional civil and family mediator and author. She helps reduce the emotion and conflict between family members so that decisions can be made in the best interest of the older adults involved. Because we all know that sibling relationships can be complicated – to say the le...

We all need stimulating conversation. But what happens when we are isolated or spend lots of time alone? After a career at NASA, Amy Stapleton began designing interactive voice experiences for Amazon Alexa that use virtual characters to chat, entertain, and engage. After witnessing how covid lockdowns and social isolation negatively affected the health of her mother with dementia, Amy saw how this tech could benefit older adults by reducing feelings of loneliness, exercising the social and emotional brain, and potentially slowing the onset of mental decline. All we can say about this is, "Hey, Alexa. What a great...

Gen Xers may have been saying “OK, Boomer” since the 80s, but now more and more find themselves taking care of their Boomer parents. Guest Joy Johnston – digital journalist, author, and caregiver advocate – was in her 30’s when her father was diagnosed with dementia. Her collection of essays, The Reluctant Caregiver, is a realistic, humorous, and inspiring look at the challenges of dealing with a family health crisis while juggling a career and a marriage. With a unique Gen X perspective, her writings are an inspiration for younger generations facing caregiving challenges. 

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About 40% of employees are also family caregivers, but not all employers recognize the daily challenges of this growing community. To help these caregiver employees and prevent burnout, Denise Brown develops and leads training programs for family caregivers and their employers. It all begins by starting a conversation with your manager. Employees have the power to help design coping strategies and support programs to reduce stress at the office and remain effective workers. After all, caregiving is a very noble thing, but you need to be well to care for someone else. 

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African Americans have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, but many don't get the support they need. Dr. Fayron Epps is helping to change that. She's devoted her career as a nurse leader to reducing health disparities for underserved populations through innovative, culturally relevant programs for the Black community. She's building resources and awareness around dementia and developing a supportive environment that enhances the well-being of African American families affected by the disease. By changing the narrative around Black people and dementia, she’s helping to change lives for the better. 

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It’s time to clear the air about medical cannabis and dementia. Sue Felmeth – an RN, educator, and consultant – began to investigate medical cannabis after her mother's pain management doctor recommended it as a safer option to opioids. She was amazed to discover that it can be an effective way to safely cut back on other medications and improve quality of life. Now she provides guidance and education about cannabis to empower caregivers to make the best choices for their loved one's health. CBD, THC, hemp, cannabinoids – we really get into the weeds in this episode.

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Sometimes metal detectors can also find old memories. Just ask Steve Kiley. He has a background in occupational therapy and a passion for history, metal detecting, and relic hunting. He’s created a unique and fun reminiscence program for seniors using the artifacts they find, which helps those with dementia feel valued, contented, and peaceful by recalling happy times from their past — Even something as small as a marble can spark big stories from childhood. Whether treasures or memories, you never know what lies just beneath the surface.

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Young caregivers need to know they are not alone. After all, there are an estimated 1.4 million youths between ages 8-19 caring for a family member with dementia. Hailey Richman was one of them. She started Kid Caregivers, an organization which helps young people cope with their situation. It also enlivens the lives of adults living with Alzheimer's. From doing puzzles with seniors or just talking with them, by pairing youth with the dementia community Hailey is helping enhance lives – both young and old.

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Having a good story is nice, but it’s better when it’s told well. As someone who has told thousands of others’ stories over his long and successful career as a news producer, Frank Silverstein knows the power of good storytelling. And with his documentary film Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia he tells of his personal experience as a co-caregiver for his parents. It’s a moving tribute to his mom and dad. And it shows how telling stories of our experiences with a loved one with dementia can not only be touching, but also educational.

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Long-term care can be very expensive, so planning ahead is one of the most important steps one can take to help minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Amy Goyer knows these challenges firsthand. She's AARP's national family and caregiving expert and has been a family caregiver her entire adult life. With proper care planning, individuals and their caregivers can access information and support that can contribute to a higher quality of life, not to mention a lower level of stress, and help better prepare them for the future. It’s never too early to start.

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As a family caregiver the journey of dementia can be a perpetual grieving process. But how does one deal with this grief? For Bishop Kenneth Carder, it was through a lens of faith. In part two of our discussion, we explore more on how caring for those whose memories are fading can affect one’s thinking about God, life, and what really matters. Bishop Carder’s point of view taught him that a caregiving partner can broaden one's outlook on identity and worth. And ultimately, through all the pain and loss, one can understand the most powerful message of all...

A diagnosis of dementia changes everything quickly, including how one loves. Our guest, Bishop Kenneth Carder, is a retired United Methodist bishop and seminary professor who cared for his late wife. He is now devoted to educating people on behalf of those living with dementia, both those diagnosed and their care partners, focusing on what faith communities offer them. He knows that loving a person with dementia can expand one's capacity to love without reciprocity. In fact, Bishop Carder has so many powerful insights, they couldn’t all fit into one episode. So make sure not to miss part tw...

