Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers

By: Podcast Playground
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  • Summary

  • Navigating the insidious illness of Alzheimer’s is something nobody asks for. The disease sneaks up on you and your loved one, and it feels like you’ve been sucker-punched in the gut when you get the diagnosis from a doctor. So many things race through your mind: why us? What do we do? We worked so hard to get to this point in life. We just moved here after we both worked for 30 years, sold our house up North, and retired to Florida to enjoy our “golden years”. It’s not fair! Who’s going to take care of her/him? I don’t know a thing about this illness. She’s always done the cooking; I don’t even know how to boil water. He's always taken care of me and everything else like Finances. I don’t even drive! And it goes on and on. Facing this disease will bring you to your knees. Once you get over the initial shock (GUT PUNCHED), the questions and fears take hold. Where do we turn for help? Who do I call? What do I do? How do you take care of someone with Alzheimer's? Are there support groups? And questions like these just keep coming. I am a caregiver. I wasn’t before. Well, not this kind of caregiver. My wife was officially diagnosed in January of 2018. I had a sneaking suspicion that she might have something like this about 2 years earlier. So, when I brought it to my Neurologist, he sent us to a very nice Psychologist who specializes in testing patients to determine more accurately what is going on. It was a question-and-answer session, followed by a very detailed testing procedure that usually takes 3 or more hours. The patient has to complete the test comprising of questions, simple actions, and memory tests, then give them a couple of numbers or words then move on, going back to the numbers or words a short time later.

    So moving forward, I asked all the same questions as mentioned earlier. What are my options? So I “sucked it up”-Manned up so to speak. It's part of the deal for better or worse, right? So began my quest for information on support groups, doctors, anything I could get my hands on. It's been 6 years, and I am still looking for everything and anything that will help me crawl through this unchartered path to enlightenment. I was very fortunate to live in a city that has numerous resources to tap into. Most importantly, it's a place named after someone who suffered from Alzheimer’s. His wife provided the money to start the Alvin Dubin Center: The Dubin Center for short. Their mission is to achieve caregiver health, strength, and resilience by providing education, information, hope, and compassion. And boy do they. I leaned on them for everything I could find. Took all kinds of classes to learn what I needed to do to be the caregiver I have to be. Their caregiver class took about 6 weeks. The material we learned from, and the instructors, were top-notch. I still go back to the notes I took, and the books we used: both as refreshers and inspiration. Hopefully, no matter where you are listening to this, there will be a place like the Dubin Center. If not, don’t despair. The info is out there. That’s what this podcast is about. We’d like to share our resources, our experiences, our heartbreak, and our little victories. From time to time, we’d like to bring in Physicians, Nurses, Experts, and people like you and me, who are going through this disease with our loved ones who are willing to share their journey. The first thing that really stuck with me, and hopefully it will be with you. If you are a caregiver, you must first take care of yourself. Because this is not a sprint, but a marathon. And if you are run down, get sick, or worse.... Who’s going to take care of your spouse, mother, father, or child? Think about that for a few seconds. It’s you, the Caregiver. It’s me the Caregiver. That’s why we’re here. Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers! Thanks for joining us...now let's get going.
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Episodes
  • Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 33

    Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 33
    Nov 18 2024

    In this episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards takes a moment to reflect on the progress made as” the countdown continues”, bringing some lighthearted humor about the unpredictable weather before shifting gears to more important topics.

    First, Jeff discusses an intriguing article titled “Nighttime Light Exposure May Raise Alzheimer’s Risk”, highlighting new research that points to how exposure to light during nighttime could potentially increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. It’s an eye-opening conversation about the potential impact of our daily routines on brain health.

    Next, listeners are treated to Part 2 of a powerful interview with Dr. Adam Perry from HealthSpan Partners. Dr. Perry delves deeper into The GUIDE, a new government program through Medicare and Medicaid designed to provide vital support for caregivers. If you’re a caregiver looking for assistance, this episode is a must-listen for the details you need to take advantage of this valuable resource.

