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Caregiving can feel like a private struggle, but the numbers and the lived reality say it's a hidden crisis. We sit down with Diane, a nurse with 53 years of experience and the founder of CaregiverRelief.com, to talk about what dementia caregiving really does to families and why so many caregivers feel like they're carrying the whole load alone.Diane traces her “why” back to her grandmother's Alzheimer's journey and the kind of moment every family hopes for: connection that still breaks through the fog. From there, we get honest about the long arc of caregiving, including how early grief and responsibility shape a caregiver's life, why burnout is more than “being tired,” and how relationships can wither when your world becomes meds, meals, safety, and constant vigilance.Then we go straight at the system. Diane explains the gaps she sees in dementia care support, why navigating hospitals, rehab, and long-term care can overwhelm anyone without a medical background, and what scares her about cost-sharing and Medicare Advantage co-pays tied to skilled nursing and rehab. Most importantly, she gives practical tools you can use right now: build a caregiver relief group, assign people to check on the caregiver, and put a family caregiver contract in place so time off and support are clear and fair.If you're caring for a parent with Alzheimer's or supporting someone who is, hit play, share this with your village, and then subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what kind of help would actually make your week easier.Make sure to visit caregivingrelief.com to learn more about Diane and listen to her podcast. Exec. Producer/Host: J Smiles Comedy Producer: Mia Hall Editor: Annelise Udoye Support the show"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingupTEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!Be sure to leave us a review!
What happens when you know something is wrong, but no one believes you?In this heartfelt episode of Love Conquers Alz, Susie Singer Carter and Don Priess welcome Nancy Treaster, co-founder of The Caregiver's Journey, to discuss her husband, Kim Treaster's battle with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and the long road to an accurate diagnosis. Nancy is a certified caregiving consultant and co-founder of The Caregiver's Journey, Nancy shares the subtle behavioral changes that first raised concerns, the frustration of being told it was "just anxiety," and why caregivers must trust their instincts when something doesn't feel right. Together, they explore the differences between Alzheimer's disease and Frontotemporal Dementia, the challenges of language loss (primary progressive aphasia), and the importance of advocating for a loved one when the medical system falls short.The conversation also dives into some of the most emotional aspects of caregiving:• Recognizing the early signs of FTD• Why spouses and family members often notice symptoms first• How to advocate for an accurate diagnosis• Protecting your loved one's dignity throughout the disease• Navigating aggression, incontinence, and difficult behaviors with compassion• What it means to become a "pragmatic caregiver" and find peace in the present moment• Why love can endure, even when memories fadeNancy's wisdom reminds us that while dementia changes relationships, it doesn't erase love.If you're caring for or walking beside someone living with FTD or any dementia diagnosis, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.* The short film mentioned in the podcast: Love At First Sight starring British actors Sir John Hurt and Phyllida Law Send us Fan MailIf someone you love experienced neglect in a nursing home…Then you know how desperately the system needs to change. History has shown us that It takes people power to change anything worthwhile. That's why we we're launching something that's never been done before. On September 27, communities across the country are coming together for the first-ever National Long-Term Care Reform Day.This is a peaceful national walk for dignity, accountability, and change in long-term care.We'rSupport the showNo Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé is STREAMING NOW on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F7D1RR5X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r) Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.Please watch. Review. Share.Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform) for quality long term care! Visit the ROAR 4 LTC Website for more information and consider participating in the inaugural National National Long-Term Care Day, Sunday, September 27th The 1st ever ROAR 2026 National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform! Found out more here: https://www.roar4ltc.org/roar-2026-walkFollow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok
The CSA Group has published a report on Canadian standards needed to support dementia-inclusive care. We hear more about what they are pushing for and ask our audience what they think is needed to support patients in their communities.
If you've ever felt like every appointment, every follow-up, and every ounce of attention goes to your loved one with dementia while nobody ever asks how you're doing, you're not imagining it. Dementia care as a system was built around the person with the diagnosis, not the person keeping them alive day after day. And it's not just that you get overlooked. Most of what we call dementia care is reactive, waiting for a crisis before it teaches you anything, and even the best behavior advice skips right over the grief you're carrying underneath it. In this episode I break down the three ways dementia care gets it completely backwards, and what actually changes the moment we stop waiting for things to get worse. The Dementia Care Toolkit is officially available for pre-order. ➡️ Preorder the Dementia Care Toolkit Here: https://careblazers.com/toolkit This book was written for the real-life moments of dementia caregiving, the moments when you're overwhelmed, unsure what to do, and need something practical to reach for. ⏱ CHAPTERS 0:00 - The 3 ways dementia care gets it backwards 1:00 - Backwards #1: all the focus goes to your loved one, not you 2:20 - Backwards #2: the system waits for a crisis instead of preventing one 4:44 - Backwards #3: behavior advice skips the grief underneath it 7:13 - What changes when we stop waiting → Join the Care Collective: https://tinyurl.com/podcast-cc → Get free weekly tools and tips in my newsletter, The Dementia Dose: https://tinyurl.com/dementiadose-podcast --- Hi, I'm Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist specializing in dementia care. Whether your loved one has Alzheimer's, frontotemporal, Lewy body, vascular, or mixed dementia, we believe that to create a dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical guidance.
Most people spend their lives trying to follow a clear roadmap, but model, author, and advocate Emma Heming Willis believes that life's hardest seasons are often where we find our true purpose. In this deeply moving conversation from Making Space, Emma sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on navigating her husband Bruce Willis's frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis, breaking through the heavy isolation of caregiving, and learning how to ask for help before the ecosystem of care bottoms out. She and Hoda explore the delicate balance between grief and joy, embracing spontaneity, and allowing cracks of light to shine through matter in a world that often feels heavy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss what happens when caring for a partner living with dementia at home is no longer working as intended. We answer a caregiver's question about increasing supervision needs, caregiver frustration and burnout, how to have honest conversations about needing additional support, and explore low-cost programs, respite options, and community resources that may help families navigate this stage of the dementia care journey.This episode will cover:— How to approach conversations about increasing care needs— Safety considerations for someone requiring more supervision— Strategies to reduce stress and improve quality of life at home— Low-cost dementia care and respite options for families— Community resources that may help caregivers navigate next stepsMENTIONED IN EPISODE :Ultimate Resource Guide | https://letsbambu.link/guideGUIDE Program Locator | https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/where-innovation-happening#model=guiding-an-improved-dementia-experience-guide-modelLocal Area Agency on Aging Locator | https://eldercare.acl.gov/homeAlzheimer's Association | https://www.alz.org/Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline | 1-800-272-3900Hilarity for Charity Caregiver Respite Programs | https://wearehfc.org/care-grants/Memory Cafe Directory | https://dfamerica.org/memory-cafe-directory/CONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY YOUR CARE JOURNEY:LinkTree | https://www.letsbambu.com/b/linktreeMUSIC CREDIT: Listen To SpillageVillage - Tropical Landing Pop Songs At Looperman.com DISCLAIMER: The information contained in Bambu Care LLC's website, blog, emails, programs, services and/or products is for educational and informational purposes only. While we draw on our prior professional expertise and background in other areas, you acknowledge that we are supporting you in our role exclusively as a Dementia Care Consultant. By participating in Bambu Care, LLC's website, blog, emails, programs, services and/or products, you acknowledge that we are not a licensed psychologist, professional counselor, or medical doctor. We in no way, diagnose, treat, or cure any illnesses or diseases. Dementia Care Consulting is in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling or any other type of therapy or medical advice. The information provided by Bambu Care, LLC also does not constitute legal or financial advice nor is intended to be. Dementia Care Consulting is not a substitute for the services of a CPA or attorney.CONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY YOUR CARE JOURNEY:LinkTree | https://www.letsbambu.com/b/linktreeMUSIC CREDIT: Listen To SpillageVillage - Tropical Landing Pop Songs At Looperman.com DISCLAIMER: The information contained in Bambu Care LLC's website, blog, emails, programs, services and/or products is for educational and informational purposes only. While we draw on our prior professional expertise and background in other areas, you acknowledge that we are supporting you in our role exclusively as a Dementia Care Consultant. By participating in Bambu Care, LLC's website, blog, emails, programs, services and/or products, you acknowledge that we are not a licensed psychologist, professional counselor, or medical doctor. We in no way, diagnose, treat, or cure any illnesses or diseases. Dementia Care Consulting is in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling or any other type of therapy or medical advice. The information provided by Bambu Care, LLC also does not constitute legal or financial advice nor is intended to be. Dementia Care Consulting is not a substitute for the services of a CPA or attorney.
