Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and wondering how to make the most of your time together? Walking can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved one while also promoting their physical and mental well-being. In this episode, we'll explore 3 tips for walking together. Tune in to learn how you can make walking with your loved one a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you and why benefits you both!

When Dementia Patients Stop Eating: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support and Comfort

Caring for a loved one with dementia is an emotional journey, and one of the most difficult challenges is when they stop eating or drinking. This heartbreaking transition often signals the later stages of the disease, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

• Why people with dementia stop eating and drinking: From loss of appetite to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), there are several physical and neurological reasons behind this change.
• How to provide comfort and care: Practical tips like offering liquids with straws to trigger reflexes, using calorie-dense drinks, and maintaining oral hygiene to prevent discomfort.
• Ways to maintain connection: Mealtimes can still be meaningful moments to share love and presence, even when food is no longer a focus.
• Grief, loss, and bereavement: The emotional toll of caregiving, especially during end-stage dementia, can be overwhelming. Recognizing anticipatory grief and seeking support can make a difference.

This journey isn’t one you have to face alone. Hospice care, palliative specialists, and local dementia organizations are invaluable resources that can guide and support you every step of the way.

For more personalized help, explore my new ebook and online course, Managing Meals and Eating Challenges. Designed for family and professional caregivers, these resources include expert strategies, video demonstrations, and skills checklists to help you navigate eating challenges with confidence and compassion.

Visit MelissaBPhD.com to learn more and take the first step toward making mealtimes less stressful and more meaningful.

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Brittany Olson, an expert in Feng Shui and interior design. Brittany shares her insights on creating spaces that promote harmony and balance, highlighting how Feng Shui can be a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. We explore practical tips for arranging furniture, selecting colors, and using natural elements to transform any environment into a more inviting and peaceful place. Whether you're new to Feng Shui or looking for ways to refresh your space, Brittany offers valuable advice that can make a real difference in your home.

Brittany also discusses her approach to working with clients and how she tailors her recommendations to suit individual needs and preferences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the personal energy in a space and how it can influence one's life. From small adjustments to larger transformations, Brittany's expertise helps people create spaces that nurture both mind and body. Tune in to hear more about how Feng Shui can guide you in making intentional choices for your home, and learn how to bring more balance and positivity into your living environment.