    Finally, Jeff updates listeners on the upcoming Walk To End Alzheimer’s events, sharing his own experience from the first walk he participated in with his wife. It was a meaningful event, and they plan to make it an annual tradition. He encourages others to join in the final walks of the season and support the cause.

    Tune in for an informative and positive episode packed with insights, updates, and encouragement for caregivers.

    GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS, with Host, Jeff Edwards. GUTPUNCHED.COM

    Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple and more. Please hit like and subscribe.

    #caregivers #alzheimer’s #gutpunched #alzheimer’s caregiving
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    29 mins
  • Gut Punched: EP 32 No Tropical Hurricanes This Week, The Countdown Continues

    Gut Punched: EP 32 No Tropical Hurricanes This Week, The Countdown Continues
    Nov 11 2024

    This week, join Host Jeff Edwards First up, he’s tackling a hot-button issue with an eye-opening article about the dangers of “Too Many Meds for Alzheimer’s patients—turns out, less is sometimes more.

    Then, we’re joined by Dr. Adam Perry from HealthSpan Partners, who’s going to clear up all the mystery around a new government program called THE GUIDE—no, it’s not your GPS for getting around dementia care (though we wish it were that simple!). This is the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model—a mouthful, we know—but a crucial lifeline for caregivers and families dealing with dementia. Dr. Perry in Part 1 of the interview, will dive into how this program is improving care for people living with dementia and offering much-needed support for caregivers who often feel like they’re in this alone. Take Note: Next Week Part 2 will air.

    Plus, we’ve got updates on Walk for Alzheimer’s locations, so you can lace up your shoes and join the fight for a brighter future!

    Tune in—because if you’re a caregiver, or know someone who is, this episode is your roadmap to better care and support.

    GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS, with Host, Jeff Edwards. GUTPUNCHED.COM

    Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple, and more. Please hit like and subscribe.

    #caregivers #alzheimer’s #gutpunched #alzheimer’s caregiving

    We’ll cover an article about “Too Many Meds Can Harm Alzheimer’s Patients”
    We have a fascinating interview with Dr Adam Perry, from HealthSpan Partners, and he’ll explain in depth, something we’ve been touching on the last couple of episodes. It’s a new Government program from Medicare & Medicare called: THE GUIDE.

    If you haven’t heard about it yet… give this a listen, especially if you are a caregiver and you need some help. This might be for you.

    The Guide: Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model.

    This program offers enhanced services for dementia care and support for caregivers (a relative or unpaid nonrelative who helps with activities of daily living).

    Improve the quality of life for people living with dementia

    Enhance support for caregivers of people living with dementia

    Help people living with dementia stay in their homes and communities longer.

    And we’ll update you on some of the Walk for Alzheimer's locations in the next few weeks.

    GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS, with Jeff Edwards. GUTPUNCHED.COM

    Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple, and more. Please hit like and subscribe.

    #caregivers #alzheimer’s #gutpunched #alzheimer’s caregiving
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    30 mins
  • Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 31

    Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 31
    Nov 4 2024

    In this episode Of GutPunched” Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Episode 31 or “Countdown to Election Chaos”, Host Jeff Edwards, looks at the focus is on caregiver stress and burnout, providing insights into their signs, symptoms, and coping strategies. The episode also offers a preview of an upcoming interview with Dr. Adam Perry from Healthspan Partners, who will discuss a new program designed specifically for caregivers and their partners. Additionally, listeners will receive updates on the Walk for Alzheimer's events taking place in the coming weeks.

    The episode emphasizes three key rules for caregivers:

    1. Prioritize self-care to ensure you're able to care for your loved one.

    2. Recognize that caregiving is not a solitary journey; seek support from caregiver groups, friends, and family.

    3. Create and utilize lists of people who can assist you and tasks that need to be accomplished to manage overwhelming responsibilities effectively.

    This supportive framework aims to empower caregivers in navigating their challenging roles while promoting their well-being.

    GUTPUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS, with Jeff Edwards. GUTPUNCHED.COM


    Available on The Podcast Playground, and all the major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Google, I-Heart, Apple, and more. Please hit like and subscribe.

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    20 mins

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