Episodios

  • Removing Driving Privileges: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Jul 30 2024
    If you can successfully leverage tip one in this episode you will have an easy path to removing driving privileges. As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we both learned that driving privileges are a sensitive and important issue to address. In the beginning stages of dementia, our primary goal is to balance safety with our care receivers' desire for independence. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, and through our experiences, we've offer four key tips for removing driving privileges. Show Notes Takeaways We offer four tips to help you. Tip 1: Understand Legal and Insurance Considerations One of the most effective ways to approach the driving issue is to familiarize yourself with the legal and insurance implications in your area. This involves researching local laws and understanding the potential consequences of allowing someone with dementia to continue driving. Tip 2: Implement Tracking Measures For those in the early stages of dementia who are still able to drive safely, tracking can provide peace of mind for caregivers while allowing the care receiver to maintain some independence. Tip 3: Gradual Transition: Riding Along and Taking Over As dementia progresses, it's helpful to start riding along frequently and gradually take over driving responsibilities. Tip 4: Removing Driving Privileges Completely Sometimes, for safety reasons, we need to take more decisive action to prevent our loved ones from driving. Additional Resources Mentioned State laws on dementiaWe found this state by state summary online but can’t vouch for the source. https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/caregiverinfo/driving-problems/#state-lawsCheck you state law specifically by searching like this “state name law driving with dementia”Tracker for their carIphone users - Airtaghttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=airtag&crid=1BY7R7PYXTG6J&sprefix=airt%2Caps%2C166&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_4Android user - Tilehttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=android+tile&crid=2KQYC4CI78EZO&sprefix=android+tile%2Caps%2C99&ref=nb_sb_noss_1Tracking device for their carhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=person+tracking+device&crid=OPZ28JRM2KDU&sprefix=person+t%2Caps%2C96&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_8Tracking device for their personWatcheshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=person+tracking+device&crid=OPZ28JRM2KDU&sprefix=person+t%2Caps%2C96&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_8Shoeshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=gps+smart+sole&crid=2DM2XBGVTA5VJ&sprefix=GPS+smart+sole+%2Caps%2C95&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_15 Rate, subscribe and share your tips on social media! Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. 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 GoogleOn 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com Keywords Alzheimers, dementia, caregiver, caregiving, Alzheimers care, dementia care, memory care, best dementia podcast, best alzheirmers podcast, best caregiver podcast, best caregiving podcast, best caregiver podcast, dementia caregiver podcast, dementia podcast, alzheimers podcast, caregiver podcast, senior caregiver podcast, dementia caregiver tips, frontotemporal dementia, dementia caregiver tips, how to deal with dementia as a caregiver, information on dementia for caregivers, how to be a caregiver for someone with dementia, family caregiver, Sue Ryan, Nancy Treaster, Susan J Ryan Push
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    22 m
  • Wandering: Ten Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Jul 30 2024
    I wish I had known about this child proofing tip before I spent so much money on locksmiths. In this episode we talk about wandering. As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we've learned that wandering is a complex and often frightening behavior that requires careful management. Wandering can occur both inside and outside the home, during day or night, and each scenario presents unique challenges. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, and through our experiences, we have four tips to address wandering while maintaining our loved ones' dignity as well as ensuring their safety. Show Notes Takeaways Outside Wandering Tip 1: Use your grapevine Tip 2: Consider wearable tracking devices Tip 3: Register them with EMT’s and police Tip 4: Consider child proof door knob covers on doors that lead to the outside Tip 5: Consider window sash locks and a pole for any sliding doors Inside Wandering Tip 1: Safety proof the areas you allow them to go during the day Tip 2: Discuss sleeping medication with their doctor Tip 3: Allow them access at night to only the bedroom and a bathroom Tip 4: Consider cameras or baby monitors to make sure you can watch them especially at night Tip 5: Safety proof access to stairs Additional Resources Mentioned Tracking devices for their personWatcheshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=person+tracking+device&crid=OPZ28JRM2KDU&sprefix=person+t%2Caps%2C96&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_8Shoeshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=gps+smart+sole&crid=2DM2XBGVTA5VJ&sprefix=GPS+smart+sole+%2Caps%2C95&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_15Child proof door knob cover or double deadbolt locks for external doorsChild proof door knob covershttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=child+proof+door+knob+covers&crid=1VBY69F9OQN3T&sprefix=child+proo%2Caps%2C105&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_3_10Double dead bolt or code based lockhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=2+key+both+sides+deadbolt+lock+set&i=tools&crid=32L214IRSRSLU&sprefix=2+key+both+sides+deadbolt+lock+set%2Ctools%2C69&ref=nb_sb_nossWindow sash