Another 'Island Treasures Treasure Chest' bonus episode. In this episode we revisit "Skills Retained: Strengths-Based Approach to Dementia Care" Season 2, Episode 13 featuring Judy Cornish.

Judy Cornish is the founder of the DAWN Method - a strengths-based approach to dementia care. From the treasure chest we hear about two sets of thinking skills: the sensory and the rational thinking skills. We examine dementia through the lens of the disease or medical model and compare that to viewing dementia through the experiential or functional perspective. We also hear about mindfulness and mindlessness and how important it is to recognize the skills our loved one still has and how to supplement the ones they may be losing.

Learning about this strengths-based, person-centered approach to dementia care can help provide a more positive experience for both the caregiver and their loved one.

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Rebekah Dowhy, grew up being the caregiver for her mom. Through her caregiving life she learned the importance of support.

She describes the rare opportunity she had to experience the joy that came with taking a break. A break that to many would be taken for granted, as she was able to join her classmates for an outing. Rebekah's take on this outing was that it felt like a vacation.

Learning the power of taking a break from such a young age, Rebekah created a respite program for caregivers. It is called the Caregiving Support Network, and it meets the needs of caregivers to help them cope, feel seen, and to prevent them from becoming a statistic especially with her knowledge that caregiver stress can lead to caregiver burnout.

From her perspective she reminds non-caregivers of how they can help the caregivers in their lives and how much a simple gift for a caregiver can mean.

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This episode offers valuable insights to both caregivers and non-caregivers, featuring valuable tips from Rebekah Dowhy for those who aren't caregivers but want to lend a hand.

Rebekah's journey into caregiving began at birth, as her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis the same year she was born. Growing up, Rebekah, along with her dad, took care of her mom. Through this experience, she learned the critical importance of support and the need for respite breaks. (You’ll hear how for Rebekah, even a two-hour break with peers felt like a much-needed vacation.) This inspired her, and after many years of caring for her mom, eventually seeing her home to heaven, Rebekah founded the Caregiving Support Network (CSN).

Respite is essential for caregivers, as without it, they risk facing overwhelming stress, depression, and burnout. Understanding this need, Rebekah established the nonprofit program to offer both respite and practical support for caregivers. The Caregiving Support Network (CSN) also extends support post-caregiving, such as with resume writing, recognizing that caregivers acquire numerous new skills and abilities through their experiences that can help when it’s time to return to the career they had pre-caregiving.

For more information from Rebekah, here's her website:
Caregiving Support Network

The activity books Rebekah spoke about are available through Ways 2 Wellness

Here's the video "Things Not to Say" that we spoke about.

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This mini episode contains a fictional short story that combines the titles from the full episodes of the Island Treasures podcast that aired throughout 2024. The story encompasses the various aspects of caregiving mentioned in the titles, highlighting the emotional journey, the obstacles, and the victories along the way.

As we wrap up 2024 I wish to publicly thank all the guests who have so willingly and selflessly shared their stories on this platform, and helped so many caregivers along the way. My heartfelt gratitude to Grace Block, Bill Cohen, Teepa Snow, George Ackerman, Lori Rogers, Jenna Rumberger, Victoria Essner, Debbie Compton, Alexis Baker, Amy Friesen, Susanne White, and Sarah Merriman.

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In the full episode entitled "Roadblocks and Signposts for Caregivers", Sarah Merriman talked about her poetry and reminiscence sessions for people living with dementia; and that she is a poet herself!

Sarah was willing to share two of her heart-felt poems in this mini episode. The first is called "Dad". It is a loving tribute to her father who was a single father. Sarah tells us about the backstory of the relationship She had with her father and with her Nana and why their bond and Sarah's devotion as her caregiver was so deep.

Her second poem is called "Hope" and it is a poem of understanding for caregivers; and Sarah offers compassionate hope and support through her written words. May I add, this compassionate hope is carried through how she supports caregivers in the work she does as a freeland dementia consultant.

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Sarah Merriman joins this episode straight from the United Kingdom. Sarah was the primary caregiver for her Nana for seven years. Her grandmother experienced cognitive deficits and despite Sarah's attempts to have her assessed, her grandma was resistant.

Sarah was a sandwich-generation caregiver, feeling torn by being pulled in so many different directions. Sarah now recognizes how that impacted not only her, but her family, her job and her grandmother. The toll it took on her led to a total break down after her grandmother passed away.

There were roadblocks along the way that contributed to the stress of the journey. The biggest was her grandmother’s resistance to being assessed - preventing her from receiving a diagnosis of dementia until three short months before her death. This roadblock prevented doors being opened to supports that they both so desperately needed. Supports that could have alleviated Sarah’s stress.

Sarah did not identify as a caregiver (or carer as they are called in the UK), and as such she was not able to access much needed information, support and resources. But Sarah learned from this and once she regained her strength and returned to work, she went on to obtain a master’s degree in Dementia Studies and now is a huge advocate for caregivers, and folks who are living with dementia and early onset dementia. She truly signposts others to caregiver resources.

So, if you are looking after someone who couldn’t manage without your help – you are most likely a carer or a caregiver; by calling yourself a caregiver you can remove what may be one of your roadblocks and learn of resources and supports available to help you along your caregiving journey.

If you’d like to contact Sarah, you can do so through her LinkedIn profile; and be sure to check out her blogs, articles and information about her poetry and reminiscence sessions for people living with dementia.

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Loretta Veney is a LEGO Serious Play Instructor and she was able to find effective ways to incorporate LEGO into caregiving for her mom who was living with dementia. You can hear all about Loretta's journey as a caregiver in the full podcast episode titled "Building the Unbreakable Caregiver" from Season 3 of the Island Treasures Podcast.

In this Treasure Chest segment you will hear how using LEGO as a communication tool can be effective. When Loretta's mom was unable to express in words how she was feeling about her dementia diagnosis, she used LEGO to clearly demonstrate how she was feeling. Loretta shares many uses of LEGO that she has experienced throughout her life.

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Have you heard a caregiver referred to as an angel?

This mini episode features a clip from the Caregiver Warrior, Susanne White describing how when she's in the company of caregivers she feels the space is sacred. Susanne paints great word pictures and this one certainly conveys the respect, and appreciation she has for caregivers.

We also hear a clip about caregiver warriors! We talk about how the attributes of a warrior also apply to caregivers. Their tenacious spirit and commitment to serve and protect those in their care... just like warriors.

Both caregiver angels and caregiver warriors have strengths and characteristics to be admired. If you are a caregiver this episode may be just what you need to hear to remind you how the work you do is vital. As it is brief, you may wish to check out the full episode called "The Messy Middle of Caregiving" as well as Susanne White's website for more tactical gear for battles you may face in caregiving.

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