Dementia By Day

Hello and welcome to Season 5, the All-Star Season, where I share my favorite episodes from the past...with a fresh take!  Stay for the entirety of this episode to catch my take on mini-reorientation in 2022.  Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care. Original episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/55TUmpAZ433bVedZsUipzf

Hey guys, this is our last episode of season 4! Thank you for joining me on this journey. “Wanting to go home” is a really common phrase for people living with dementia. ‘Home' is not so much a place as it is a feeling. I'm sure you can relate to this. What we don't want to do is try to convince a person living with dementia that they are already home. Instead, let's focus on the ‘what' behind the feeling. The feeling may be that they don't feel sure, or that they are scared, and just need to be in a place where they are comfortable. Stay for the entirety of this episode for some tips and advice on this issue! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

I had many people reaching out to me on Instagram asking about their loved ones doing different kinds of annoying things. The bottom line is, you may not be able to get them to stop doing these things, at least not completely. Eventually, they will stop doing it, but that would also mean that they have progressed in their dementia. What we can do is try to solve for what the underlying issue is, which is what is causing this person to act this way in the first place? Join me in this episode as I share some stories that may help answer this question! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

I hear this one a lot. This is typically indicative of someone advancing in their dementia. It doesn't necessarily mean that the person is in the late stages of their dementia; it could be a result of a lot of causes. It could also mean that the patient is dealing with some depression or that they are taking some medication that makes them sleepy. Once we rule out the other variables, we do need to consider that their dementia has progressed. We need to be aware of this and not fight it so hard. Stay for the entirety of this episode for some insight on this! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

I hear some versions of this question pretty frequently. Having a spouse living with dementia is completely different from having a parent with dementia. The inherent difference in the relationship is what makes it difficult. The biggest challenge is that previously, this person used to make decisions together with you, and now it's all up to you. So, how do you keep them involved when they really can't offer too much on a lot of issues? I have a few tips on this, so be sure to tune in and learn more about how to navigate this! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

Incontinence is actually a big reason why a care partner may choose to initiate a move to dementia care. Aside from the fact that it's an embarrassing issue, it can also turn into a big problem because for some care partners, it may begin suddenly. The truth of the matter is, there's no official timeline for incontinence, so there's no way of telling when (or if) your loved one will be dealing with this issue. Luckily, more and more adult briefs are becoming normalized in the world of aging in general; and I really appreciate that because it alleviates the stigma around this issue. Stay for the entirety of this episode for some advice on how to deal with this delicate situation. Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

Like I've said in past episodes: we can't convince people living with dementia of anything that's not in their reality. So, bad news if you are trying to convince them that they have dementia. Here's my argument – why would you WANT to? Even if you convince them for a couple of hours that they have dementia, what happens the next day? Are you going to re-convince them? If a person has forgotten that they have a disease, why would we want to remind them? This goes for similar reminders, like taking them to the cemetery or showing them obituaries. Just. don't. Stay for the entirety of this episode for some tips and advice on this issue. Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

What's the difference between lying and Embracing their Reality? I keep hearing people using this phrase incorrectly. There are a lot of people who consider themselves experts in dementia care communication and they are still telling everybody the same thing that you've been hearing for years: Validation, Redirection, Distraction. And that's NOT Embracing their Reality™. It's also not lying when you are doing what's true for THEM. Stay for the entirety of this episode where I break down the difference between these two dementia care approaches. Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

As you probably know by now, you are not going to be able to convince the person living with dementia that they are no longer capable of handling their own finances. One of the main things that people will hold on to with all their might is money. No one wants to feel like somebody else is taking control of their financial affairs. But when you are living with dementia and things are being taken away from you, it can be even more overwhelming. Remember, dementia is not an ask-for-permission group of diseases: You are going to have to take control. Tune in to learn more about how to navigate this! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

“What if at some point I say something that completely confuses the person living with dementia? Should I really do this Embracing their reality thing, because what if I embrace the wrong reality and then they get upset?” Here's the real deal: you are 100% going to say something you shouldn't have said. We've all done it. Especially if this person is living with you and you spend a lot of time together. I have a few stories related to this subject, so join me in this episode for some tips on how to deal with it! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

This is a great question! But, unfortunately, this is a question that most caregivers don't ask until they are deeply burned out. Sometimes people don't give themselves enough space and time to take care of their own things. Actually, I used to be that kind of person until I got more serious in hiring other people to help me with my business because I realized that I can't do everything myself. When it comes to taking care of a person living with dementia, the same thing goes – you can't handle it all by yourself; especially when the person living with dementia starts needing more and more help. Stay for the entirety of this episode for some tips and advice on how to avoid burnout! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

