Dementia Careblazers

Taking care of someone with dementia is tough. As caregivers, we often blame ourselves when things go wrong. We think that if something bad happens, it must mean we made the wrong decision. But is that really true? If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

Sometimes, our minds get caught up in imagining the worst-case scenarios, filling us with stress and worry (especially when caring for our loved ones with dementia). But what if I told you that these thoughts are simply stories we make up? If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

In this podcast, I share four steps to feeling better as a dementia caregiver. If you'd like to join us for the live class series on how to feel better, you can click here to learn more: https://www.makecaregivingeasier.com/feelbetter If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

Let's uncover the power of a simple question that can make a big difference in your life, not only when dementia caregiving but also in other aspects. Learn how to prioritize tasks and reduce caregiver stress. Don't miss out on this valuable tip - watch now and remember, just because the answer is "not right now" doesn't mean a task will never happen. If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

Unlock the secret to getting more help as a dementia caregiver! Discover four simple steps that will transform your caregiving journey. From choosing the right tasks to asking the right way, these steps can help turn your overwhelming days into a more manageable experience. Listen now and uncover the hidden power of support! If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

Are you a caregiver who finds dementia caregiving overwhelming and challenging? Do you often wish for a smoother, more comfortable journey in caring for your loved one? If so, you're not alone. Let's explore the three stages of dementia caregiving that every caregiver experiences. If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

Being a dementia caregiver is not an easy thing to do. You CAN do this. Don't give up. If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

As a caregiver, providing care to a loved one with dementia can be a demanding experience. By adopting this proactive mindset, caregivers can transform their caregiving experience and find joy and fulfillment in caring for their loved ones with dementia. Let's talk about some traits of successful caregivers and how they can help transform one's caregiving experience. If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

As we step into a new month, we're excited to introduce our latest series, centered around the traits of amazing and successful Careblazers. If you want to learn the most effective way to get a positive response as a caregiver, then this episode is a must-listen! Discover the most powerful strategy that any caregiver can implement right away to achieve success. Tune in now and unlock the secret to becoming a successful Careblazer! If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

As we step into a new month, we're excited to introduce our latest series, that's centered around the traits of amazing and successful Careblazers. Tune in as we explore this topic by sharing a set of insightful questions that caregivers can ask themselves when they come across useful advice. If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

Careblazers, as you know the month of April, we've been discussing controversial topics. Tune in and listen as I tackle the controversial topic of advocating for your loved one. It's true. No one cares more than you. If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

In the month of April, we are talking about Controversial and Unpopular dementia caregiving topics. Tune in and listen as I tackle this week's controversial topic: How asking the question, "Have you ever cared for somebody with dementia?" might be preventing caregivers from getting the support and information they need. If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

In the month of April, we are talking about Controversial and Unpopular dementia caregiving decisions. Tune in and listen as I tackle the controversial question: "Is It Ok For A Caregiver To Have A Relationship With Somebody Else?" If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

On this episode I share a new way to think about lying to someone with dementia. If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/dementiacareblazers You can also sign up for a free training class and learn more about the Care Course at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

On this episode we will talk about the One thing Every Dementia Caregiver can control. Learn more and sign up for your free training class at www.careblazers.com

On this episode, I share what it means to be impaired on neuropsychological testing and why a basic score on any test isn't enough to know if someone has dementia. Neuropsychological testing is extremely important in assessing for dementia and this is different than any 30 question test given in a quick doctors appointment. Learn more and sign up for your free training class at www.careblazers.com

Trying to push or force someone with dementia doesn't work. It actually makes it less likely that the person with dementia will be willing to accept your help now - and in the future. This episode will help lay the groundwork to increase your chance of success in getting the person with dementia to accept your help with personal care tasks like bathing and toileting. Learn more and sign up for your free training class at www.careblazers.com

Bruce Willis was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and there are a lot of questions about this diagnosis and how it differs from Alzheimer's disease. This is an audio clip from a YouTube video I did going over this diagnosis in detail. To watch the YouTube video, you can click HERE. Sending you so much love on your caregiving journey. To sign up for a free class on how to care for a loved one with dementia without the overwhelm go to www.careblazers.com

In this episode I share a very important question for you to think about. Your answer to this question can lead to a much more enjoyable and pleasant caregiving experience. To learn more about Dementia Careblazers and sign up for a free class on How To Care For A Loved One With Dementia Without The Overhwelm, you can go to www.careblazers.com Follow @Dementia_Careblazers on Instagram and Tik TOk for daily short video trainings.