https://www.amazon.com/Defender-Security-9928-Security-Unlocks/dp/B00BOZBGF8?pd_rd_w=1gyHe&content-id=amzn1.sym.378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf_rd_p=378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf_rd_r=F9XR7F8R8B4H0PHGYRGY&pd_rd_wg=hFzlD&pd_rd_r=9e98be86-af00-40b7-b783-6f58d7839b31&pd_rd_i=B00BOZBGF8&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_ec_sr_ppb_i&th=1Extra tall pet gate from 40” to 70” https://www.amazon.com/s?k=extra+tall+pet+gate&i=tools&crid=1ZJ0VGQK13QAV&sprefix=extra+tall+pet+gate%2Ctools%2C86&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Cameras or baby monitor for the bedroom and bathroomBaby monitors - some come with motion alarms as wellhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=baby+monitor+with+motion+detection&i=tools&crid=27MFODCOG9GBV&sprefix=baby+monitor+with+motion+de%2Ctools%2C84&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_27I use Nest Cameras and pay for the Nest Aware feature which gives me access to video history. A friend of mine uses a Ring and swears by it. Whatever kind you get, if your care receiver is still staying home alone, consider one with an intercomIndoorhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=indoor+cameras+with+intercom&i=tools&crid=1RTJWUD6C53DD&sprefix=indoor+cameras+with+intercom%2Ctools%2C72&ref=nb_sb_nossOutdoorhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=outdoor+cameras+with+intercom&i=tools&crid=2ERD6HT2QIK5W&sprefix=outdoor+cameras+with+intercom%2Ctools%2C78&ref=nb_sb_nossMotion alarmhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=person+indoor+motion+alarm&crid=393V3S00L1T5W&sprefix=person+indoor+motion+alarm%2Caps%2C75&ref=nb_sb_noss Please click here to review, follow or subscribe to our podcast. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/
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    21 m
  • Communication – in the Beginning: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Jul 30 2024
    You are going to wish you knew about the third tip in this episode much earlier! As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, we've learned that communication is a constantly evolving process. In the beginning (the early season of the diagnosis), our primary goal is to help our care receivers maintain as much dignity and independence as possible. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, and through our experiences, we've developed four tips to help you communicate. Show Notes Takeaways In this episode, we're talking about communication “in the beginning”. When we say “In the beginning” we mean when you're mostly helping your care receiver manage things (often behind the scenes), while also helping them maintain their independence. We offer four tips to help you. Tip 1: Help Them Plan Their Day One of the most effective ways to support your loved one is by assisting them in planning their day. This involves understanding what they can realistically accomplish and creating a manageable list of tasks for them to do. The list also helps you support them, making it easier to prompt them gently throughout the day to complete these tasks. This approach helps them feel valued and accomplished at day's end. Tip 2: Simplify and Minimize As cognitive abilities decline, it's important to simplify instructions and minimize distractions. What worked one week might be too complex the next, so constant observation and adjustments are necessary. Tip 3: Use Positive Reinforcement and Body Language Positive reinforcement can have a profound impact on your loved one's mood and cooperation. Even if it feels unnatural at first, offering praise for completing simple tasks can boost their confidence and create a more positive atmosphere. Tip 4: Share the Truth They Need to Hear While honesty is important, we've learned that it's often more beneficial to share "the truth they need to hear" rather than the whole truth. Rather than think of this as lying, think of it as providing information in a way that minimizes their – and often our - anxiety and frustration. Everything you're experiencing in terms of communication during this early season of their dementia may feel challenging and strange. You'll be constantly adapting and adjusting your approach. But, this is just a phase. You will manage through this situation, and it will get better. Related episodes 2. Memory Loss: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias / Practical Tips and Candid Conversations Rate, subscribe and share your tips on social media! Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. 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 GoogleOn 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com Keywords Alzheimers, dementia, caregiver, caregiving, Alzheimers care, dementia care, memory care, best dementia podcast, best alzheirmers podcast, best caregiver podcast, best caregiving podcast, best caregiver podcast, dementia caregiver podcast, dementia podcast, alzheimers podcast, caregiver podcast, senior caregiver podcast, dementia caregiver tips, frontotemporal dementia, dementia caregiver tips, how to deal with dementia as a caregiver, information on dementia for caregivers, how to be a caregiver for someone with dementia, family caregiver, Sue Ryan, Nancy Treaster, Susan J Ryan
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    21 m
  • Memory Loss: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Jul 30 2024

    Does it feel like a punch in the gut every time you realize something new your loved one has forgotten? As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, we've learned that memory loss in the early stages is a challenging journey. In the beginning (the early season of the diagnosis), our primary goal is to help our care receivers maintain as much dignity and independence as possible while providing support behind the scenes. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, and through our experiences, we have four main tips that we'd like to share with you.