In this episode Bobbi & Mike continue their conversation with Mary Underwood – a social worker of 33 years with a primary focus on memory care, and two-time Alzheimer’s Association Outstanding Caregiver of the Year Award winner – has learned a lot in her career. Most importantly, care facilities and caregivers need to always focus on the person, not the illness. Even if a person’s needs and conditions for living a good life change as a cause of dementia, their unique life story is always with them and should be reflected in their care. It's a philosophy that supports dignified, individualized care. Plus...

Mary Underwood – a social worker of 33 years with a primary focus on memory care, and two-time Alzheimer’s Association Outstanding Caregiver of the Year Award winner – has learned a lot in her career. Most importantly, care facilities and caregivers need to always focus on the person, not the illness. Even if a person’s needs and conditions for living a good life change as a cause of dementia, their unique life story is always with them and should be reflected in their care. It's a philosophy that supports dignified, individualized care. Plus, it can make things easier for the caregiver a...

Parlez-vous Français? Habla Española? Parli italiano? Speaking more than one language opens doors in many ways, especially for nurses and caregivers caring for a dementia patient who can no longer speak English. Dr. Zoila Ortega knows this firsthand. She learned a lot taking care of a mother with Alzheimer’s, including the importance bilingual nurses. As a health care professional and teacher for more than 50 years, she founded a nursing school that makes it possible for ESL CNA students to more readily learn course material. It’s a critical skill, especially with a nursing shortage. And we think...

Wouldn’t it be nice if we each had by our side a personal advocate, cheerleader, companion, guide, ear, and rock? This is the role of an end-of-life doula. Similar to birth doulas, they are nonmedical professionals offering emotional, spiritual, informational, and physical support. In her role as a doula, Jane Euler talks with Bobbi & Mike about how she can be a listening ear, compassionate partner, and advocate for families on the journey of serious illness and end-of-life. 

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At the core of person-centered care is the person. And despite all the limitations dementia can bring, caregivers must remember that the person is still in there. So how do we reach them? Don Wendorf is a psychologist of 40 years who retired to become a full-time caregiver. He’s learned that focusing on a patient’s competencies – what they can still do – helps them feel safe, loved, and useful, while helping caregivers feel less frustrated and better handle their emotions. It’s a great lesson for those who are at wits’ end, which can be a daily experience for many of us.<...

A fashion designer once said that life’s too short for boring clothes. But any caregiver will tell you that life’s too short for complicated clothes, including our guest, Andrea Wurster. As the head of product and partnerships at Silverts, an adaptive clothing company, Andrea is helping provide easy dressing solutions with simplified, stylish designs for seniors and disabled people. From magnetic buttons to pull-on pant loops, this apparel reduces the risk of injuries for caregivers and those with disabilities getting dressed. Plus, it helps restore patients’ dignity with a wardrobe that has both function and fashion. Stress definit...

Being imperfect is perfectly human. And with so many unknowns for first-time caregivers, they should never be afraid to ask for help. Bobbi & Mike talk with Breeda Miller, whose story about helping her mother at the end of her life has resonated with millions. And now her one-act play tells the story of her mother, from a young woman to a spirited senior coping with dementia. Breeda’s stories are full of powerful insights that all family caregivers will find helpful.

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Marriage is bliss, right? Well, whoever said that was never a co-caregiver for a family member with their partner. In this episode, Douglass Christensen talks with Bobbi & Mike about the stress a marriage can undergo while caring for a loved one with dementia, but also the ways it can bring you closer together. His role as a co-caregiver Vincent Zappacosta, author of “Dementia-Mama-Drama”, helped add a new level to their relationship, and others can learn from their experience. With patience, humor, and a team approach, they brought hope to a seemingly hopeless situation. And are better off for it.

For many students, the college experience involves 24-hour cramming sessions, annoying group projects, and partying for days. But for Jillian Lee of National Alzheimer’s Buddies (NAB), a nonprofit pairing students with Alzheimer’s patients, college is a time to build bridges towards a society with equitable dementia care. Like so many, she knows that there’s a special connection between seniors and young people as they are each reassessing priorities in life. This helps build a friendship and bring out the beauty of the individual patients while helping students discover who they are beyond the classroom.

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Is your fridge covered in sticky notes? Do you keep a notebook with enough highlighting that it looks like a coloring book? Or maybe your hand is covered in ink messages? You are not alone. Keeping all of your notes in order is a challenge and critical to providing accountability, continuity, and efficiency in care. Mike Michel, a former caregiver and case manager, developed Care Trainr, an app that is a modern solution for continuous caregiving and puts an end to confusing paper trails. He’s helping put the family at the center of personalized care by creating a si...