In this episode I break down the 2 most popular ways to find out what stage someone with dementia is in- the 3 stage dementia model and the 7 stage dementia model. To learn more about Dementia Careblazers you can go to www.careblazers.com To sign up for a FREE Class on How To Care For Someone with Dementia without The Overhwelm you can click HERE: https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website Follow @Dementia_Careblazers on Instagram and Tik Tok for daily short video trainings.

Respite care can be a valubale resource for dementia caregivers. In this episode, we talk about what it is and how you can get it. To learn more about Dementia Careblazers you can go to www.careblazers.com To sign up for a FREE Class on How To Care For Someone with Dementia without The Overhwelm you can click HERE: https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website Follow @Dementia_Careblazers on Instagram and Tik Tok for daily short video trainings.

If your loved one has dementia, you need to know. This episode goes over 6 important reasons knowing your loved one has dementia can help make caregiving an easier experience for you. Links referenced in this episode include: Why a dementia diagnosis is often delayed: https://youtu.be/taJ4c4VXFts How to stop someone with dementia from driving: https://youtu.be/GmGHojIVyt0 Free Training: How To Care For Someone With Dementia Without the Overwhelm: https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website Keep up the great work, Careblazer!

Some people suspect there loved one may have dementia, but they may not actually have a diagnosis or they may find themselves struggling to get the testing done to determine if the diagnosis is present. This episode covers 3 common reasons someone with dementia may be delayed in getting the diagnosis. #1: They are younger than 65 #2: They have good memory #3: They have good language skills If you'd like more in depth training in how to care for someone with dementia without the overwhelm, you can sign up at https://www.dementiacareclass.com/website

Dementia caregiving is HARD…but this common response makes caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia so much harder. This video will share how one small tweak can make caregiving easier for you. In early 2023, I'll be sharing a free in depth training on how to best care for someone with dementia without the overwhelm, you can sign up to be the first notified when it's released by clicking HERE: bit.ly/3jcc4AH Want to Make This Your Best Caregiving Year Yet? Join us here: https://bit.ly/3jwsSSN

It IS possible to reduce your risk for dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, lewy body dementia, etc. A 2021 study based out of Japan showed that older adults who had emotional loneliness were 60% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease within 5 years compared to those who were not lonely. They asked 3 specific questions to determine if someone was emotionally lonely and a yes answer to any of the 3 items meant the person was emotionally lonely and at risk. This is one of many studies to show that how you live your life really does impact your risk for dementia. What were your answers to the 3 questions? , Here is a link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33170218/ In early 2023, i'll be sharing a free in depth training on how to best care for someone with dementia without the overwhelm, you can sign up to be the first notified when it's released by clicking HERE:bit.ly/3jwsSSN 📕Download your FREE TV Guide on Dementia to avoid common caregiving mistakes: https://bit.ly/3RxKzNN 💌 [LET'S CONNECT] Connect with other Careblazers for information and support inside my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacareblazers 🎁 [GET THE FREE GUIDE] Dementia Careblazer Survival Guide: How to survive the caregiving journey without losing yourself in the process. 📢 [LEARN MORE ABOUT DEMENTIA] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dementia_careblazers/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dementia_careblazers YouTube: www.YouTube.com/DementiaCareblazers

Most people who care for someone with dementia like Alzheimer's disease never think about this when they think about dementia care planning- how do YOU want to show up in caregiving. We sometimes just wait to see what the person with dementia does, or how the day unfolds to decide how we want to respond or how we will show up. Instead, you can decide on the type of person you want to be in caregiving and then work on showing up as that person during your caregiving journey. No, it's not easy - but the way things are going right now also isn't easy. This way gives you the opportunity to grow. The choice is yours. Just because you're caregiving doesn't mean you can't keep growing and improving. The questions I ask in this video aren't for everyone, it's for the caregiver who wants 2023 to be a different experience than 2022 and who wants to keep the power they have in life situations. Join the Best Caregiving Year Yet series at: https://www.makecaregivingeasier.com/bestyear To learn more about Careblazers, go to www.careblazers.com

Flat affect is a common symptom in dementia such as alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease dementia. It can also happen in other diseases such as Schizophrenia and depression. It makes it really difficult to know if someone with dementia is enjoying themselves or appreciative of what you are doing. Because of that it's easy to make their flat affect mean you aren't doing a good job at bringing joy to your loved one's life. This episode will help you understand this symptom more and allow you to look for other ways to determine whether your loved one is experiencing joy. In early 2023, i'll be sharing a free in depth training on how to best cae for somemone with dementia without the overwhelm, you can sign up to be the first notified when it's released by clicking HERE: bit.ly/3jwsSSN To learn more about careblazers, you can go to www.careblazers.com

The words you use or don't use can impact whether or not the person with dementia is agreeable to what you are offering. In this episode I break down the reason words are so important and give you ideas for how you can start to change how you refer to things and present things to your person with dementia keeping in mind what you know about them personally. If there is anything you struggle with getting your loved one to accept, play around with changing how you talk about it and refer to it. Click Here for a YouTube video I did on this topic. Be sure to jump to the comment section to see how this simple strategy can be significant. Feel free to leave your own comment on that video as well. If you want information specific to taking medication, you can click HERE. You can go to www.careblazers.com to get access to even more resources.

Many people with dementia look like they have denial when they actually have something called anonosognosia. Anosognosia means total lack of awareness and it means that there is no amount of evidence, convincing, or reasonsing that will ever get them to understand that they have cognitive limitations. When you try to point out how they need help, it often makes things worse. In today's episode, I talk about what you can do when someone with dementia seems to be in "denial" and you need them to understand something. For a brief description on how anosognosia differs from denial and important things to avoid, please click HERE to watch one of my videos. To sign up for my daily newsletter called the Dementia Daily Dose, you can click HERE.

In this episode, we are talking about caregiver guilt. I get messages every day from amazing Careblazers who feel so guilty for something they said or something they've done. They might tell me they snapped back at their loved one. They may have lost thier patience with them. They might tell me they had to place their loved one in a care facility. They tell me they have so much guilt. In this episode, I want to talk about what to do when that guilt creeps up. We will talk specifically about where guilt comes from and also whay you can do to work through the guilt. I'm going to use the example of putting a loved one in a care facility to guide us through becaue that's a big one I hear a lot and a lot of dementia Careblazers will relate to. __________________________________________ 0:43: What actually causes guilt 1:56: How to start managing your guilt 2:57: The thing making caregiving even more difficult and will never help. 3:16: How to move forward 5:15: Real life example 8:53: Link to Guidepost article that recently interviewed me: https://guideposts.org/positive-living/health-and-wellness/caregiving/how-to-avoid-getting-mired-in-caregiver-guilt/ To learn more about Dementia Careblazers and how to get access to more personalized support go to www.careblazers.com

The holidays can be difficult for many people, especially dementia caregivers. The current holiday season looks nothing like the family holidays you may have had in the past. But comparing your current situation to those past celebrations can create feelings of sadness that will make your current situation seem even more difficult. You don't have to just suffer through the holiday season and wish it was over. So, how can you face the holidays head-on, with fewer negative emotions, and maybe even make some new memories? Listen in as Dr. Natali shares three things that are adding to your holiday dread and how to avoid them, plus the big secret all dementia caregivers need to know for a less stressful holiday season and a better life. In this Episode: [00:47] - The holidays can make caregivers who have a loved one with dementia just wish the whole season was over. [01:24] -No matter what your feelings are about the Holiday Season—it's ok—you are human. [03:53] - Number 1: Now is not then; why staying focused on the past makes your current situation even more difficult. [05:21] - You must catch yourself when your brain goes down an unhelpful thought pattern and then consciously redirect it to where you want it to go. [06:03] - Number 2: Some, not all; You can have difficult situations and still have joy. It doesn't have to be one or the other. [08:18] - Number 3: Resisting your emotions; the more you resist, the more difficult emotions escalate. [10:37] - Difficult emotions are a part of life; learning to process them is essential. Feel them and allow them to pass. Links and Resources:Dementia Careblazers Subscribe to Careblazers TV Dementia Careblazers Blog About Careblazers with Dr. Natali Join the Dementia Care Club Download the Careblazer Survival Guide Email the Careblazers

