Fading Memories

Visual Storytelling can help make complex stories easier to understand. It can deliver more impactful messages. It can make stories as relevant for readers as possible. Why would someone choose to document visually such a difficult subject as dementia? There are as many answers to this as there are caregivers. For some, it's a way … Read More Read More

When Caregiving Calls, are we going to be prepared? Caregiving doesn't usually call; for most of us, caregiving demands our immediate attention. Can we be prepared when that call comes? We're not a society that, in general, plans for or likes to discuss the end of our lives. However, with a little planning, conversation, and … Read More Read More

Is there a way to keep our brain smart as we age?  Our brains continue to grow when we challenge them. What exactly should we be looking at in terms of strenuous brain exercise?

Creativity is a lifeline for me. Does having a creative mind help you avoid Alzheimer's? Some research has shown that musicians' brains are more resilient because of the additional neural networks formed while learning their craft. Are there other art forms that may provide this same resilience for those who are not musically inclined? Thankfully, … Read More Read More

In the first place, is it even possible to find a way to achieve cruising through caregiving? We all know that being a family caregiver is no vacation. Together with my guest on this podcast episode, we talk about reducing the challenges we face, even if only slightly.

Self-care is more than bubble baths & wine. Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a glass of wine. Caregivers frequently hear, “you have to take care of yourself,” but they seldom hear how to make that happen. They're also rarely offered the assistance they need that would allow them time for self-care. If … Read More Read More

Most of us don't sign up for caregiving. It happens because of a crisis or slowly takes over more of our day-to-day lives. Eventually, much of our caregiving comes to an end, and then what? When caregiving has been your primary life purpose for years, what do you do when that's gone? Moving on isn't … Read More Read More

Your brain has a superpower – do you know how to activate it? Do you want to take charge of your brain? Keep your mind healthy and strong for the remainder of your life? Are you aware of how things and people in your life influence your neurological health? There are ways to take charge … Read More Read More

  Stress & anxiety relief through music therapy is definitely something you can do at home. There is abundant research that proves listening to music helps to reduce our levels of anxiety.  Anxiety, one of the most common, and most devastating, of all mental conditions, has become somewhat of an epidemic in modern-day society. What … Read More Read More

One of 5 authors of the books “365 Caregiving Tips” Not all tips will fit every caregiver, but every caregiver will find tips that fit. Those are the wise words you find when visiting the website, www.365caregivingtips.com. Joining me, again, is a favorite guest, Gincy Heins. She was so delightful I knew I had to … Read More Read More

Looking for ways to have better visits with my Mom is the genesis of the Fading Memories podcast. After two and a half years, I've learned a lot more about engagement. By learning how to give seniors a purpose and find things they enjoy, we go a long way into having meaningful visits. By bringing … Read More Read More

How can you survive being an Alzheimer's caregiver and remain a well spouse? When you are experiencing sorrow, fear, frustration, agony, exhaustion, and depression, and when the level of caregiving stress makes you feel on the verge of a total breakdown, know that you are not alone. There is not the way, there is not a … Read More Read More

When you've decided to manage care, other steps are now needed. It's essential to develop a care philosophy, goals, and strategies for reaching the target with the patient. A plan will allow everyone involved with the care to have a clear understanding of the patient's wishes. You'll have a plan to deliver them.

Sometimes caregiving can feel like we're living on Planet Alz Caregivers live on Planet Alz, which is a different planet than earth. When you see us walking down the street, you may think that we look normal, but we are not. We are actually on a different planet. In our world, the normal rules do … Read More Read More

Finding joy is easier when we have positive connections with our loved ones. Finding joy and contentment is easier when we have positive connections with each other. Our words and actions play a significant role in determining the quality of our loved ones' lives. Creating happy moments with my Mom was a top priority while … Read More Read More

Can the digital networks that record our footprints hold us steady when dementia threatens to push us off the path? The question has real stakes for data analyst Charlie Sanders, His best hope for a father succumbing to Alzheimer’s comes from assistive technology that Charlie helps design. Will Charlie keep his father and his country … Read More Read More

Longer and longer lives are becoming the norm.  Understandably, caregiving, and employment are bound to become a clash of responsibilities. Caregivers and employers working together can avoid complicating these competing responsibilities. In the end, what's good for the employee is good for the employer, right?

Part of forming your caregiving team might include a millennial or even a younger person. Learning about their unique challenges will allow all of us to handle caregiving in a more compassionate and understanding way.

Flexing our brain muscle is important but it also needs to be fun! Are you looking for a way to flex your brain muscle in a fun and creative way? Would you also like to improve your connection with others, especially your loved one? Fun makes us stronger and feel better. Games that engage, entertain … Read More Read More

In this episode, I bring you as many tips, suggestions, and ideas as we could fit in an hour. My guest, Barbara Cohn cared for her husband for a decade. He had younger-onset Alzheimer’s. In writing her book Calmer Waters, it was Barbaras' goal to help other caregivers feel happier, have more energy and time … Read More Read More