Episodes

  • The Realities of Caregiver Self-Care

    The Realities of Caregiver Self-Care
    Jan 28 2025

    When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or other type of dementia, you’ve probably heard countless times: “Don’t forget to take care of yourself.” While well-intentioned, this advice can feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling multiple responsibilities!

    Through our conversation with Elizabeth Miller, we’ve learned that effective self-care is about more than just general advice — it’s about finding practical, sustainable ways to maintain your own wellbeing while caring for others.


    Connect with us and share your tips:

    • Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com

    Full Show Notes

    https://thecaregiversjourney.com/the-realities-of-caregiver-self-care-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/


    Additional Resources Mentioned

    Happy Healthy Caregiver website here

    20 for 2025 Funsheet here

    Self-Care at Sea cruise here

    Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast here

    Just for You daily journal here


    Takeaways

    Tip 1: Give Yourself Permission


    One of the biggest barriers to self-care is the guilt that comes with taking time for yourself. Many caregivers feel it's selfish to focus on their own needs when their care recipient is struggling.


    Tip 2: Think Broadly About Self-Care


    Self-care encompasses much more than just physical health. Elizabeth identifies eight key categories:

    - Practical self-care (like organizing your desk)

    - Emotional self-care (therapy, journaling)

    - Social self-care (connecting with others)

    - Spiritual self-care (following your spiritual path)

    - Intellectual self-care (learning new things)

    - Financial self-care (budgeting, planning)

    - Professional self-care (career development)

    - Physical self-care (exercise, nutrition)


    Tip 3: Prioritize and Schedule Self-Care


    The best self-care strategy is simply putting it on your calendar. Elizabeth recommends creating a "20 for 25" list—twenty things you want to do this year that bring you joy, energy, or peace of mind. These can range from small activities like learning a new game to bigger plans like taking a vacation.


    Tip 4: Give Yourself Credit


    Instead of focusing solely on to-do lists, create a "ta-da" list celebrating what you're already doing right. Remember that self-care includes basic activities you're already doing:

    - Getting sleep

    - Preparing meals

    - Basic hygiene

    - Managing finances

    - Taking breaks



    Read More in This Blog here
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    24 mins
  • Are You Ready for an Emergency? Get a Plan!: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    Are You Ready for an Emergency? Get a Plan!: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Jan 14 2025

    When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, worries can keep you up at night — but they don’t help you. Through our conversation with Denise Brown, we’ve learned having a solid emergency plan helps calm your worries, reduce your fears, and provide you with peace of mind.


    Full Show Notes

    https://thecaregiversjourney.com/are-you-ready-for-an-emergency-get-a-plan-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-other-dementias/


    Additional Resources Mentioned

    Slides used in episode here

    Caring Our Way community here

    Family Emergency Plan space on Caring Our Way here

    Schedule of free planning sessions with consultant here


    Takeaways

    Tip 1: Name Your Worry


    The first step in creating an emergency plan is identifying specific concerns that keep you up at night. Denise's Family Emergency Plan includes eight categories of common caregiver worries:

    - Delays

    - Health emergencies

    - Hospitalizations

    - Behavioral challenges

    - Transportation issues

    - Medication management

    - Care coordination

    - Communication needs


    Tip 2: Develop Your Plan


    Once you've identified your concerns, it's time to create actionable plans. Remember that plans can take many forms:

    - Written instructions

    - Maps or diagrams

    - Medication lists

    - Contact information

    - Behavior management strategies

    - Transportation arrangements


    Tip 3: Communicate Your Plan


    Effective communication ensures everyone involved understands their role. Consider multiple methods of sharing information:

    - Written letters or emails

    - Shared online documents

    - In-person meetings

    - Physical copies in accessible locations

    - Regular updates and reminders


    Tip 4: Update Your Plan Regularly


    Emergency plans should evolve as circumstances change. Watch for these common triggers that signal the need for updates:

    - Changes in your care recipient's condition

    - New diagnoses or medications

    - Shifts in your own availability

    - Family member changes

    - Service provider updates

    - Transitions to palliative or hospice care


    About Our Guest Expert


    Denise Brown founded the Caring Our Way community to support family caregivers. The community offers free resources, including:

    - Monthly planning sessions

    - Family Care Manager course

    - Downloadable planning templates

    - Online support spaces

    - Access to certified caregiving consultants


    You can find these resources at caringourway.com.

