Can human connection and dignity survive in a profit-driven healthcare system? On this episode of "Love Conquers Alz," we are joined by the talented artist and filmmaker Teace Snyder, who introduces his thought-provoking film "Hold Me." The film explores the emotionally charged and controversial topic of voluntary euthanasia, focusing on a woman whose job is to comfort individuals in their final moments. Teace shares the poignant inspiration behind the film, highlighting the ambiguous professional role of a "holder" and how the film raises essential questions about human connection, grief, and end-of-life care. Our conversation with Snyder sheds light on the delicate balance between personal choice and ethical implications in these profound moments.

Our discussion expands to the broader issues of systemic neglect and the isolating experiences of the elderly and sick in our healthcare system, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We draw parallels to solitary confinement and critique the pervasive influence of money in healthcare, particularly within the hospice system. Through a candid examination of systemic corruption and the hidden influence of the nursing home lobby, we aim to inspire grassroots movements and honest conversations. Our goal is to foster empathy and prioritize human dignity in a system too often driven by profit. Join us as we navigate these complex topics with hope and a commitment to meaningful change.

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In Episode 92, Don and I talked with three prolific writers who have made profound literary contributions to the Dementia community and now pooled their talents and love of poetry to launch a beautiful anthology, “Poetry For the Dementia Journey”, that sprung from an online event featuring over 30 poets. (This just may be one of my favorite episodes!!)
Marianne Sciucco is not a (dementia) nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse. Her novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s Love Story, is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart wrenching disease. She has since launched her own podcast “Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia: An AlzAuthors Podcast” and is the Co-founder of the non-profit AlzAuthors.com, a global community of over 300 dementia-centered writers.
Ann Campanella is the manager/director of AlzAuthors and is a former magazine and newspaper editor. She is the author of two award-winning memoirs and four collections of poetry. Her first memoir, Motherhood: Lost and Found, tells the story of her mother’s descent into Alzheimer’s and was named “One of the best Alzheimer’s books of all time,” by Book Authority two years in a row.
Sue Fagalde Lick has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize in both fiction and nonfiction and won first prize in Willamette Writers Kay Snow Awards for poetry. Sue is co-founder of the Central Coast chapter of Willamette Writers and former president of the Oregon Poetry Association. Her latest release, No Way Out of This, is a me

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Comedian/Filmmaker/Caregiver HEATHER FINK came to filmmaking from comedy. She has been making funny videos since she was a kid growing up in small town New Jersey. After earning a Philosophy degree from The George Washington University, she began NYU's Grad Film program as Writer/Director. Heather has gone on to direct over 35 comedy short and has been featured on MTV, Dr. Phil, TV Guide Magazine and The Washington Post, to name a few. Most currently, she was featured in the LA Times with, as she said in her post on X, her “my most depressing interview and pull quotes ever!” talking about the residual affect ion her career following the SAG-AFTRA and WGAstrikes in 2023. She currently pays the bills as a Sound Person for film and tv, including Marvel’s “Daredevil” and Hulu’s “The Dropout.”

Heather came to caregiving after her beloved father had a paralyzing stroke. Now, she is taking her life-altering story to the stage with her one-woman show, Quicksand, that chronicles how she navigated her role as a young caregiver after her dad’s stroke and the challenges she faced trying to keep herself from sinking. As Heather says, “From caregiving to death and the midlife crisis, QUICKSAND is a storytelling and clown exploration of the realest sh*t we face.”

We chatted with Heather about the importance of creating a supportive community and shared our personal experiences with grief and loss, and the challenges of balancing personal storytelling with the need to connect with a wider audience in documentary filmmaking.

Don and I had a truly fantastic, funny, and heartfelt exchange with this incredible lady and are sure you are going to enjoy our conversation with the one and only Heather Fink.

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SEASON 9 Premiere!
Episode 90 features our esteemed guest, Dr. Ethelle Lord, is an author, practitioner, educator, management coach, presenter, mother and grandmother, and a pioneer in the containment of dementia.

Spending 21 years in the care of her husband Larry, living with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s truly motivated Dr. Lord's career path as a Global Dementia Care Shape and the founding president of the International Caregivers Association, a Dementia-Management-Consultant and Creator of the “Transactional Dementia Intelligence” or TDI business model of dementia care, a WHOLE SYSTEM which includes management, training, care, and coaching.

She has also authored the enlightening book, "Alzheimer and Dementia Coaching: Taking a Systems Approach in Creating an Alzheimer's Friendly Healthcare Workforce."

As Dr. Lord says, “One of the biggest challenges people face is the lack of basic information on where to begin, what to do, and how to do it.” Well this dementia warrior is helping the world, face those challenges - and Don and I were honored to have her with us on Love Conquers Alz!

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“I’m a lawyer by trade, politician by practice, and an academic by accident.” These are the musings of the remarkable, and I have to say, charming, Max Sherman.

In Episode 89, we interviewed a young and energetic 89 years old, Max Sherman. Max's life has been significantly influenced by women. But one in particular has shaped who he is today. In 1953 Max was among 4 high school boys conducting a church service at a local jail when he first laid eyes on a Gene Alice, who was there with her fold up field organ. And their love affair still thrives to this day...

In 2002 Gene Alice started noticing that something was different and soon after was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Through the inevitable progression of the disease Max and Gene Alice’s journey together is now chronicled in the beautiful and poignant memoir, “Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts”. It's a caregiver's story and journey. An honest, heart wrenching and insightful look at not only the disease but of a bond that could not be broken.

Max shares many of the insights he has gained as a caregiver, and thoughts on how to maintain connection even while grieving the losses of the fading abilities of a spouse living with Alzheimer’s.

Max boasts a rather formidable body of work which includes: Texas State Senator, President of West Texas State University, and Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. His leadership roles also include President of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Vice President of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. AND recently he was honored as an 80 over 80 recipients.

Don and I had the best conversation chatting with the author of this ode to a 70 year love-affair that will warm your heart and make you want to fall in love all over again!

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Heeeeeeee’s back! And Don and I couldn’t be happier! Our dear friend and “Senior Care Influencer”, Lance A. Slatton is not only a Writer, Author, and Healthcare professional with over 20 years in the healthcare industry…he is a number one class act and all around nice guy! Oh, and he is also the busiest person I have ever met! I thought I was juggling. Nope. Apparently not. ;)

In case you’re not familiar with Lance, here’s just little background on this Care Commander: Lance is a native of Michigan, and the Senior Case Manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services, a leading care provider. His ingenuity and fortitude led to the creation of All Home Care Matters, an informative podcast and YouTube show devoted to helping families, caregivers, and their loved ones navigate long-term care issues. All Home Care Matters was recently the recipient of the Silver Creator Award from Google & YouTube.

Lance also produces and Co-Host’s two additional shows (I know! What are we doing wrong!?): Conscious Caregiving with L & L, co-hosted by Lori La Bey and The Caregiver’s Journal with Denise M. Brown.

If that were not enough, he also writes a monthly column for McKnight’s Home Care News, DailyCaring.com, and AgeBuzz.

Recognizing Lance’s contributions to the industry, he was named a “50 Under 50” honoree by the New York City Journal for 2023 and has been chosen as a Juror for the Academy of Interactive Visual Arts for 2023 and 2024.

And because he apparently has so much spare time on his hands Lance has now authored a new book, “The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide”, a beacon of wisdom, meant to guide you through the complexities and emotional tides of becoming a caregiver. So, grab a cuppa tea or coffee and find out more about this new endeavor and everything else in the wild world of the inimitable Lance A. Slatton.

And remember - Love is Powerful. Love is Contagious. And Love Conquers Alz.
xoxo Susie

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📣 New Love Conquers Alz Episode #87!

Don Priess and I were so excited to talk to Christina ‘n Cindy Hardin-Weiss WEISS (https://adaptiveequipmentcorner.com), the founders of Adaptive Equipment and Caregiving Corner, IMHO - THE best place to go for educational and instructional videos and home medical equipment product reviews for professional caregivers, families caring for a loved one, and older adults who want to age in place.

We are such HUGE fans of these ladies. Cindy and Christina bring years of expert knowledge and hands on experience to their educational videos and adaptive equipment reviews. If they endorse it - you know it's good! They literally put each and every product to the test! Even adult diapers! Come on! They are the real deal! They are the Ralph Nader for Caregivers.

Cindy Hardin-Weiss is a Physical Therapist and has spent the majority of her career in home healthcare. Her passion is to assist people in maintaining their independence, especially when it makes a difference in their ability to remain in their homes.

Christina Hardin-Weiss is a Speech/Language/Dysphagia Therapist. She has spent most of her career treating patients in skilled nursing facilities. She enjoys working with individuals who have dementia and their families, as well as those that have difficulty eating, chewing, and swallowing due to illness or disease.

Their mission is to help you maintain yours or your loved one's dignity and independence while remaining safely in the comfort and familiarity of your home. It is a noble cause indeed and we can’t wait for you tto get to know Cindy and Christina Hardin-Weiss.

Please listen on your favorite platform (https://linktr.ee/LCALZ) and/or watch us on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgcPBktXGd5ubfJf4xmJRA).

And share, share, share! 💜

Remember:
Love is Powerful
Love is Contagious
and Love Conquers Alz!
Love,
Susie

Christina 'N Cindy on LinkedIn

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Advocate. Leader. Caregiver. Jenny Abeling is dedicated to helping those in need, through the complexities of long-term care. Currently she is the Governor’s Commissioner on Senior Services, working tirelessly to raise up senior related needs across the State of Oregon.

Formerly the Essential Worker Healthcare Trust Director, Jenny led a first in the nation approach to lift Long -Term Care workers by supporting their health and wellness.

Now she has launched JennyAbeling.com, where she provides personalized support to individuals, families and Long -Term Care workers, helping to navigate their care needs.

Featured on CNN, Jenny shares her knowledge and experience through media, podcasts, speaking engagements, and events to harmonize empathy with her unique expertise.

Jenny was recently honored by the Gray Panthers as a recipient of the coveted Above and Beyond Award honoring Long-term Care Workers.

No Jenny has branched out as an author with A Kids Book About Long-Term Care, titled A Kids Book About Long-Term Care. She truly is a bright light in the world of caregiving and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to her!

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