‘What if my mom believes something that's not true, and I keep embracing her reality... won't that eventually make her more confused?' You've probably already guessed this one, and the answer is NO. There's no scientific evidence that letting a person believe they are correct will make them worse. In fact, if you are constantly correcting a person about their beliefs, that actually will be a lot worse. Stay for the entirety of the episode for some tips and advice on this issue! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

I get this question all the time! For starters, I don't like the term “memory care.” Why? Because not all people living with dementia have issues with their memory. So, how do you know when it's time? Don't wait until they tell you it is time, because...they aren't going to. While there's no official answer to this question, the truth is that if you are thinking about moving your loved one, it's probably time. I suggest reading my first book, "When Someone You Know is Living in a Dementia Care Community" as a complementary piece to this episode. Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

This question is more common than you think, and it's usually related to doing different tasks around the house that we all take for granted, attributing them to annoying chores we have to do. However, for someone living with dementia, these little tasks can actually seem difficult and overwhelming. Why? Well, it's called task switching. Task switching is the ability to move from one task to another seamlessly – something we do all the time. But for someone with cognitive impairment, this is a really hard thing to accomplish. Tune in to learn more about how to navigate this! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

This one usually comes along with, “Is he going to lose his ability to speak altogether?” The answer is, like everything else with dementia…maybe. Aphasia is a communication-related issue that happens when the person loses his ability to communicate verbally. There are different kinds of aphasia and, although it is common in dementia patients, it doesn't happen to all of them. Join me while I explore this difficult but common scenario, in this brand new episode! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

You may not be in this exact situation, but I can guarantee that there's someone in your life that is not cool with wanting to transition your loved one living with dementia to a dementia care community. “Don't you have a caregiver come in a few times? Isn't that enough?” They are guilting you, but probably not on purpose. They may just be trying to help you go through this situation. But at the end of the day, they are only preventing you from making the right decision that will not only help you but also your loved one. Stay for the entirety of this episode for some tips and advice on how to deal with this difficult situation. Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

This is a great question because this issue comes up differently for everybody. I've had clients who would get in the shower no problem one day, and the following day, it would be a complete battle to get them to get in the shower! So, why won't they do these easy tasks that they always used to do? And how can you help them get in the shower in a sensitive way? Listen to this episode and find out! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care. 

If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you'll probably know the answer to this one… YOU DON'T TELL THEM. Your loved one may be pretty attached to that house and to the feeling of home that it holds for them, so you can imagine how traumatic it can be to tell them that you sold that house. Stay for the entirety of this episode for some tips and advice on how to deal with this subject as it will inevitably come up! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

This is a raw question that I hear pretty often... how do I tell my loved one that somebody in their lives has passed away? The short answer? YOU DON'T. I know you may feel like you have to tell them, but think about it for a second: Is it really a good idea to bring your loved one into that whole situation? Join me while I explore this difficult but common scenario in this brand-new episode! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

What do you do when a loved one has received the diagnosis of dementia? Who and where do you turn to? Honestly, most people figure it out on their own… And if you are listening to this podcast, it's probably because you are looking for a place to start. Stay for the entirety of the episode for some tips and advice on this issue! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care. 

This is a question I get asked pretty frequently. Note: If you haven't listened to last week's episode about embracing somebody's reality, I recommend you do; because it all ties together today. Plenty of people go through the entire course of the disease and are able to place all of their loved ones on their timelines – but sometimes, this doesn't happen. This is where it seems that they “don't recognize us anymore.” Find out more about the ins and outs of Timeline Confusion™ in today's episode! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care

Today we are covering an issue that's a real challenge for people, even those who have been living with a loved one with dementia for a long time. So, what do you do when someone you are caring for asks a direct question? Do you tell them the truth? Or do you just make something up?My Embrace Their Reality™ approach can really help you answer these questions. Tune in and find out more! Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

We're back for season 4 of the Dementia By Day podcast!  Today, I'm talking all about how to know if the person I'm caring for actually has dementia. It's a question I get a lot because there's a lot of conflicting information out there on what dementia really is. Dementia is a group of symptoms that is caused by different types of diseases. However, there are nearly a hundred diseases that can cause dementia – this makes it really hard to diagnose!  If your loved one is indeed living with dementia, it is much better to catch it early because there are lifestyle changes that can be made to slow the progression of the disease.  So, how do you know? Tune in to find out!  Visit https://rachaelwonderlin.com/products/ for more in Dementia Care.