    Read More in This Blog here
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    27 mins
  • Supporting Your Parent Through Their Caregiving Journey: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    Supporting Your Parent Through Their Caregiving Journey: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Dec 30 2024
    When a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia and the other parent begins their caregiving journey, the dynamic between the caregiving parent and child shifts dramatically. Through our experiences and conversations with families navigating this transition, we've developed six essential tips to help you support your parent as they take on the role of primary caregiver. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com Full Show Notes Takeaways Tip 1: Insert Yourself into the Journey The first step is making your presence and support known while respecting your parent’s role as primary caregiver. Key points: Increase visit frequency or phone callsPosition yourself to observe daily dynamicsAvoid judgment of decisionsListen more than adviseShow support without taking over Tip 2: Monitor Caregiver Health Ensuring your caregiving parent maintains their own health is crucial for sustainable care. Key points: Ask specific questions that can’t be answered with “I’m fine”Monitor medical appointmentsDiscuss challenges they’re facingWatch for signs of stress or exhaustionEncourage preventive health care Tip 3: Provide Emotional Support Help your parent maintain connections and avoid isolation while caregiving. Key points: Listen actively to what’s said and unsaidValidate feelings before offering solutionsMaintain normal conversations beyond caregivingEncourage outside activities and interestsHelp research support resources Tip 4: Share the Load Even from a distance, there are many ways to help manage caregiving responsibilities. Key points: Handle digital tasks remotelyCoordinate with local friends and familyCreate support networksHelp with scheduling and planning Tip 5: Participate in Care Details Get involved in both practical and legal aspects of care management. Key points: Obtain necessary legal documents earlySecure medical power of attorneyAddress privacy laws and documentationArrange financial access if neededSupport decision-making processes Tip 6: Support Through Grief Grief occurs throughout the journey, not just at its end. Key points: Acknowledge “drip grief” throughout the journeyHelp maintain connections during caregivingSupport through the final transitionAssist with post-care legal mattersBe sure to process your own grief Special Considerations When creating support systems: Develop emergency plans earlyCreate shared care plansDocument important informationKeep contact lists updatedMaintain flexibility in arrangements About Our Guest Expert This episode featured Andrew Phipps from Empathy Unbound, who shared his personal experience supporting his father as he cared for Andrew’s mother with dementia. Andrew created Empathy Unbound to promote the idea that empathy is one of our greatest superpowers — one that we often don’t recognize or use enough. As Andrew explains, “The ability to take on the experience or position of another to help understand them is invaluable. Putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes helps us understand their situation in a way we couldn’t otherwise.” You can find the Empathy Unbound podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Read More in This Blog here
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    28 mins
  • Dental Care Update: Three New Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    Dental Care Update: Three New Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Dec 17 2024

    "I discovered a growth on his gum that was only slightly smaller than a marble. That's when I learned dental care involves much more than just brushing teeth."

    As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we're continuously learning and adapting our care approaches. Through recent experiences, we've discovered important new aspects of dental care that we believe could help other caregivers on their journey.

    Connect with us and share your tips:

    • Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com


    Additional Resources Mentioned

    Other episodes mentioned

    Episode 15 here

    Large cell granuloma picture here

    These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

    • Oral swabs here
    • Super soft toothbrush here
    • Fresh Breath mouthwash here


    Full Show Notes here

    https://thecaregiversjourney.com/dental-care-update-three-new-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/
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    23 mins
  • Delusion Support: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    Delusion Support: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Dec 10 2024

    When your loved one experiences delusions or hallucinations for the first time, it can be frightening and overwhelming for everyone involved. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we've learned how to navigate these challenging moments.