Neuropsychological testing is a series of tests designed to determine how somebody's brain functions across the different regions of the brain. Different types of dementia present differently. Determining how a person responds to different questions can help family members care for and interact with their loved ones more effectively and offer insight for future planning. But not everyone is offered this type of testing, and it is not advised for every patient. Listen in as Dr. Natali discusses the neuropsychological testing process and how to open the discussion to determine if it's right for your loved one. In this Episode: [00:30] - Neuropsychological testing is a series of tests designed to determine how somebody's brain functions. [00:55] - Neuropsychological that is commonly prescribed for people who have dementia or are concerned that they may have dementia. [00:59] - Dr. Natali discusses the hours-long process and the types of abilities assessed during testing. [01:56] - The neuropsychological testing medical team. [02:38] - Because each type of dementia presents differently, each test is designed to assess a different region and function of the brain. [03:31] - How the different patterns in neuropsychological testing paint a picture of the type of dementia present. [03:56] - The difference between office-level screening tests and neuropsych testing. [04:47] - Neuropsych testing provides answers that can help caregivers find communication solutions for interacting, giving care, and a timeline of progression for their loved one with dementia. [06:00] - Is neuropsychological testing necessary? It may only be offered (or helpful) in some cases. [07:33] - Dr. Natali discusses the scenarios when neuropsych testing would not be helpful and might present unnecessary stress to the patient. [08:01] - What to expect during a neuropsychological assessment. [08:33] - How observer effects can impact testing outcomes. [09:05] - Dr. Natali shares her advice on advocating for neuropsychological testing for your loved one. [09:22] - Determining how often testing should be performed and when it should be discontinued. [10:51] - How and when to advocate for neuropsychological testing for your loved one with dementia. Links and Resources:Does Someone with Dementia Need Dementia Testing? On Careblazers Tv Dementia Careblazers Subscribe to Careblazers TV Dementia Careblazers Blog About Careblazers with Dr. Natali Join the Dementia Care Club Download the Careblazer Survival Guide Email the Careblazers

Did you know there are 3 things you should never do with your loved one with dementia? One of the reasons this journey can be so complex and challenging is that the person with dementia, especially in the early stages, looks so much like their normal, usual self. They don't seem to look like much is wrong with them. It's not apparent that their brain is struggling. So, when they want to do something, they no longer can, and you tell them no, and they argue with you, well, it's tempting to argue back, but that won't help and will leave everyone feeling miserable. Not arguing with your loved one with dementia is just one of the 3 Don'ts of Dementia we are walking through on the show today. Listen in to learn the other 2 and the reasonings behind them for more ease in your caregiving journey. In this Episode: [00:30] - Introducing the 3 don'ts of dementia care. [00:44] - Doing these 3 don'ts strains your relationship with your loved one with dementia and makes caregiving more difficult. [00:59] - The person with dementia may not remember exactly what happened, but they hang on to the general association and negative feelings they have when they are with you. [01:16] - How dropping the 3 dementia don'ts can help you repair your relationship and make caregiving easier for you and the person with dementia. [02:20] - Dementia Don't #1: Stop over-correcting and let harmless things go. [05:44] - Dementia Don't #2: Don't try to reason; you cannot interact and communicate with the person who has dementia in the same ways you've interacted with them in the past. [07:35] - How can you accomplish your goal and keep them safe without getting them to agree? [08:03] - Why trying to get your loved one with dementia to agree is not just useless but also harmful. [08:29] - Dr. Natali offers workarounds for solving the 'you can no longer drive' dilemma. [08:54] - Dementia Don't #3: Don't argue; even though they may look the same on the outside, what's going on inside of your loved one's brain has changed. Arguing is not going to help. [10:01] - For more details on each of the 3 Dementia Don'ts, visit 3 things to NEVER do with your loved one with dementia on Careblazers TV. Links and Resources: 3 Things to NEVER Do with Your Loved One with Dementia Dementia Careblazers Careblazers TV Dementia Careblazers Blog About Careblazers with Dr. Natali Join the Dementia Care Club Download the Careblazer Survival Guide Email the Careblazers

One of the biggest blocks to changing challenging dementia behaviors that don't make sense to us is labeling them. For example, say your mom won't bathe, sometimes for weeks. This behavior doesn't make sense to you, but no matter how much you beg and plead and ask, 'why won't you let me help you take care of your hygiene' the answer is a big no. Add to that mom's inability to communicate what she wants or needs to make her comfortable getting into the tub, and this scenario becomes the catalyst for anxiety and overwhelms both of you. And the need for hygiene doesn't change, so you are stuck in the cycle. So, what can you do? Listen in as I share the biggest block to changing difficult dementia behaviors and how you can take the first step to find a response that works so you can move past the behavior more quickly and with less fatigue for both parties. In this Episode: [00:30] - The biggest block to changing challenging dementia behaviors. [00:55] - Dr. Edmonds shares a story of a Careblazer that labeled a behavior and how that made things worse. [02:50] - Why introducing strain into the relationship makes it difficult for the person with dementia to accept your care in the future. [03:03] - Step one in the Behavior Changer Program: identify the actual behavior. [03:10] – Why identifying the behavior that is actually happening helps uncover the meaning behind it. [03:52] - What the Careblazer from the example story learned to better help her mother. [04:19] - A lot of times in dementia, the person's not able to clearly communicate what they want or need, so they do behaviors that don't make sense to us. [04:45] - Asking the right questions to determine why your loved one won't bathe. [05:56] - How you can trade your emotion-based thinking for logic-based thinking for less stress and frustration [06:43] - How to open yourself up so you can discover the correct response to solve the situation. [07:38] - The right questions can help you move past the behavior by solving what's at the heart of it. Links and Resources: Dementia Careblazers Careblazers TV Dementia Careblazers Blog About Careblazers with Dr. Natali Join the Dementia Care Club Download the Careblazer Survival Guide Email the Careblazers

If you needed surgery, would you want it done by a surgeon who lives on coffee, hasn't slept for a week, and has an overflowing waiting room? Probably not. The same is true for caregivers who provide dementia care. If they are over-taxed, burned out, and running on fumes, they are probably unable to provide the highest level of care. "Great dementia care can't ignore the caregiver." So how can you start your journey toward brighter days in your caregiving journey? Today on the show, our host, board certified geropsychologist Dr. Natali Edmonds, walks us through the connection between our thoughts and feelings and providing the highest level of caregiving for those we love who have dementia. In this Episode: [00:53] - Most dementia caregivers are stressed, burned out, and barely hanging on. [01:41] - Why even a person with the best resources and training will never be able to provide optimal dementia care without this one thing. [02:28] - Assessing how we can provide the caregiver with tools and strategies to enable them to offer dementia care with a higher probability of success. [03:03] - The most crucial thing in offering the highest level of dementia care. [03:42] - With so much out of control in the day-to-day caregiving journey, Dr. Edmonds shares the one thing you can change for an easier path. [04:40] - How cognitive-behavioral therapy can help caregivers change their thinking to change their behavior. [05:06] - The truth is, it's not the person with dementia refusing to shower for the 5th week in a row causing your stress. [07:33] - How our thoughts and feelings can impact our attitudes and actions. [08:43] – The impact of our feelings on our loved one with dementia. [09:03] - Sourcing the link between the frustration our loved one with dementia is exhibiting and the caregiver's stress load. [9:35] - Dr. Edmonds shares the most important things to do when you notice an increase in your stress or frustration. [10:11] - Taking the first step to feeling better on your caregiver journey. Links and Resources: Dementia Careblazers Careblazers TV Dementia Careblazers Blog About Careblazers with Dr. Natali Join the Dementia Care Club Download the Careblazer Survival Guide Email the Careblazers