As our understanding of the importance of biophilia in wellbeing increases, gardens and the way in which they are designed to support elders, including people living with dementia, has become a key topic of study. Lori speaks with award-winning garden designer, Tina Worboys, about her work with the Alzheimer's Society and the ‘Microbes & Minds Garden' at the recent RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. The Innovation Spotlight stays in the biophilia realm as we highlight a new concept in support grab rails made from natural timbers.
If you have been following Teepa for any amount of time, you're familiar with how much she incorporates music and rhythm when supporting people living with dementia. This episode, Teepa and Greg discuss the reasons why music and rhythm is so effective at getting folks up and moving. You don't have to be a music therapist to incorporate these strategies!Want to go deeper?You don't need to stop there. Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™) offers learning experiences that help care partners at every level put Teepa's approach into everyday practice.
Gladys Lynch was a retired accountant who moved into the memory care unit at Harbor Crossing in White Bear Lake, Minnesota in September 2025 after developing dementia. Only a few weeks later, she died from injuries caused by being pushed by another resident in an altercation. According to a new KFF Health News investigation, what happened to Gladys is just one example of situations where resident-to-resident incidents in dementia care facilities have turned deadly. KFF Health News reporter Jordan Rau joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the investigation. And gerontologist Eilon Caspi shared what he's learned from researching resident-to-resident altercations.
In this health-focused episode of the Your Morning podcast, we dive into the latest medical research and trending wellness topics impacting Canadians. First, registered dietician Nishta Saxena joins us to break down everything you need to know about creatine—from muscle growth to its surprising cognitive benefits. We also discuss the concerning rise in sun tanning among younger Canadians and the long-term risks involved. Later, we speak with Dr. Morris Freedman about a revolutionary virtual program for dementia care that keeps patients out of crowded ERs. Plus, Dr. Robert Vonderheide shares how AI and immunotherapy are transforming cancer treatment, and we learn about a groundbreaking surgery helping young cancer patients preserve their chance to have children. Finally, Ashley Wiley shares her mission to lower the colorectal cancer screening age across Canada, and we explore the benefits of outdoor classrooms for students.
When new treatments, trial opportunities, and better care pathways exist, the real question becomes: can patients reach the right specialist fast enough for it to matter? Sandra Abrevaya, CEO of Synapticure, joins the podcast with host Michelle Snyder to unpack how she and her husband turned a personal ALS diagnosis journey into a mission to change access to neurology care at scale. Abrevaya shares about founding I Am ALS and helping drive major federal progress in ALS research funding and legislation. The conversation also digs into the gap between scientific breakthroughs and real-world care delivery, the “care and cures” strategy, and why Synapticure treats clinical data as a core asset from the start. LINKS: HealthEdge McKesson Ventures Synapticure
What if a puppy could bring comfort, reduce loneliness, and improve someone's quality of life, without ever needing to be fed or walked? In this inspiring episode, we explore the incredible story behind Tombot and its lifelike robotic puppy, Jennie, created to provide companionship for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, mental health challenges, and others who can no longer safely care for a live pet. Tombot was inspired by founder Tom Stevens' mother, whose Alzheimer's diagnosis led to the heartbreaking decision to rehome her beloved dog, a moment that became the catalyst for creating a new kind of emotional support companion. We'll discuss:
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter Gayatri Devi is a nationally recognized neurologist specializing in memory disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. In this episode, Gayatri explains how to think about dementia as a spectrum—including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and mixed presentations—while exploring the evolving biology of amyloid, tau, and neuroinflammation and why brain pathology does not always correlate with symptoms. She discusses her approach to detecting subtle cognitive decline in high-functioning individuals, the role of biomarkers and APOE4 testing in asymptomatic patients, the benefits and risks of anti-amyloid therapies such as lecanemab and donanemab, and strategies for minimizing treatment-related complications. Gayatri also examines why some patients may stabilize or even improve with individualized care, the overlap among different dementia syndromes, and the relationship between menopause, estrogen, and cognition—including her concept of menopause-related cognitive impairment. Finally, she discusses how advances in early detection, AI-assisted monitoring, targeted therapies, and precision medicine are reshaping the future of dementia care. We discuss: Gayatri's training and clinical focus, why dementia is a spectrum disease, and how personalized treatment is changing Alzheimer's care [3:45]; How Alzheimer's disease fits within the broader spectrum of dementia: diagnosis, biomarkers, and early pathophysiology [7:15]; The emerging role of neuroinflammation and viral infections in Alzheimer's disease [13:30]; Gayatri's comprehensive approach to evaluating cognitive decline in high-functioning patients [17:45]; Why forgetting names is usually normal and when word-finding problems become concerning [29:00]; Why women are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and how menopause influences cognition [33:45]; The promise and limitations of blood-based biomarkers for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease [40:15]; When preclinical Alzheimer's screening is appropriate and how to interpret positive biomarker results [45:00]; Case study: early Alzheimer's prevention in a highly-functional woman in her 50s with two copies of APOE4 [47:15]; Anti-amyloid therapies: balancing clinical benefit with ARIA risk using slow titration [51:45]; The aducanumab controversy, why it was discontinued, and why Gayatri would still choose it [1:00:00]; How anti-amyloid therapies cause ARIA, strategies for detecting and managing these complications, and how future therapies may improve safety and accessibility [1:03:30]; Two patient examples of exceptional responses to anti-amyloid therapy [1:12:30]; A multimodal approach to Alzheimer's treatment: combination therapy, MRI-guided TMS, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and more [1:15:00]; Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and the overlap with Alzheimer's disease [1:21:00]; Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease: distinguishing two alpha-synuclein disorders [1:26:45]; Risk factors for Lewy body dementia and what remains unknown [1:36:15]; Treating menopause-related cognitive impairment: hormone therapy, brain rehabilitation, and balancing breast cancer risk [1:38:45]; How biomarkers changed Gayatri's perspective on the potential for Alzheimer's patients to improve [1:47:15]; The future of Alzheimer's care: AI, precision medicine, and personalized treatment [1:49:30]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