    See Full Show Notes here

    Connect with us and share your tips:

    • Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com


    Additional Resources Mentioned

    These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

    • Electronic medication dispensing and monitoring device for caregiver here
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    39 mins
  • Creating Engaging Activities: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    Creating Engaging Activities: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Dec 3 2024
    As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we often struggle with adapting activities to their changing abilities. Through our experiences, and what we’ve learned from others on their caregiving journeys, Nancy Treaster and I developed three important tips to help you create meaningful engagement that honors who our care receivers are today. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com Additional Resources Mentioned Other The Caregiver’s Journey podcast mentioned Home Safety here These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you. Large plastic rings child's toy that center screws into base hereAdult coloring book hereDementia friendly puzzle hereLavender lotion hereBead maze hereFidget blanket herePhoto giftsShutterfly hereMemory Cafe example here Takeaways From the moment of diagnosis, we need to shift our focus from what our care receivers used to do to what brings them joy now. Tip 1: Adjust Our Expectations Our care receivers’ engagement and abilities change throughout their journey — even throughout each day. Key points: Let go of ‘before’ comparisonsLet go of outcomesWatch for signs of enjoyment or frustrationPay attention to new interestsAdapt activities to current abilitiesAccept different ways of engaging Tip 2: Prioritize Their Safety As we introduce or adapt activities, safety must be a primary concern, considering both cognitive and physical abilities. Key points: Consider vision changes and depth perception challengesAdapt activities to safely maintain independenceProvide appropriate supervision and get creative in places to find itMake creative adjustments to familiar activitiesCreate support networks for safety Tip 3: Create Engaging Activities Create activities to reflect their personal history, career, hobbies and interests, while engaging their senses. Whenever possible, engage multiple senses for a deeper connection and engagement. Key points: Engage their senses:• Touch (e.g.: fidget blankets, textured items)• Sound (e.g.: familiar music, calming sounds)• Smell (e.g.: familiar scents, cooking aromas)• Sight (e.g.: colorful objects, family photos)• Movement (e.g.: seated dancing, simple exercises)Create social connections through:• Small group activities• Religious or spiritual practices• Memory cafes• Senior center programs• Family gatherings When planning activities: Observe body language for signs of engagement or distressHave backup calming activities ready if they get agitatedRemember that watching can be a form of participationConsider “drip grief” (see bottom of post for definition) — both yours and theirsBe flexible and creative in your approachAccept help from others who want to support you Read Full Blog here
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    26 mins
  • Meaningful Caregiver Gifts: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    Meaningful Caregiver Gifts: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Nov 26 2024


    "If you give me a spa certificate but no gift of time to go with it, I'll probably never use it."


    As friends and family of Alzheimer’s and other dementia family caregivers, we want to give meaningful gifts that will actually be used and appreciated. Through our experiences and what we've learned from others on their caregiving journeys, we've developed five important categories of gifts that truly make a difference in a caregiver's life.


    See Full Show Notes here


    Rate, Subscribe and Share Your Tips on Social Media!

    Please click here to review, follow or subscribe to our podcast.

    If you don’t see your preferred platform click on Podchaser and click at the bottom “Write my review”

    • You can log in with Twitter, Facebook or Google
    • On the right you’ll see a box with “Follow”, “Rate and Review” and “Share”


    Connect with us and share your tips:

    • Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com


    Additional Resources Mentioned

    These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

    • Begin your self-care journey guide here
    • Scented soap Herbaria - here
    • Sue’s favorite popcorn here
    • Care support coordination
    • Mealtrain.com here
    • Caringbridge.com here
    • Photo gifts
    • Shutterfly here
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    17 mins
  • Medication Management: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    Medication Management: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Nov 19 2024

    "I wish I had started monitoring my husband's medication sooner than I did."

    As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that medication management becomes increasingly challenging. Through our experiences, and what we've learned from support groups and others on their journeys, we've developed four important tips to help you support your care receiver with medication management.

    See Full Show Notes here

    Rate, Subscribe and Share Your Tips on Social Media!

    Please click here to review, follow or subscribe to our podcast.

    If you don’t see your preferred platform click on Podchaser and click at the bottom “Write my review”

    • You can log in with Twitter, Facebook or Google
    • On the right you’ll see a box with “Follow”, “Rate and Review” and “Share”



    Connect with us and share your tips:

    • Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com

    Additional Resources Mentioned

    These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

    • Electronic medication dispensing and monitoring device for caregiver here
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins