In this episode, Diana Marquez-Siemers and Rachel Smyth from the Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) provide expert insights on the challenges and solutions for families caring for loved ones with dementia. Join Steve and Virginia as they learn about the CRC’s commitment to supporting caregivers. They also discuss the development of their personalized care plans to address each caregiver’s unique needs, offering coaching, training, and ongoing support to ensure quality care. With over 60% of caregivers in Southern California caring for someone with cognitive impairment, this episode highlights the importance of reaching out for help early in the caregiving journey as well as connecting with a supportive community.

From the Caregiver Resource Center OC:
The Caregiver Resource Center OC is a trusted partner for Orange County families, who are coping with the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of caregiving. By providing families with individualized supportive services, the Caregiver Resource Center stands apart as the only Orange County agency focusing exclusively on the needs of caregivers, who are coping with a loved one’s chronic illness. The Caregiver Resource Center provides family consultation, support groups, assessment and care planning, counseling, respite planning and community education.

Since 1988, the Caregiver Resource Center has assisted thousands of families who care for an adult with a brain-impairing condition such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, head injury, or Huntington’s disease, or for someone who is over the age of 60 and requires daily assistance. The Caregiver Resource Center works collaboratively in the community with other service providers and community providers in the aging and disability network.

Services are free. For more information, call 800-543-8312 or 714-446-5030 or go to our website: www.caregiveroc.org

The materials or product were a result of a project funded by a contract with the California Department of Aging (CDA), as allocated by the Orange County Board of Supervisors and administered by the Office on Aging. Supporting data is available by contacting Caregiver Resource Center OC at 130 W. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, CA 92835 (714) 446-5030. The conclusions and opinions expressed may not be those of the CDA and that the publication may not be based upon or inclusive of all raw data. Services are provided free of charge. Voluntary contributions are gratefully accepted, and no one is denied for inability to contribute.

Virginia and Steve are joined by Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA.– an international resource for caregivers with over two decades of experience in aging and caregiving– known for her consultations, advocacy, and her book, "The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Life's Unexpected Changes," as well as her own podcast called “The Caring Generation.” Together, they discuss the challenges of caregiving for parents with dementia, where Pamela delves into common issues such as resistance to advice, navigating difficult conversations, and managing complex family dynamics. She also emphasizes the importance of involving parents in planning, setting boundaries to maintain emotional well-being, and understanding the reasons behind a parent's unwillingness to cooperate. Pamela’s links to her social media and programs are provided below:

Social Media

• YouTube Channel
  • https://www.youtube.com/c/PamelaDWilsonCaregivingExpert
• Facebook
  • https://www.facebook.com/pameladwilsoncaregivingexpert/
• Twitter
  • https://twitter.com/CaregivingSpeak
• Facebook
  • https://www.facebook.com/pameladwilsoncaregivingexpert/

Website, Consultations, Free Online Programs, Speaking, & Podcast

• Website
  • https://pameladwilson.com/
• Pamela D Wilson Eldercare Consultant
  • https://pameladwilson.com/elder-care-consultant-aging-parent-consultation-managing-senior-care-needs-meet-with-pamela-d-wilson/
• Caring for Aging Parents Online Program
  • https://pameladwilson.com/support-caring-for-elderly-parents-overwhelmed-caregiver-support-online-course/
• Power of Attorney Online Program
  • https://pameladwilson.com/power-of-attorney-webinar-program/
• Guardianship for Aging Parents Online Program
  • https://pameladwilson.com/how-to-get-guardianship-of-a-parent-obtain-legal-guardianship-online-course-pamela-d-wilson/
• Caregiving Speaker
  • https://pameladwilson.com/caregiving-speaker-aging-parents-expert-advocate-keynotes-presentations-digital-caregiver-programs/
• The Caring Generation Podcast
  • https://pameladwilson.com/caregiver-radio-programs-the-caring-generation/

35th Annual Southern California Alzheimer's Disease Research Conference
Join UCI MIND, Alzheimer’s Orange County, and Alzheimer’s Association for the 35th Annual Southern California Alzheimer’s Disease Research Conference. This year’s conference will highlight the incredible advances being made in the diagnosis, treatment and care for people with dementia.

For more information: https://conference.mind.uci.edu/

Virginia rejoins Steve in this concluding 2 part series on caregiving strategies. In this episode, they provide insights into activities and products that can be utilized to enhance daily living and simplify routine tasks. Tune in for valuable information that aims to elevate the day-to-day experience for both caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.