This is my last episode for a bit! I'm switching back to blogging after 3 seasons of audio, so I hope to see you over on my blog come March! In this final episode of season 3, we talk about dementia care transitions. What's it like to bring in a home caregiver? What about moving someone to a care community? What's the difference and how can you make these changes as LOW DRAMA as possible? Use my code DBD10 to get 10% off your purchase at www.alertafamily.com

How we talk about a thing defines that thing. When we use words like "fiblets" or "lies" or even, "therapeutic lying," we undermine the good that we're trying to do as dementia care partners. Why does it matter how we talk about dementia communication? Why is tossing out the word "lying" so important to me, even when it has something nice-sounding like "therapy" in front of it? Tune in to find out. Use my code DBD10 on your next purchase from www.alertafamily.com

Jump in to this episode on MINI-REORIENTATION and what that all means. To put it simply, I just made that term up. In fact, I made it up back in season one of my podcast, and in today's episode, I tell you WHY. Learn why it's so important to Embrace Their Reality(TM) instead of leaning on reorientation or other poor nomenclature in dementia caregiving. Check out my sponsor and use the code DBD10 for 10% off at www.alertafamily.com

I've been doing improv comedy for over TEN YEARS (woah) and I absolutely love performing. I've also found that my experience doing improv has made me a better dementia care partner: I'm super fast on my feet and able to adjust to someone else's reality with ease, wherever that reality is. Tune in to find out why skills we learn for stage are applicable in dementia care, as well.  This is also the first episode recorded in my new audio studio! Thanks to my sponsor, Alerta, who can be found on alertafamily.com and use my code, DBD10 for 10% off.

Hallucinations and Delusions are some of the most difficult situations for families to deal with. People often misconstrue the terms Hallucination and Delusion. On today's podcast I will dissect the difference and guide you on how best to help if a loved one is struggling with one (or both!) Listen for some great insight! My audiobook is a great companion tool to have after this podcast You can purchase it here rachelwonderlin.com/products   Be sure to visit my sponsor, Alerta, at www.alertafamily.com and use the code DBD for 10%  off your purchase with them.

In this episode I revisit another difficult situation in Dementia Caregiving. "I want to go home" is the prefect time to Embrace Their Reality (tm). There are some pretty good do's and don't(s) when dealing with this topic and I will share some of the tricks to getting your loved one though their difficult time. Join me on this journey today! My audiobook is a great companion tool to have after this podcast. You can purchase it here rachaelwonderlin.com/products   Be sure to visit my sponsor, Alerta, at www.alertafamily.com and use the code DBD for 10% off your purchase with them.

Did you know that Dementia and Depression are positively correlated? In this week's episode I will explain how Dementia and Depression typically go hand in hand, the importance of not sidelining Depression symptoms when it comes to a loved one with Dementia, and physician guidance and support in diagnosing Depression. I will also explain how closely related Depression and Dementia are in the elderly. Listen in to learn more. My audiobook is a great companion tool to have after this podcast. You can purchase it here at rachaelwonderlin.com/products   Be sure to visit my sponsor, Alerta, at www.alertafamily.com and use the code DBD for 10% off your purchase with them. 

Todays episode focuses on what to do when a loved one with Dementia thinks that they still need to go to work. Keeping in mind the Embrace Their Reality (TM) mantra, let them work! Lean into their reality and line it up for them.  My audiobook is a great companion tool to have after this podcast. You can purchase it here, rachaelwonderlin.com/products   Be Sure to visit my sponsor, Alerta, at www.alertafamily.com and use the code DBD for 10% off your purchase with them.

