Dementia Care Partner Talk Show with Teepa Snow

There's a tremendous decline that we're currently standing on the edge of: the amount of direct care professionals in the senior care industry. Contrast that with the number of people one studies suggests will be diagnosed with dementia in the US (13,000), and we begin to see the problem. How did this happen and what can we potentially do now? Stay tuned to find out.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Is there a way for us to intervene or investigate a situation that we believe might be elder abuse? Tackling this extremely sensitive topic, Teepa explores how outcomes can dramatically change with some skill development and awareness on our end.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Opening what could be a can of worms, Teepa and Greg talk about how depression may or may not be what we think it is in someone that is living with dementia. Together, we can learn to respond and not react to difficult dementia care situations.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Chances are high that if you're listening this podcast, you or someone you care for has a dementia diagnosis, and you're looking to learn more about what to expect. This week, Teepa and Greg caution against some potential pitfalls when searching for resources, while also giving us a few ideas of places we can check out.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

When we hear someone using profanity, it's normal to think that they're being willing aggressive. But here's the thing when dementia is in the picture: as someone progresses, their primitive part of the brain takes control. This means that while we can choose when not to say something nice, with dementia, that ability is affected. Stay tuned to learn more about what shifts we can make to have more positive outcomes.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

When a person is living with dementia, they are likely to do things that someone without dementia wouldn't, like put items into their purse instead of into a shopping cart. This could then lead to them being accused of shoplifting where the authorities are asked to step in. And if no one stops to think if it could be dementia that caused that situation, then things could go sideways real fast. Tune in this week to learn a potential alternate to how this story could go when we have just a little skill and awareness.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

In other words, contrary to what some TV medical dramas may portray in a 30-minute episode, diagnoses for a form of dementia is not a one-size fits all solution. While it's true that our ancestry may play a part in us potentially developing a form of dementia, there are other factors that we may not have considered. Stay tuned this week as Teepa and Greg discuss how we can start thinking about dementia gradually rather than all at once.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

If given the choice, would you prefer someone to approach you while you're facing away from them or while they're in your field of vision? Most of us would say the latter is the preferred way. Why? Because then you're prepared to interact with the other person instead of them catching you by surprise. This doesn't change when someone begins to develop a form of dementia. That's why building own skill and awareness is so important, as Teepa and Greg discuss in this week's episode.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Referencing an article that focused a minimum amount of minutes to be spent with residents, Teepa and Greg discuss how focusing on the wrong aspect of care contributes to the devaluation of time. For example, focusing on nurturing and maintaining relationships is more beneficial for a person-centered culture of care.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Why would you want to experience what living with dementia is like? One word: perspective. Having a better understanding of what brain change translates to in the real world can help give us patience, comprehension, and compassion. Tune in this week as Teepa and Greg discuss what these changes might look and sound like.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

If you have been fortunate, this week's episode title might be confusing. If you have recently received a text message warning you about "unpaid tolls", then this episode will be of interest to you if you're caring for a person living with dementia that has access to any form of technology.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This week, Teepa caught up with April Kohnen, the owner and Director of Griswold Home Care of North San Diego to see what were some of the challenges they encountered on their way to achieving their Aware-level Organization Designation. What does an award like this demonstrate and why do we want to see more organizations to also achieve it? Stay tuned to find out!To learn more about Griswold, visit: www.griswold.com.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This week, Teepa and Greg discuss complications that can arise when a person living with dementia encounters a situation where emergency service personnel are required to step in. What can potentially go wrong if the person living with dementia mistakes them for bad guys and emergency services doesn't have the proper training or awareness to de-escalate the situation? Stay tuned to find out!To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

It's easy for some of us to forget that before a person began developing a form of dementia, that they used to be another typical human being, with their own likes and dislikes. Taking stock of their history can therefore help us understand why a person that has always preferred baths over showers would present resistance if we tried to force them into an enclosed space with no clothes on. Join us for another episode as Teepa shares her strategies to building and sustaining positive relationships with someone that is living with brain change.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit us at: www.teepasnow.com.

Language does matter. Saying someone is demented versus saying they're living with dementia evoke two very different emotions. One is centered on loss and negativity while the other preserves the dignity of someone that is doing the best they can. Join us this week to learn what other language shifts we should consider making and why.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Regardless of where you live, chances are good that you have been directly impacted by a natural disaster. Situations like that are scary enough, but what happens when you're also caring for a person living with dementia? How or what plans should we have in place before an emergency? Stay tuned to find out.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

We hear you! Some of our listeners have mentioned that most of the topics we cover in this podcast are geared towards the child/parent spectrum, when in reality, we're seeing a lot of cases that involve spouses, siblings, and even children. So this week, Teepa and Greg briefly explore how these relationships change how we can approach care.To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit:www.teepasnow.com.