A rushed discharge. A chart that does not match reality. A loved one with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's dementia who cannot explain what hurts. If you have ever felt bullied by a system that moves too fast, this conversation is for you.Susie and Don talk with Laura Finnelly, a registered nurse with 25+ years in healthcare, a certified senior care manager, an Air Force veteran, and the founder of Guided Care RN Advocates. Laura lays out what families need to know about patient advocacy, navigating hospital stays, preventing medical errors, and protecting dignity in dementia care. She also shares why she calls herself a “neighborhood healthcare cop” and why that mindset helps caregivers ask better questions, document the right details, and stop feeling “crazy” when something is off. All things that motivated her to write RN on Duty, a practical guide gives families the tools, structure, and confidence they need to navigate today's healthcare system more effectively.Rather than focusing on medical advice, RN on Duty teaches you how to navigate the system itself—from preparing for appointments and organizing medical information, to understanding hospital processes, discharge planning, and care transitions.Susie and Don connect those practical tools to the bigger fight for long-term care reform, including their first-ever synchronized National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform on September 27. They also get real about caregiver stress, nurse burnout, staffing shortages, and the harsh reality that people who cannot speak up are often the first to be overlooked unless someone is there to advocate. Laura will be leading one of the walks in Illinois. So if you live in Illinois - you'll want to sign up to be a part of this historic event! One key takeaway you do not want to miss: how to challenge an unsafe discharge, including the Medicare Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage and how an appeal can pause the process long enough to get answers. We also cover Medicare-funded advocacy and navigation options and where to find qualified patient advocates,Connect with Laura: info@guidedcare1.comSubscribe, share this with a caregiver, and leave a review so more families can find these tools when they need them most.Send us Fan MailIf someone you love experienced neglect in a nursing home…Then you know how desperately the system needs to change. History has shown us that It takes people power to change anything worthwhile. That's why we we're launching something that's never been done before. On September 27, communities across the country are coming together for the first-ever National Long-Term Care Reform Day.This is a peaceful national walk for dignity, accountability, and change in long-term care.We'rSupport the showNo Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé is STREAMING NOW on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F7D1RR5X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r) Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.Please watch. Review. Share.Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform) for quality long term care! Visit the ROAR 4 LTC Website for more information and consider participating in the inaugural National National Long-Term Care Day, Sunday, September 27th The 1st ever ROAR 2026 National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform! Found out more here: https://www.roar4ltc.org/roar-2026-walkFollow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok
Summary In this episode, Tara Jenkins, a board-certified music therapist, shares her insights on how music can be a powerful tool in dementia care, emotional connection, and caregiver support. Discover practical tips, scientific insights, and personal stories that highlight the transformative power of music. keywordsmusic therapy, dementia care, emotional connection, caregiver support, neuroplasticity, music and memory, mental health, therapeutic music, neurodiversity, holistic health key topicsMusic activates multiple brain areas including memory and emotionMusic can evoke positive and negative emotional responsesPersonalized music choices are crucial for meaningful engagementOverstimulation and environment impact music therapy effectivenessMusic can be used for relaxation, motivation, and emotional releaseThe importance of knowing individual music preferences and historyMusic therapy supports both people with dementia and caregiversCreating playlists and using music for self-care and stress reliefFull circle moments and personal stories highlight music's impactGuidelines for safe and effective music use in care settings sound bites"Music activates many areas of our brain at once""Music connects us emotionally to a time and place""Music can impact us both positively and negatively"Chapters00:00 Audio Setup Challenges00:58 Introduction to Music Therapy06:25 The Science of Music and Memory12:28 Emotional Connections to Music16:06 Navigating Music's Impact on Emotions20:19 Understanding Individual Preferences in Music Therapy23:26 Creating a Calm Environment for Dementia Care24:53 The Importance of Choice in Music Therapy28:30 Using Music for Different Therapeutic Outcomes33:51 Incorporating Music Preferences in Care Plans37:41 Exploring New Music and Emotional Connections43:01 The Emotional Spectrum of Music and Caregiving45:52 Building Community Through Music Therapy50:18 Encouragement for Caregivers and Personal Playlists53:04 Podcast Intro Music Project (MASTER BOUNCE - OUTRO).mp3 resourcesCheck out Tara's Link TreeInstagramLinkedInWebsiteHilarity for CharityWhat's Tara listening to?Olivia Dean and Led Zeplin
Missouri saw 2,690 deaths from Alzheimer's in 2024 — a 145% increase since 2000. One southeast Missouri couple is trying to convince lawmakers their support is critical. Plus: A substance abuse counselor in Kansas City has developed secular recovery programs focused on inclusivity.
Join Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly for a heartfelt episode of Aging, Angst & Alleluias as she shares why compassion genuinely transforms dementia care. From Tennessee's Joint Proclamation recognizing dementia awareness to practical ways we can treat our loved ones with dignity and respect, Mary Anne gently reminds us that staying calm always helps reduce fear, and that caregivers need compassion just as much. Learn how the newly formed dementia-friendly church at the Veranda, gentle validation, and leading with soft persuasion can foster moments of peace, connection, and happiness—because every person living with dementia holds incredible value. For online giving: www.verandaministries.org
Send us Fan MailFreedom is easy to celebrate until caregiving makes it feel out of reach. When your days are shaped by medications, appointments, routines, and constant mental load, it can feel like your world quietly shrinks. And on the other side, the person you love may feel their freedom slipping too as they grieve driving, privacy, and the ability to make decisions without help. We name that tension without guilt, because telling the truth about loss is not selfish, it's honest.We walk through a different way to think about freedom in caregiving: not as the absence of limits, but as the presence of wise guardrails. Just like a guardrail on a mountain road or a fence around a playground, boundaries can create safety that allows real life to keep happening. We talk about why resistance from a loved one is often about identity and dignity, not stubbornness, and how empathy changes the tone of hard conversations about driving, medications, finances, and support at home.You'll get practical caregiver strategies you can use right away: offering simple choices, focusing on what your loved one can still do, using support as a bridge instead of a takeover, and learning the difference between truly unsafe and simply different. We also make space for you, because your freedom matters too. If you're running on empty, we talk about caregiver boundaries, sustainable love, and why even Jesus stepped away to rest.If this encourages you, share it with another caregiver, then subscribe and leave a review so more families can find hope, practical help, and faith-filled encouragement.
