71. Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 Steps 7–10 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Did your loved one recently receive a diagnosis of dementia? Have you already worked through the first six steps of the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap? If so, you’ve built a solid foundation, and it’s time to keep going. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types […]
70. Choosing the Right Memory Care Community: Six Essential Tips
“There’s no perfect option out there, and there’s no community that’s going to check every single box.” — Kelly Graffius Are you facing the moment you hoped would never come, trying to choose the right memory care community for your loved one? If you aren’t sure where to start, you are not alone. We are […]
69. Five Roles That Transform Caregiving, and How Love Survives Each One
“Two words have been the foundation of every decision I made across all of my caregiving roles. The two words: safe and happy. Before every choice, I would ask, ‘Does this help my loved one be safe?’ and ‘Does this support them being happy?’” Sue Ryan There was a moment in the doctor’s office when five […]
68. The First Six Steps to Take After a Dementia Diagnosis
“Your caregiving is responsible for the health and safety of two people — your loved one, and you. You can’t be a good caregiver if you’re running on fumes.” Nancy Treaster Did your loved one recently receive a diagnosis of dementia? Are you at a loss for what to do next? Maybe you’re overwhelmed because […]
67. Love Beyond Memory: Four Tips for Showing Up, Staying Present, and Staying Connected
“When I look back on my caregiving experience, I found a purpose and a true sense of self that I didn’t know I had. Yes, there was a lot of drama and a lot of trauma, but when I look back, I think this was a great experience and something I feel good about doing […]
66. What Stage of Dementia Caregiving Are You in?
“Our goal is to meet you exactly where you are in your caregiving journey and help you focus on what matters right now.” — Sue Ryan Have you ever felt overwhelmed searching for the right information at the right time, or found yourself drowning in conflicting resources that leave you more confused than when you […]
65. Help for Solo Caregivers: Four Resource Areas
Do you feel completely alone in your caregiving journey? No family backup, friends have faded away, and you can’t afford professional help? You are not alone — and there is real help available, often at little or no cost. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster of The Caregiver’s Journey. In this post we’ve joined with Elizabeth […]
64. Falling — Spot Risks, Stay Calm, Heal Afterwards: Five Essential Tips
“When families are prepared — physically, emotionally, logistically — they are able to handle these moments a lot differently. There’s less panic, less guilt, and a little bit more empowerment.” Dr. Taylor Rush One minute, everything’s fine. The next minute, your loved one is on the floor. If fall prevention isn’t on your radar yet, […]
63. Meaningful Conversation: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“Once caregivers get it, they’re truly excited. To do this, you train yourself to be present in the moment, the now, and the imagination.” — Anne Basting Do you struggle to create meaningful connections with your loved one living with dementia? You’re not alone. Almost all of us do, and there are concrete tools you can […]
62. What Is a Virtual Dementia Tour? Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“I don’t think any of us should be trying to assist a person with dementia without first walking in their shoes.” — PK Beville, Ph.D. Have you ever wondered what it actually feels like to live with dementia? Do you find yourself struggling to understand why your loved one behaves the way they do, wishing you […]