Last week Teepa and Greg discussed various questions that typically come up when someone is considering moving their person living with dementia into a care facility. This week, Teepa talks a huge consideration some folks might not even think about: what if a move will never be the right option for them? How would the family need to adjust then? To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This episode tackles the tough question of knowing when it's time to move a loved one into care. Teepa and Greg discuss the emotional challenges, practical considerations, and the importance of planning ahead to find the best solution for everyone involved. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This week's episode explores the complexities of dementia, emphasizing that it's not a normal part of the aging process and involves many types and causes beyond Alzheimers disease. Teepa and Greg also discuss the importance of understanding how lifestyle choices can impact our brain health. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

In this episode, Teepa and Greg explore the biggest challenges faced by dementia care partners, from wandering and resisting care to sleep issues and falls. They emphasize the importance of understanding behaviors, building relationships, and developing skills to provide better, more compassionate support. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

In this episode, Teepa and Greg look back at the past year in dementia care, sharing progress that was made and the challenges that still. They also offer practical tips for supporting loved ones and discuss what changes we might see in the year ahead. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This week, Teepa and Greg discuss simple ways to lower dementia risk and live a healthier life. From building routines to improving exercise, sleep, and diet, learn small changes that can make a big difference over time. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Exploring Teepa's method of using visual, verbal, and touch cues, this week we analyze how this approach can create meaningful and safe interactions with people that are living with dementia. Learn actionable techniques and insights learned from decades of experience to build trust, foster relationships, and avoid common pitfalls. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This week, Teepa and Greg explore the complexities of hoarding, particularly among persons experiencing brain changes like dementia. They discuss how hoarding behaviors often stem from deeper issues, such as the need for control or unrecognized brain health challenges. Teepa emphasizes shifting the focus from the environment to understanding the person and their needs, advocating for compassionate and innovative approaches to care. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This week, Teepa shares her “8 S's” framework for creating meaningful and manageable holiday celebrations for people living with dementia. Emphasizing smaller, simpler gatherings with the right sensory and social environments, Teepa goes over how we balance satisfaction for everyone involved. With practical tips and a focus on flexibility, this episode offers guidance for joyful, stress-free holidays. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Most of us are good at picking up cues when someone is in an agitated state. But when happens when the person that is agitated has dementia? Their brain changes means they're unable to effectively communicate what is causing their agitation. What we can as care partners do then, to de-escalate a potentially bad situation? Stay tuned to find out. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

After almost a century, a gentleman ran out of money and was forced to move out of the facility where he had been living. This week, Teepa and Greg discuss how a broken system led to such a sad situation. But there are some states and countries that are working to change that. Join us to learn what contributions we can make. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

But at the same time, it is incredibly fragile. This week, Greg addresses how some headlines can be misleading while Teepa helps us to understand why easy or quick fixes can do more harm than good. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Have you ever told anyone that? Chances are you said it while talking about an exciting or funny moment you experienced. Being in person for an event holds a level of energy and excitement that does not translate over into the virtual world. That's why this week, Teepa and Greg discuss why seeing Teepa in-person makes learning so much more powerful and engaging. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Whether it's a hurricane, an earthquake, or another type of natural disaster, what are some practical things we can do to prepare as best we can? Join us this week as Teepa discusses some helpful tips. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Diving into a sensitive topic for most of us, this week Teepa and Greg address why someone living with brain change might not realize their personal hygiene is lacking and how we can approach it without ruining the relationship. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a truly delicate situation to talk about with someone. Now imagine how much more difficult that can be when the other person is living with brain change. In this week's episode, Teepa demonstrates how she would assess a person living with brain change when they ask about someone that has passed. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

If your surgeon only watched videos on how to perform successful surgeries but never did any hands-on exercises, how comfortable would you be to undergo a lengthy procedure? The same concept applies to our care partners. If they're not equipped with a certain level of practical, hands-on skills when working with people living with dementia, the end result is not going to be a good for either party involved. This week, Teepa discusses what has to change in order for people to actually want to work in dementia care. Teepa alone can change a person's day, but it takes a team to change lives.  To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Digging into a topic that has already led to negative results, this week Teepa and Greg discuss the challenges that arise when people living with brain change related to drug or alcohol abuse are mixed in with people living with dementia. Rather than focus on the bad side however, Teepa discusses what actions are needed instead. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Bridging the gap between how to make a visit more likely to be positive and knowing about a person's history and preferences, this week's episode explores the misconception that dementia is a static disability. Just because mom used to like a certain hobby before, does not mean that she will continue to like it during her dementia journey. Learn about Teepa's suggestions for successful visits: Click Here To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

In a topic that might surprise some, Teepa and Greg discuss a phenomena where the adult children of a person living with dementia move back home and eventually take control of everything, including their home. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This week, Teepa and Greg discuss how the wide range in research being conducted and how it compares to research being done with dementia care in mind. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

During the progression of dementia, wandering is likely to become an issue for the person living with dementia and their families. Is the reason always because they're wanting to get away, or could it be due to something else? Join us this week as Teepa and Greg discuss this important topic. Interested in learning how to start and have positive interactions? Visit our Champion Course page. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com

According to recent research, there are over 100 forms, types, and causes of dementia. This means that dementia does not always present itself as memory problems. So to become 'dementia friendly', we have to make an earnest effort to understand what that truly means. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Generally speaking, helping others in need is second nature for most of us. But with dementia, sometimes our offer for help doesn't actually help. One switch we can make for example is instead of saying, "mom, you need my help", we should say, "hey mom, I could really use your help with something." To learn more about how we can offer support to someone living with dementia, stay tuned! To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

This week Teepa and Greg discuss situations where at first, a facility will say "yes" and admit someone, only to turn around and say "no" at the first sign of trouble. Learn why a radical shift in how we care for and support people living with dementia is needed now. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com

How we view food varies from person-to-person. Some of us eat to survive while others survive to eat. That's why visual appeal and texture should then be taken into account in food preparation at all GEMS® states. Join us this week as we discuss this important aspect of life for people living with brain change. To learn more about Positive Approach to Care, visit: www.teepasnow.com.

Fresh off her recent trip across the pond, Teepa and Greg talk about the current state of dementia care. What did Teepa learn and what were some things that caught her attention? Tune in this week to find out. To learn more about Positive Approach to care, visit: ⁠www.teepasnow.com

As technological capabilities continue to advance further and further, we see huge potential benefits. But as a double-edge sword, there are also bad actors that use technologies such as deep fakes and AI voice generators to commit sophisticated scams and frauds. What steps can we take to help minimize the chances of us and our loved ones from falling victim? Stay tuned to find out. To learn more about Positive Approach to care, visit: www.teepasnow.com

Elder abuse, like other forms of abuse, is likely way more prevalent than we are given to understand. This week, Teepa and Greg talk over how some cases of elder abuse stem from already existing, unhealthy relationships. What can we do and how can we spot potential elder abuse are questions that are covered in this episode. Learn more about Positive Approach to Care at: www.teepasnow.com

Some people are collectors. They collect valuable items because it brings them fulfillment. But what happens it's no longer special editions lining the shelves but rather newspapers dating back several years? What strategies can we take to avoid putting them on the defensive? Join us this week and let's learn together. Learn more about Positive Approach to Care at: www.teepasnow.com

This week, Teepa and Greg discuss the connection between women living longer and the lack of programming aimed at male residents in skilled care facilities. Taking into account potential groups that residents belonged to earlier in their lives, how can engagement leaders use programs that cater those needs in a productive, upbuilding way? Stay tuned to find out. Are you interested in learning more about what our Engagement Leaders do? Visit our site to learn more: Click Here

Can lighting actually reduce your cognitive decline and help combat dementia onset? Some studies would suggest yes, but is there any truth behind that? Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for another interesting episode. Learn more about Positive Approach to Care at: www.teepasnow.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dementiacaregivertalkshow/message

Tackling a topic that's really out there, this week Teepa and Greg talk about whether or not you would want an AI robot as your caregiver. Technology has been able to achieve remarkable feats, but should it be used in every facet of our lives, especially when dementia enters the picture? Tune in this week to find out. Are you interested in building up your own skills and helping others? Learn more about our consulting services at www.teepasnow.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dementiacaregivertalkshow/message

Frequently requested, Teepa and Greg address the delicate topic of workplace violence, depression, and burnout that our professional caregivers face day in and day out. What is the root cause of these unfortunate situations and what can we collectively do to move towards a better situation? Learn more about how to de-escalate challenging situations using Challenging Situations in Dementia Care or by watching Challenging Behaviors --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dementiacaregivertalkshow/message