Send us Fan MailCaregiving can dismantle the easy answers you used to lean on and leave you with a faith that feels raw, quiet, and intensely personal. I'm talking about the kind of faith that shows up in sleepless nights, in hospital rooms, and at the kitchen table with paperwork spread out, when you realize you do not have the strength to carry everything you're carrying.We walk through five ways caregiving reshapes faith for family caregivers, especially those navigating Alzheimer's and dementia care: trust moving from theory to reality, prayer becoming shorter and more honest, hard questions revealing what we really believe, dependence on God replacing the pressure to be endlessly strong, and love expanding into patient, costly compassion. We also ground these insights in Scripture, including Proverbs 3:5–6, Romans 8:26, Psalm 13, and the promise that grace is sufficient in weakness.If your spiritual life feels different right now, I want you to hear this clearly: different does not mean failed. Sometimes faith looks like whispering “Lord, help me,” taking the next right step, receiving support from others, and living on daily grace instead of trying to solve the next five years. I'll leave you with reflection questions to help you name what this season is teaching you and where God may be inviting you to trust Him today.If you know a caregiver who feels alone or worn down, share this with them. Subscribe for more encouragement for Christian caregiving, and if the message meets you where you are, leave a review so more caregivers can find hope.
Is brain rot caused by screen time just a Gen Z problem — or does it affect everyone supporting those living with dementia? The term brain rot was coined by Henry David Thoreau in 1854 to describe the preference for simple ideas over complex ones. Today, endless scrolling and passive screen time have made it a modern epidemic — and it has real implications for dementia care. In this episode, Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps explore the difference between passive observation and active engagement, why that distinction matters for people living with brain change, and how care partners can use conversation, curiosity, and connection to stimulate meaningful interaction. You'll learn: Why passive TV watching and internet scrolling look similar in the brain — and why that matters How active conversation creates cognitive demand that passive media simply can't What care partners can do differently to encourage real engagement How Positive Approach to Care® courses and video resources can help you build true engagement skills Whether you're supporting at home or in a facility, the tools you use to connect make a difference. This episode will change how you think about screen time — for your person, and for yourself. Ready to build real engagement skills? Positive Approach to Care® Champion Courses give you practical, hands-on tools to connect more meaningfully with those you're supporting — and skill demonstration is required, not just course completion.
A New Brunswick woman known as "Alice" wandered from her care home 12 times before dying cold and alone. The province's deputy senior advocate tells us what went wrong. Her B.C. counterpart says seniors there are also vulnerable with more than 7,000 waiting for a bed and no plan to fix the problem.
Alzheimer's can take so much, so fast, and the hardest part is feeling like you have zero control. We're Susie Singer Carter and Don Priess, and we're joined by Mark Wilson, a former Fortune 500 leadership executive whose new book, Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care, offers a hopeful roadmap that leads to thriving, not just surviving through a dementia journey.After his mother was diagnosed with both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, Mark made the life-changing decision to leave a successful corporate career and become her full-time caregiver. What followed was a remarkable journey that challenged expectations and transformed both their lives.Drawing on leadership principles, practical strategies, and deep personal experience, Mark shares how families can become Care Leaders, not just caregivers, by creating environments that prioritize safety, joy, connection, purpose, and well-being.We discuss:• The mindset shift from caregiver to care leader• The five breakthrough pillars of care• Building and leading an effective care team• Creating moments of joy even in the face of dementia• Supporting your loved one without losing yourself• Why hope still matters after an Alzheimer's diagnosis• Finding purpose and meaning throughout the caregiving journeyWhether you're caring for a parent, spouse, partner, or friend, this episode offers practical guidance, heartfelt wisdom, and a powerful reminder that love can still create extraordinary moments.Because even when there is no cure, there can still be connection, purpose, and joy.If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who's caregiving, and leave a review so more families searching for Alzheimer's caregiving support and dementia care strategies can find it.#LoveConquersAlz, #Alzheimers, #Dementia, #Caregiving, #FamilyCaregiver, #CaregiverSupport, #DementiaCare, #SeniorCare, #CareLeader, #AgingParents, #CaregiverLife, #AlzheimersAwareness, #CaregivingJourney, #ElderCare, #CaregiverWellnesConnect with Mark:Website: Bold Care LeaderLinkedIn: LinkedIn ProfileInstagram: @boldcareleaderFacebook: Mark Wilson / Bold Care Leader on FacebookBook: Breakthrough Alzheimer's CareSend us Fan MailIf someone you love experienced neglect in a nursing home…Then you know how desperately the system needs to change. History has shown us that It takes people power to change anything worthwhile. That's why we we're launching something that's never been done before. On September 27, communities across the country are coming together for the first-ever National Long-Term Care Reform Day.This is a peaceful national walk for dignity, accountability, and change in long-term care.We'rSupport the showNo Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé is STREAMING NOW on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F7D1RR5X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r) Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.Please watch. Review. Share.Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform) for quality long term care! Visit the ROAR 4 LTC Website for more information and consider participating in the inaugural National National Long-Term Care Day, Sunday, September 27th The 1st ever ROAR 2026 National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform! Found out more here: https://www.roar4ltc.org/roar-2026-walkFollow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok
What happens when we stop designing care around institutions and start designing it around people? In this week's episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with internationally recognized dementia care innovator Eloy van Hal, to answer this question. Drawing on decades of experience in the Netherlands, Eloy tells Susan how he helped move residents from traditional high-rise nursing homes into small, neighborhood-style homes where daily life feels familiar, meaningful, and human. As founder of the groundbreaking Hogeweyk model of dementia village in the Netherlands, van Hal discusses the philosophy behind it and the broader movement toward relationship-based, person-directed dementia care. Their conversation explores the importance of trust, family education, staff development, and stakeholder collaboration in creating cultures of care that honor the person beyond the diagnosis. More about Hogewyk here: https://www.bethecareconcept.com/en/actual/access-health-international-dementia-village-interview-with-eloy-van-hal/ Learn about the AgingINnovation 2026 annual conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org
Dementia care requires more than clinical expertise, it requires understanding, patience, and the right approach. In this episode of Home Health Revealed, we sit down with Jessica Iorio, VP of Hospice Operations, and Lauren Adams, Dementia Care Coordinator for the LTM Group, to discuss how specialized dementia education is transforming care for patients, families, and clinicians alike. From recognizing subtle signs of decline to improving communication techniques and supporting caregivers through every stage of the journey, Jessica and Lauren share practical insights on what it takes to provide compassionate, person-centered dementia care. They also explore how training programs like Dementia Live help caregivers see the world through the eyes of those living with dementia, leading to better outcomes and more meaningful connections. Tune in to learn why creating confidence in dementia care is essential as more families and healthcare providers navigate the growing impact of dementia across the continuum of care. Chapters (00:00:03) - Home Health Revealed: Dementia Care(00:08:29) - How to Prepare for the Care of a Dementian Person(00:11:47) - Dementia Care Talk
Families caring for loved ones with dementia face overwhelming emotional and financial stress. R N-supervised in-home care offers structured support, trained caregivers, and clinical oversight that can prevent crises before they start. To learn more, visit https://encorecaregivers.com/what-is-dementia-care/ Encore Caregivers City: Houston Address: 7925 Katy Fwy Suite N Website: https://encorecaregivers.com/
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss why dementia caregiving is not always about making or keeping your partner with dementia happy. We explain why emotions like sadness, frustration, or crying can still occur in people living with dementia and why these moments are not necessarily something caregivers need to “fix.”This episode will cover:— Why keeping someone with dementia happy isn't always the goal— How emotions can show up in people living with dementia— Why distress can be a form of communication— Questions caregivers can ask when someone is upset— When emotional changes should be discussed with a doctorMENTIONED IN EPISODE | Newsletter | https://letsbambu.com/newsletterCONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY YOUR CARE JOURNEY:LinkTree | https://www.letsbambu.com/b/linktreeMUSIC CREDIT: Listen To SpillageVillage - Tropical Landing Pop Songs At Looperman.com DISCLAIMER: The information contained in Bambu Care LLC's website, blog, emails, programs, services and/or products is for educational and informational purposes only. While we draw on our prior professional expertise and background in other areas, you acknowledge that we are supporting you in our role exclusively as a Dementia Care Consultant. By participating in Bambu Care, LLC's website, blog, emails, programs, services and/or products, you acknowledge that we are not a licensed psychologist, professional counselor, or medical doctor. We in no way, diagnose, treat, or cure any illnesses or diseases. Dementia Care Consulting is in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling or any other type of therapy or medical advice. The information provided by Bambu Care, LLC also does not constitute legal or financial advice nor is intended to be. Dementia Care Consulting is not a substitute for the services of a CPA or attorney.