What do you do when the person living with dementia clearly needs help, and says, "I don't need your help"! Yet, it is quite clear they do need help to be able to live safely and with the dignity they deserve. What do you do? How do you convince them? Do we really want or need to do that? Is this the best way to manage this situation? It can be so frustrating! Hurtful words can be said on both sides of this issue and I'll share with you ways to provide the care they need without offending your loved one.  Let's work with them and not work against ourselves. Tune in and learn more.  After this session you may still find yourself needing help. My audiobook can be on your standby to help. You can purchase it here at Rachaelwonderlin.com/Products.   Be sure to use the code DBD10 with my sponsor to receive 10% off your purchase from Alertafamily.com 

When it comes to dementia care, so much is up in the air this time of year. Corona Virus has certainly added a unique twist and added dimension for us to all live with, and manage. When it comes to the holidays, what will this year's festivities and traditions look like? We want things to be perfect. Right? But is this even realistic? We will address guilt and feelings that the holidays can bring upon us. After this podcast episode, I hope you will feel empowered to say NO. I will cover three ways to help and provide tools you will need to help manage the stress and emotions of our holiday season. Sometimes our expectations don't live up to our reality. What now? Listen in and will walk through this dementia care topic.  My audiobook is a great addition to have in your journey with dementia care. You can purchase it here at Rachaelwonderlin.com/products.  Be sure to visit my sponsor, Alerta, at www.alertafamily.com and use the code word DBD10 to receive 10% off your purchase. 

This episode addresses what happens after you move your family member or loved one into a dementia care community. Oh those emotions! What happens after the move? What is next? How will you be feeling? Transitioning into a care community decision is a stressful decision. This is often the very last thing you want to do. We will take a look at what emotions and what we can expect to feel after we are no longer the fulltime caregiver and the community is "in charge" now. Listen in and we will take this journey together. My audiobook is a great companion tool to have after this podcast. You can purchase it here, rachaelwonderlin.com/products.    Be sure to visit my sponsor, Alerta, at www.alertafamily.com and use the code DBD for 10% off your purchase with them. 

In this episode we dive into a a very timely topic to address, yet a very difficult and hard to discuss one: Ambiguous Loss. What is it? Why are you feeling it? How do we manage it? This is a remix of an episode from Season 2 where I discuss what is this type of loss, and why it's important to understand this term.  Be sure to check out my sponsor, Alerta, at alertafamily.com and use the code DBD10 for 10% off your next order!

As a care partner to someone living with dementia, the "stuff you need to know" can feel pretty overwhelming. In this episode, I dive into some SUPER EASY activities and programs that you can bring into your caregiving! The last thing that you need as a caregiver is more work and more challenges to tackle, so I'm going to try and make it as easy as possible. Use my Memorable Pets code to get a discount on your next order! Also use the code DEMENTIABYDAY on relish-life.com for 10% off your Relish purchases, formerly known as Active Minds! Learn more about what I offer at rachaelwonderlin.com and check out my sponsor, Alerta, at alertafamily.com

Sometimes, caregiving is too much. What happens if you're feeling sick, or worse, chronically ill? How can you handle the burden of caregiving? We'll discuss the challenges and stresses that come with caregiving, particularly if you're the only one doing the job. Learn more about me at rachaelwonderlin.com and check out my audiobook here. You can help to support my content creation using the "buy me a coffee" link here. Learn more about my sponsor, Alerta, at alertafamily.com and use the code DBD10 for 10% off!

This episode is a "remix" from season 1 because it's my most popular podcast episode yet! This topic really fired me up and I think you'll feel the same after a listen. Find out what the "WHAT" is and why it's been a real challenge to get people to think about dementia care communication differently.  If you're loving my podcast, you'll really enjoy my audiobook, out now! Check out this link to support my content creation. Learn more about this season's sponsor, Alerta, on alertafamily.com and be sure to use the code DBD10 for 10% off your next order!

Stephanie Erickson is a social worker and caregiving expert with 25 years of experience...and now she's an author! Stephanie's first book, "Plan for Aging Well" is brand new, and you can learn more about her and buy the book here. Join us on this episode as we dive into what it means to take your passion and knowledge and put it into a book. Here's a sneak preview: it's scary, especially the first time around! You'll hear an unfiltered, true conversation about dementia education and what we both struggled with when writing our books. If you're loving this podcast, you'll love my audiobook, available now: get it here! AND you can support me by donating to my content creation by "buying me a coffee" at this link! (It's not actually a coffee, it's just a way to gift me $5 for content creation.) Learn more about my sponsor for this season at alertafamily.com and use the code DBD10 to get 10% off your purchase! Watch my review video here.

Woo, never a dull moment! I uploaded an edit with a longer beginning where we were messing with our tech...here's the new one! PK Beville is the founder and CEO of Second Wind Dreams and the Virtual Dementia Tour! Join us as we talk about what it means to bring new, fresh ideas into an older industry: geriatrics, specifically, dementia care. We had a plan to talk about Telehealth, but PK and I immediately clicked and started getting SUPER honest about what it means to work in this field! You definitely don't want to miss this episode as we give you the REAL-REAL on aging healthcare. Learn about PK Beville and Second Wind Dreams here: secondwind.org If you're loving this podcast, you'll love my audiobook, available now: get it here! AND you can support me by donating to my content creation by "buying me a coffee" at this link! (It's not actually a coffee, it's just a way to gift me $5 for content creation.) Learn more about my sponsor for this season at alertafamily.com and use the code DBD10 to get 10% off your purchase! Watch my review video here.

PK Beville is the founder and CEO of Second Wind Dreams and the Virtual Dementia Tour! Join us as we talk about what it means to bring new, fresh ideas into an older industry: geriatrics, specifically, dementia care. We had a plan to talk about Telehealth, but PK and I immediately clicked and started getting SUPER honest about what it means to work in this field! You definitely don't want to miss this episode as we give you the REAL-REAL on aging healthcare. Learn about PK Beville and Second Wind Dreams here: secondwind.org If you're loving this podcast, you'll love my audiobook, available now: get it here! AND you can support me by donating to my content creation by "buying me a coffee" at this link! (It's not actually a coffee, it's just a way to gift me $5 for content creation.) Learn more about my sponsor for this season at alertafamily.com and use the code DBD10 to get 10% off your purchase! Watch my review video here.

How can you be the best advocate for your loved one? What happens when people are questioning your knowledge of their condition? What happens when they go to the hospital? We discuss why it's so crucial that you continue to advocate for what's best for them! If you're loving this podcast, you'll love my audiobook, available now! Get it here. AND you can support me by "buying me a coffee" at this link! Learn more about my sponsor for this season at alertafamily.com and use the code DBD10 to get 10% off your purchase! Watch my review video here.

In this episode, we dive into the WHY behind why I trademarked my phrase, "Embracing Their Reality(TM)." Hint: It's because it almost got stolen! A client sent me a link to a blog a few months back that she found online...and they'd been using my trademark without my permission! Fortunately, it was already in process at that point, but this company really wanted to put up a fight to not give me the credit I deserved. MY AUDIOBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE! Check it out here! Are you loving my podcast? Please consider "buying me a coffee" with this link here! It helps to support my content creation. Find out more about my sponsor at alertafamily.com and be sure to use the code DBD10 to get 10% off your purchase!

In this episode, we discuss how my "16 Things I'd Want If I Got Dementia" poem was co-opted by a blogger who tried to sell it for her own benefit! I tell you why it's SO IMPORTANT to trademark your phrases in business and how I started the process. I also mention my audiobook, out soon! Don't miss all the great freebies on my site rachaelwonderlin.com and if you're enjoying my podcast, please consider buying me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dementiabyday To learn more about my sponsor, watch my video here: https://youtu.be/EXoeVkur0nI and check out Alerta on alertafamily.com with the code DBD10

Where do you think they are? Can you help me? Use the code DBD10 for 10% off your next purchase!

How is COVID-19 impacting dementia caregiving and communication? Should a person living with dementia be asked to wear a mask? How do we encourage hand-washing? What's happening inside senior living? Find out in this candid conversation with Michelle Tristani and Rachael Wonderlin.

In this miniseries, I'll be going through my 4 top, least-favorite words in dementia care and why they're my least favorites! Be sure to rate and subscribe to my podcast wherever you listen. Find more of me on www.rachaelwonderlin.com and download my freebies from the Products page!

In this miniseries, I'll be going through my 4 top, least-favorite words in dementia care and why they're my least favorites! Be sure to rate and subscribe to my podcast wherever you listen. Find more of me on www.rachaelwonderlin.com and download my freebies from the Products page!

In this miniseries, I'll be going through my 4 top, least-favorite words in dementia care and why they're my least favorites! Be sure to rate and subscribe to my podcast wherever you listen. Find more of me on www.rachaelwonderlin.com and download my freebies from the Products page!

In this miniseries, I'll be going through my 4 top, least-favorite words in dementia care and why they're my least favorites! Be sure to rate and subscribe to my podcast wherever you listen. Find more of me on www.rachaelwonderlin.com and download my freebies from the Products page!

It's common to find that shadowboxes outside residents' doors are full of knick-knacks and memorabilia...so why isn't this a great practice? Tune in and find out. Grab my freebies here: rachaelwonderlin.com/products