    Show Notes

    Takeaways

    In this episode, we're talking about memory loss “in the beginning”. When we say “In the beginning” we mean when you're mostly helping your care receiver manage things (often behind the scenes), while also helping them maintain their independence.

    We offer four tips to help you.

    Tip 1: Figure Out What Information They're Struggling to Remember

    One of the most effective ways to support your loved one is by identifying what information they're having trouble remembering. This involves careful observation and adapting your approach to help them maintain their dignity and independence.

    Tip 2: Understand and Help with What They Can No Longer Do

    As the condition progresses, it’s important to adapt tasks your loved one can no longer manage independently.

    Tip 3: Get Other People Involved, As Appropriate

    Sharing the diagnosis with others can be a sensitive topic, but it's often crucial for both the caregiver and the care receiver.

    Tip 4: Watch Out for UTIs - They Can Muddle the Whole Situation

    Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can significantly impact cognitive function and behavior in people with dementia and there can often be no symptoms except a sudden cognitive decline.

    At the beginning it’s hard to get your head around what is happening. You will get through this phase, and your confidence will grow as you learn to handle each new situation.

    Related episodes

    3. Communication - in the Beginning: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias / Practical Tips and Candid Conversations

    Rate, subscribe and share your tips on social media!

    Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

    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/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com







    Keywords

    Alzheimers, dementia, caregiver, caregiving, Alzheimers care, dementia care, memory care, best dementia podcast, best alzheirmers podcast, best caregiver podcast, best caregiving podcast, best caregiver podcast, dementia caregiver podcast, dementia podcast, alzheimers podcast, caregiver podcast, senior caregiver podcast, dementia caregiver tips, frontotemporal dementia, dementia caregiver tips, how to deal with dementia as a caregiver, information on dementia for caregivers, how to be a caregiver for someone with dementia, Sue Ryan, Nancy Treaster, Susan J Ryan

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    30 m
  • Meet Our Podcast Team: Why a Podcast for Dementia Caregivers
    Jul 30 2024

    We are Sue Ryan, Nancy Treaster, and Merritt Treaster. In this episode we're introducing ourselves to you and sharing why we are so passionate about bringing you practical tips and candid conversations for Alzheimer’s and other dementia family caregivers.

    Show Notes

    Takeaways

    Nancy and I have known each other for many years and have often discussed our caregiving journeys together. We're both passionate about helping you navigate your caregiving journeys with fewer surprises and more confidence.

    Our podcast offers practical tips and we have candid conversations to help you tackle day -to -day common dementia challenges. Our purpose is to give you the knowledge and the resources you need to navigate your journey with strength, patience, and peace of mind. We're all on this journey together.

    Rate, subscribe and share your tips on social media!

    Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

    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/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.com, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.com





    Keywords

    Alzheimers, dementia, caregiver, caregiving, Alzheimers care, dementia care, memory care, best dementia podcast, best alzheirmers podcast, best caregiver podcast, best caregiving podcast, best caregiver podcast, dementia caregiver podcast, dementia podcast, alzheimers podcast, caregiver podcast, senior caregiver podcast, dementia caregiver tips, frontotemporal dementia, dementia caregiver tips, how to deal with dementia as a caregiver, information on dementia for caregivers, how to be a caregiver for someone with dementia, family caregiver, Sue Ryan, Nancy Treaster, Merritt Treaster, Susan J Ryan





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    3 m
  • Finally! Practical tips and candid conversations for Alzheimer's and other dementia family caregivers.
    Jul 10 2024

    The Caregiver’s Journey is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day Alzheimer's and other dementia family caregiving challenges. Using practical tips and candid conversations, Sue and Nancy help you navigate caregiving’s ups and downs, so you move from feeling frustrated and overwhelmed to confident and supported.

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    2 m