In this week's episode of The Best Guest podcast we welcome Dementia with Dignity Champion and author, Jo-Anne Ross.We talk about:Why Jo-Anne's personal experience caring for her mother with dementia ignited her mission to transform the landscape of careHer visionary concept for a dementia village that prioritises dignity, joy, community, and connection with nature right to the very last breathHer seven-week Me First workshop methodology, designed to equip families and caregivers with practical self-care tools so they can give from a full vesselAbout Jo-Anne RossJo-Anne Ross is a Dementia with Dignity Champion, workshop facilitator, and multi-book author based in Canada. After spending nine months as the primary caregiver for her mother, Jo-Anne developed the Me First methodology to support families and caregivers navigating the emotional and practical challenges of dementia. She is currently developing a holistic dementia village concept and is the author of several books, with three more in progress.Key TakeawaysIf someone you love is showing signs of forgetfulness or behavioural changes, ask a doctor to test for a urinary tract infection before assuming dementia, as UTIs are frequently misdiagnosedDementia is also known as Type 3 Diabetes and reducing sugar intake can play a role in brain healthCaregivers must prioritise their own wellbeing first, because you cannot pour from an empty cupEvery dementia journey is unique, so research and tools need to be adapted to the individualIntergenerational, community-centred living benefits everyone, not just those with dementiaQuoteEvery single human being on this planet deserves to live with dignity and respect, joy and fun and community and quality of life, right to the very last breath." Jo-Anne RossConnect with Jo-Anne RossWebsite: savourthemomentinserenity.caFree Gift (Seven Things You Should Know About Dementia)Connect with Victoria BennionLearn more about us: https://thebestpodcastguest.co.uk/Download our checklist: How to be an Excellent Podcast Guest https://thebestpodcastguest.co.uk/checklist/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebestpodcastguestJoin the Best Podcast Guest Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebestpodcastguestSubscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@victoriabennionConnect with Victoria on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriabennion/
What happens when society looks away from its most vulnerable?In this episode of Love Conquers Alz, hosts Susie Singer Carter and Don Priess welcome WGA, AWD, award-winning, neurodiverse, bi, writer/director, and podcaster, Ellen Ancui, who specializes in traumadies—darkly funny stories where (mostly) women dig their own graves, then complain about the landscaping. Ellen writes about caregiving, sex, and the 2nd act of a creative life. She co-hosts the pod FILTHY MILFS with Sophie Levine, about women's health, desire, and aging fearlessly. Ellen wrote, produced, and directed the Oscar-qualified short film, SAVERIO, that sheds light on a shocking and often invisible issue: elder abandonment, also known as “granny dumping.”Through a powerful blend of humor and humanity, Ellen's film tells the story of a young woman forced to confront her own values when an elderly man is abandoned in her care—an all-too-real scenario happening far more often than most people realize.This episode is both a wake-up call and a reminder of what's at stake if we continue to look away.Because aging is not someone else's story.It's all of ours.And change starts with awareness.Follow Ellen and her podcast✨ IMDB✨ Apple Podcasts✨ Spotify✨ InSend us Fan MailIf someone you love experienced neglect in a nursing home…Then you know how desperately the system needs to change. History has shown us that It takes people power to change anything worthwhile. That's why we we're launching something that's never been done before. On September 27, communities across the country are coming together for the first-ever National Long-Term Care Reform Day.This is a peaceful national walk for dignity, accountability, and change in long-term care.We'rSupport the showNo Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé is STREAMING NOW on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F7D1RR5X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r) Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.Please watch. Review. Share.Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform) for quality long term care! Visit the ROAR 4 LTC Website for more information and consider participating in the inaugural National National Long-Term Care Day, Sunday, September 27th The 1st ever ROAR 2026 National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform! Found out more here: https://www.roar4ltc.org/roar-2026-walkFollow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok
Today we're continuing our Medicine in Transition theme with a topic that is deeply personal, professionally important, and long overdue. This episode is titled "The Shift of Dementia Care: From Control to Connection." But we're not doing this one alone. We're joined by a special guest, Jennifer Stoner.Jennie is a retired professor from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, where she taught in recreation administration and therapeutic recreation, helping train future professionals to design meaningful, person‑centered programs for older adults and people living with disabilities. She has spent much of her career at the intersection of aging, recreational therapy, and program administration, with a special interest in how purposeful leisure and engagement can support quality of life for people living with dementia. Through her academic work and consulting, she's been part of a broader movement to move dementia care away from simply controlling behaviors and toward connection, dignity, and participation—in long‑term care, adult day programs, and community settings.
On a recent walk in the woods, Greg overheard a small but telling exchange: a daughter snapped at her mother for misremembering who once owned a camera. It was a tiny correction — and a familiar one. In this episode, Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps unpack why our reflex to set the record straight can quietly erode the relationships that matter most.Teepa walks care partners through a more useful question than Am I right? Instead, ask yourself: Is it worth it? Worth it in five minutes? Five hours? Five years? Worth it when this conversation is the last one you'll remember?You'll learn:· Why correcting a person living with dementia often feels like an attack, even when it's well-intentioned· How to slow down and use curiosity instead of confrontation ("So you're thinking it was me that owned that type of camera?")· A practical reframe for everyday moments — wet pants, spilled soup, mistaken identities — that protects dignity and the relationship· Why it's better to be kind than to be right is a skill, not just a sayingWhether you're supporting a spouse, parent, or client, this conversation will help you trade the urge to correct someone for the power to preserve your connection.If today's conversation made you stop and think about how you show up in those moments — the corrections, the arguments — check out Improving Communications in Dementia Care. It goes well beyond today's episode with five hours of hands-on skill-building that changes not just what you say, but how you connect.Subscribe to the Dementia Care Partner Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss a new episode. Have a question or topic you'd like Teepa to explore? Email Greg at GTPhelps@shaw.ca#DementiaCare #PositiveApproachToCare #TeepaSnow #CarePartner #PAC
By 2030, more than a million people are expected to be living with dementia in the UK. It is among the most feared conditions — and yet a new book challenges the dominant tragedy narrative surrounding it, proposing instead a vision of social justice and equality for those living with the condition. What does it mean to treat someone with dementia as a social equal? How should care be reformed to better secure that equality? And what are the practical changes — in policy and in everyday life — that could make a real difference? Joining host Emily McTernan is Dr. Matilda Carter, Lecturer in Applied Ethics at the University of Leeds, to discuss her new book published by Cambridge University Press. Mentioned in this episode: Relating to People Living with Dementia as Equals: Towards Social Justice in Dementia Care by Matilda Carter (Cambridge University Press, 2025).
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Dirk Soenksen, Chief Executive Officer of Ceresti Health, discussing why dementia is a major yet underrecognized cost driver and how it reshapes population health strategy. He highlights the critical role of family caregivers, the limitations of traditional care management, and how payer-focused models can improve outcomes while reducing costs. This episode is sponsored by Ceresti Health.
In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan interviews two of the top experts in dementia, Jennifer Carson, PhD, and Al Power, MD. Together, they examine some of the most entrenched and damaging practices in dementia care and what can be done to eliminate them. Drawing from clinical experience, research, and personal caregiving journeys, they unpack how the overuse of antipsychotics often mask deeper systemic failures, from under-resourced environments to inadequate training. Dr. Carson highlights the serious risks, including increased mortality, while Der. Power calls for a fundamental reframing of dementia away from "managing behaviors" and toward supporting well-being, inclusion, and human rights. Together, they advocate for relationship-centered care, stronger enforcement of existing protections, and practical tools to help organizations assess and create conditions for optimal living. Their conversation also previews their forthcoming book on dementia inclusion, aimed at offering actionable pathways for real system change, including a call for non-segregated and unlocked dementia care communities. This episode is both a critique of the status quo and a hopeful call to redesign dementia care around dignity, equity, and true support. Find more about Dr. Power's work here: http://www.alpower.net/geriatrician/Dr.%20Al%20Power_intro.html Find out more about Dr. Caron's work here: https://deerprogram.org
This episode recorded live at the Becker's Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Dirk Soenksen, Chief Executive Officer of Ceresti Health, discussing why dementia is a major yet underrecognized cost driver and how it reshapes population health strategy. He highlights the critical role of family caregivers, the limitations of traditional care management, and how payer-focused models can improve outcomes while reducing costs.This episode is sponsored by Ceresti Health.
Planning for ageing, dementia, and independence. A practical, honest conversation about caring for parents, early warning signs, and preparing for later life.Connect with Vicki on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgingOnYourTerms This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com
In this episode of Love Conquers Alz, hosts Susie Singer Carter and Don Priess welcome Kathy Bradley, a nationally respected advocate with over 3 decades of experience in long-term care and the founder of Our Mother's Voice.After retiring from a career as a nursing home administrator, Kathy faced the system again as a daughter when her own mother rapidly declined into severe dementia. What she experienced changed everything.Despite knowing the system inside and out, Kathy struggled to get her mother the care she needed. That journey led her to create Our Mother's Voice, a nonprofit that provides free services and is dedicated to helping families understand their rights, advocate effectively, and navigate one of the most complex and overwhelming systems many will ever face.In this powerful conversation, you'll hear:• Why so many families feel powerless in long-term care• What to do when something “feels off” with your loved one's care• The importance of documentation and speaking the right language• How systemic issues and financial incentives impact quality of care• Practical ways to advocate without burning bridges or risking retaliation• And why love, empathy, and human connection still matter mostThis episode is both a wake-up call and a guide.Because every family will face this moment.And no one should have to face it alone.If you like what you saw and heard today, please follow, share, tell everyone about it, and also definitely go to www.roar4ltc.org. Sign up and be a ROARior! Join our movement. And if you haven't seen No Country for Old People, do yourself a favor, do your family a favor, sit down, watch three episodes of it on Amazon, Tubi, or Hoopla.Send us Fan MailSupport the showNo Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé is STREAMING NOW on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F7D1RR5X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r) Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.Please watch. Review. Share.Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform) for quality long term care! Visit the ROAR 4 LTC Website for more information and consider participating in the inaugural National National Long-Term Care Day, Sunday, September 27th The 1st ever ROAR 2026 National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform! Found out more here: https://www.roar4ltc.org/roar-2026-walkFollow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok
Can art bridge the gap when memory begins to fade? Today on BH Sales Wellness Wisdom, we are joined by the inspiring Marilyn Raichle (pronounced RAY-shul). Marilyn is a Harvard-educated advocate, the Executive Director of Maude's Awards, and the author of the moving book, Don't Walk Away.After her mother, Jean, received an Alzheimer's diagnosis in her 80s, something miraculous happened: she started to paint. These weren't just hobbyist sketches; they were vibrant, witty, and sophisticated windows into a mind that was very much still "at work."In this episode, we use the KAVE-COGS framework to explore:The "Care Partner" Shift: Why moving away from the word "caregiver" changes the emotional frequency of your home.Creative Resilience: How visual art and sensory anchors (Auditory, Gustatory, and Kinesthetic) can bypass cognitive decline.Maude's Awards: A look at the most innovative "Gold Standard" practices in dementia care today.Marilyn challenges the "empty shell" myth and shows us how to stay present, sovereign, and connected through the power of the creative spirit.
Dementia changes everything—but navigating it doesn’t have to start in crisis. Jackie Campbell sits down with Debbie Selsavage, co-founder of Coping with Dementia, to talk about real-world challenges families face when cognitive decline enters the picture. From caregiver burnout and role reversals to preserving dignity and finding local resources, this conversation explores what families often don’t know until they’re already overwhelmed. Debbie shares personal experience, practical insights, and why education, planning, and support matter long before an emergency arises. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 352-251-1015 or visit www.mycampbellandco.com! Follow us on social media: Facebook | YouTube | X | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alzheimer's disease affects a significant number of Americans over 65—more than 7 million—and is the sixth leading cause of death in that age group. It's expected that more than 13 million people will be diagnosed by 2060. Beyond Alzheimer's, roughly 10% of U.S. adults over 65 have dementia. On this podcast we talked with Dr. Ronald Petersen, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic and an expert in Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders, and Jennifer Rosen, vice president for state affairs at the Alzheimer's Association. Joining the podcast to offer the legislative perspective were Senator Laura Murphy of Illinois, a Democrat, and Senator T.J. Shope of Arizona, a Republican. Dr Petersen explained the remarkable progress that has been made in recent years in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and the importance of early intervention. Rosen outlined the enormous financial impact of the disease on society, and the role state legislatures can play in supporting early detection and treatment. Senators Shope and Murphy each laid out the legislation enacted in their states and how that legislation will aid both people with the disease and their families. Resources Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Clinic, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Association Comprehensive Policy Approaches to Support the Aging Population, NCSL State Policy Approaches to Improving Alzheimer's and Dementia Care, NCSL State Strategies to Reduce Costs and Provide Quality Care for Older Adults and People with Disabilities, NCSL
March 26, 2026- Empire State Association of Assisted Living Executive Director Lisa Newcomb makes the case for increased state funding to help cover the cost of specialized care for New Yorkers with Alzheimer's.
People with dementia and their families see many different doctors and health care providers following a diagnosis. Some may be surprised to know that social workers play a role in dementia care as well. Jeni Synnes, a social worker at UW Health, joins the podcast to explain her role in a memory clinic, the support social workers provide for families and care partners, and what people should know before and after a memory assessment. Guest: Jeni Synnes, MSSW, LCSW, social worker, UW Health Show Notes Are you a clinician interested in receiving continuing education (CE) credits for listening to this episode? Find credit designation information, disclosures and evaluation information on our website and on the UW–Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP) website. The accreditation for this course expires 3/23/2027. After this date, you will no longer be able to access the course or claim credit. Learn more about the Aging and Disability Resource Centers on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Connect with us Find transcripts and more at our website. Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's e-newsletter. Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer's. All donations go toward outreach and production. Learn about and pre-order Dr. Chin's book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, out June 2, 2026.
Working with people with dementia and their care partners can be complicated and confusing. What does the evidence say is the best approach? Is it rehabilitative or habilitative?? In this episode, hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS interview occupational therapist and Dementia Collaborative founder Rachel Wiley, MS, OTR/L about her approach to working with people with dementia and their care partners. Rachel shares how past experiences with conflicting recommendations between professionals—and the confusion and mistrust this caused for families—motivated her to create a more advanced, evidence-based program that gets teams using the same language and approaches, especially around topics like rehabilitation vs. habilitation, assistive devices, responsive behaviors, and fall risk. She explains her practical, detective-style framework for understanding and managing responsive behaviors (like waking at night or agitation) by identifying triggers and using strategies such as acknowledge–reassure–redirect and meaningful routines. The episode also touches on the complexities of billing, maintenance care, and determining medical necessity in a progressive condition, emphasizing person-centered, ethical care that balances evidence, function, safety, and the realities of caregiving. Rachel recently launched the beta cohort of her new Certified Dementia Clinician (CDCn) Course, a 20-module, interdisciplinary training designed for OTs, PTs, SLPs, social workers, and other clinicians working with people living with dementia. www.dementiacollaborative.com www.daybydaydementiaconsulting.com www.rachelwileyot.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-wiley-ms-otrl-cdp-80521079/
Robotic pets make life easier for patients with dementia; Risks, benefits of “natural” ED formulas; Sorting out those pricey new injectable osteoporosis drugs; Daily multivitamin delays biological aging; Study challenges notion that aging means inevitable decline; Breastfeeding confers weight loss benefits—to moms; Can you avoid a colonoscopy with a new colon cancer blood test? Color blindness may hide warning signs of cancer.
The long-term care system is one of the most important issues families will face, yet few people understand it until they are in the middle of a crisis.In this episode of Love Conquers Alz, hosts Susie Singer Carter and Don Priess welcome Lindsay Friedman, a care advocate, writer, and educator dedicated to transforming how families navigate aging, caregiving, and long-term care. Lindsay is a four-time healthcare startup founder on a mission to solve real-world problems in caregiving and long-term care. (Our kind of girl!!)Lindsay's perspective is uniquely powerful. She has experienced the system from every side: as a nursing assistant working in memory care and nursing homes, as a family caregiver, and even as a care recipient herself.She shares how these experiences inspired the creation of two groundbreaking platforms:• CareBloom – a technology designed to help families monitor caregiving tasks and ensure accountability in care environments• LTC Nav – a free planning resource helping families understand the financial and logistical realities of long-term care before crisis strikesTogether, Susie, Don, and Lindsay dive into the real challenges families face, including:• The lack of accountability in many care facilities• Why planning for long-term care earlier is essential• The emotional realities of caregiving and aging• How technology could improve oversight and protect vulnerable patients• The importance of empathy and dignity in caregivingThis conversation is honest, emotional, and deeply informative. It reminds us that while the system may be broken, awareness, planning, and compassion can make a powerful difference.Because at the end of the day, the heart of caregiving is simple:Love.LTC Nav on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube EMAIL: hello@LTCareNav.comCarebloom on Facebook, Instagram, Send us Fan MailSupport the showNo Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé is STREAMING NOW on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F7D1RR5X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r) Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.Please watch. Review. Share.Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform) for quality long term care! Visit the ROAR 4 LTC Website for more information and consider participating in ROAR 2026 -National Grandparents Day The 1st ever National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform! Found out more here:https://www.roar4ltc.org/roar-2026-walkFollow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok
On this episode Fred and Gregg welcome Xiaopeng Zhao, PhD, Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Mississippi, whose research bridges artificial intelligence, robotics, and dementia care. Topics: Dr. Zhao discusses how machine learning techniques are being used to analyze complex EEG brainwave data to detect early-stage Alzheimer's disease, patterns invisible to the human eye but accessible through advanced signal processing. Beyond diagnostics, his lab is deploying humanoid robotic systems to assist individuals with dementia during everyday activities such as making coffee or brushing teeth, aiming to reduce caregiver burden and improve quality of life. The conversation explores “lost moments”, short-term lapses in memory that disrupt daily functioning, and how AI systems might identify and respond to them in real time. Dr. Zhao also addresses usability challenges, patient acceptance, and the importance of human-centered design in deploying assistive technologies. With dementia affecting millions worldwide, this episode examines both the promise and practical realities of integrating AI and robotics into population health strategies. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen
For many of us, the scariest part of dementia isn't the diagnosis itself—it's the fear of losing our purpose, value, and roles. In this episode, Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps explore how to protect dignity while abilities shift by using substitution instead of subtraction. When a role needs to change, Teepa shares practical ways to offer a new job first—so the person isn't left feeling sidelined. You'll also hear why waiting for a crisis makes everything harder, and how the PIPES approach can help you plan role changes with more calm, clarity, and partnership.Feeling the shift in roles at home? Start with the Family Care Partner Starter Kit to build shared language, reduce friction, and keep your person involved in meaningful ways—one step at a time.This episode is educational and not medical advice.This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).
The most misunderstood symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia are behavioral changes such as agitation, aggression, and social withdrawal. Author Lisa Skinner, in her book Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's: Its Secret Faces, identifies these as the "secret faces" of the disease—non-verbal communication used when a patient can no longer express physical pain or fear through words. Families often mistake these for personality flaws rather than neurological symptoms. While standard medical advice often focuses on "reality orientation"—constantly correcting a patient's confusion—Skinner advocates for an unconventional path that prioritizes emotional peace of mind over factual accuracy. This approach meets the patient in their own reality to reduce dementia-related distress, shifting the focus from clinical management to emotional validation. The "Truth vs. Lie" dynamic is a cornerstone of this compassionate care model. Skinner argues that "therapeutic fibbing" is often the kinder choice. Forcing a patient to face a painful truth, such as the death of a spouse decades ago, causes them to relive traumatic grief repeatedly. Entering their world to provide comfort is a more humane alternative than a truth that causes unnecessary psychological harm. In the realm of regenerative medicine, as highlighted in Skinner's work with Dr. Anand Srivastava, the narrative of brain diagnoses is shifting from inevitable decline toward potential cellular repair. Advances in stem cell research and cellular rejuvenation offer a future where "devastating" diagnoses are viewed through the lens of biological mitigation and neuro-regeneration rather than just symptom management. For caregivers navigating the "relentless pace" of the caregiver's gauntlet, the most immediate mental health shift is to Release the Guilt. Recognizing that "you cannot pour from an empty cup" is essential. Skinner emphasizes that accepting personal limitations and acknowledging that "good enough" care is more sustainable than perfectionist burnout is the first step toward reclaiming mental well-being. Web: https://www.mindingdementiasum... - Looking for that extra spark to level up your life? Say hello to Ash Brown—your go-to American powerhouse, motivational speaker, and the ultimate hype-woman for your personal and professional growth. Ash isn't just a voice in personal development; she's a trusted friend who brings real-talk wisdom and contagious energy to every conversation. Whether you're stuck in a rut or ready to scale your dreams, Ash is here to fuel your journey with a mix of heart and hustle.
In honor of National Alzheimer and Dementia Care Educators Week (Feb 14–21), Teepa Snow and Greg Phelps take on a specific headline that reads: You can be a dementia therapy practitioner by next week. They unpack why quick certification promises can miss what matters most—building real, person-centered skills that help you respond to brain change in the moment, with confidence and respect.Ready to move beyond quick-fix dementia training? Join the Positive Approach to Care® Dementia Trainer Certification (live online) to build practical, person-centered skills you can use—and teach. Next live online dates: Feb 17–18, 2026This podcast is distributed on third-party platforms (including Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to make listening more accessible and convenient for our community. Our presence on any platform does not indicate endorsement of that platform, its owners, its policies, moderation decisions, advertising practices, or any other content hosted or shared there. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).
What if shopping for medical equipment felt empowering instead of depressing? Caregiving is hard enough. Getting the right equipment should not be. In this episode, Hosts Susie Singer Carter and Don Priess talk with Erica Sell, founder of Harmony Home Medical in San Diego, about how the right equipment can help families keep loved ones at home longer, safer, and with more independence.Erica breaks down what Medicare typically covers (and what it does not), how reimbursement can work, and why the system often forces families to wait until a crisis. They also explore practical home solutions like high-low adjustable beds that still feel like home, safer bathing options, lift chairs, mobility devices, ramps, and monitoring tools that protect privacy.Plus, a moving story about how one piece of equipment gave a man his community back.Support the showNo Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé is STREAMING NOW on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F7D1RR5X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r) Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information. Please watch. Review. Share. Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform) for quality long term care! Visit the ROAR 4 LTC Website for more information.Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok
#660: Caring for an aging parent can morph into a second full-time job, and even the most financially savvy adults get blindsided. Bank accounts freeze, home sales stall, and family savings disappear faster than anyone expects. In this episode, we dig into what really happens when you take over a parent's financial life, from the first power of attorney to the final tax return. We explore the emotional and logistical realities of dementia care, Medicaid, trusts, probate, and why a single smartphone setting can determine whether you can access the information you need. Veteran financial journalist and certified financial planner Beth Pinsker joins us to share the hard lessons she learned while managing her parents' money, housing, and estate. She opens up about the “you don't know what you don't know” moments that hit even experts. We look at why almost every caregiver reaches a breaking point, the two documents that can save a year of stress and tens of thousands of dollars, how a forgotten zero-balance home equity line nearly torpedoed a real estate deal, and why phone access now belongs at the center of estate planning. We also confront the brutal math of long-term dementia care, the real differences between Medicare and Medicaid, how to evaluate facilities beyond brochures, and what happens when a parent dies without updated paperwork. Through it all, we focus on how clear conversations about wishes and values can reduce guilt and burnout for the people left steering the ship. Key Takeaways Financial caregiving comes for almost everyone eventually, and even experts hit roadblocks, so the goal is not perfection but reducing avoidable chaos. Power of attorney and healthcare proxy documents are foundational, often more urgent than a will, and they need to be current, state-appropriate, and shared with the people who may need to use them. A locked smartphone without a legacy contact can become a financial brick, cutting caregivers off from essential clues about accounts, subscriptions, and bills. Long-term dementia care can run five to six figures per year, outlasting even solid nest eggs, so families need to confront the realities of Medicaid and state-specific safety nets before the money runs out. How assets are titled, from bank accounts to real estate, determines whether heirs inherit smoothly through a trust or spend years and thousands of dollars navigating probate. The most important “plan” is knowing a loved one's wishes for quality of life and end-of-life care, so financial and medical decisions feel like honoring them instead of guessing in the dark. Key moments (0:00) Why financial caregiving blindsides even the experts (05:18) The hidden home equity line that almost killed a real estate deal (10:54) Two documents every adult in your life should have (14:29) The critical phone setting that protects access to accounts and memories (21:23) What Prince's estate taught us about wills and inertia (31:39) Planning for a decade of dementia care without going broke (35:16) How Medicaid really works and why “running out of money” is a process (38:46) The menu of care options from in-home help to CCRCs and nursing homes (44:31) The “smell test” for evaluating facilities in the real world (51:06) What to do in the first weeks after a parent dies (54:38) Trusts, titles, probate, and how one frozen account cost $5,000 to unlock (01:01:04) Knowing their wishes so money decisions feel like honoring, not guessing Resources and Links Beth Pinsker's website: bethpinsker.com Beth's retirement and financial planning columns at MarketWatch Beth's book, My Mother's Money, on financial caregiving and planning for aging parents and loved ones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices