The holidays carry various meanings and traditions for different individuals, but for those affected by dementia, these moments can be particularly difficult. In this episode, we explore strategies to help you prepare for and celebrate the holidays in a manner that aligns with your loved one’s comfort and promotes your peace of mind.

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Resources:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/dementia-and-the-ten-days-of-christmas-190134.htm

https://rss.com/podcasts/a-balancing-act/1763767/.

After a dementia diagnosis, families often experience a range of complex emotions while also facing the significant challenge of adjusting to the changing needs of their loved one. In this episode we talk about the importance of learning about their dementia, managing their environment and safety, navigating legal and financial matters, prioritizing self-care and seeking support networks to cope with the emotional impact of the diagnosis and progressing symptoms.

Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559433999543

Resources:

https://www.beechfieldhealthcare.ie/blog/post/occupational-therapist-home-assessment

https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/worksheet-home-safety-checklist_1.pdf

https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/111516p14.shtml

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/planning-ahead-for-legal-matters

https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#health-care-planning

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/after-dementia-diagnosis

As you come together with family in the days ahead, it’s important to recognize that situations can become overwhelming for someone experiencing memory loss. In this episode, we discuss methods to alleviate stress for everyone involved, as well as strategies to maintain calmness and connection with your loved one.

Our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559433999543

Resources:

https://nhdementiatraining.org/2021/12/20/tips-for-spending-holidays-with-those-with-dementia/

https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/i-have-friend-or-family-member-who-lives-dementia/holidays-special-occasions

Recognizing what to avoid can be an essential skill when communicating with a loved one experiencing memory loss. In this episode, we explore typical pitfalls and suggest alternatives to foster harmony and strengthen the bond between you and your loved one.

Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559433999543

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/language-dementia-what-not-to-say

https://www.alzsd.org/dos-and-donts-of-compassionate-communication-dementia/

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Sometimes it can be a real struggle to get a loved one with memory loss to wear their hearing aids and glasses. But there are real risks associated with not wearing them. In this episode, we talk about the relationship between hearing aids, glasses and dementia, as well as ways to ease the struggle between you and your loved one.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559433999543

https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53361-Hearing-and-vision-loss-dementia-cognitive-decline-studies-older-adults-sensory-impairment

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/dementia-and-difficulty-with-sounds/

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Family members may frequently find themselves locking horns with a loved one affected by cognitive decline. Arguments arise from even the simplest of things. Our loved one seems unable to see reason or another way of doing things. We offer listeners a way to understand what is happening, why it is happening, and how they can lower a loved one’s temperature, as well as your own.

For more about today's topic, check these out:

https://www.healthline.com/health/anosognosia

https://www.alzsd.org/anosognosia/#:~:text=When%20we%20experience%20denial%2C%20our,when%20told%20over%20and%20over.

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

As our loved ones age, we may observe perplexing behaviors. While forgetfulness is common, discovering unpaid bills, getting repeated phone calls or learning your loved one is getting lost on familiar routes can be worrisome. These signs may indicate underlying issues affecting your loved one. In this segment, we will discuss the red flags to watch for and the next steps to take for a diagnosis.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment/symptoms-causes/syc-20354578

https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-dementia-mild-cognitive-impairment-ts.pdf

The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

As your loved one’s memory loss advances, they may find it increasingly difficult to keep track of appointments, events, or even the current date and time. This is when you might notice your phone ringing more and more often. In this episode, we explore the reasons behind their confusion. And we’ll share effective tools and communication strategies to help you make this challenging situation a little easier for you both.

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The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.