In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I’m joined by Nancy (Dangle) and Kat (Dot), two incredible women with valuable insights into dementia care. Together, we explore the emotional challenges of caregiving, particularly how important non-verbal communication can be when building meaningful connections with loved ones living with dementia. Nancy shares her personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease, discussing the power of physical touch, eye contact, and simply being present.

We also talk about the importance of inclusion and how small gestures—like inviting someone to a gathering without the pressure to attend—can help combat the isolation often felt by people with dementia. Kat offers advice on how caregivers can create a positive environment by being grounded and aware of their energy. We wrap up with practical tips for caregivers, including how simple, meaningful gifts like shared experiences can make a lasting impact during the holidays. Tune in for heartwarming stories and tips on how to approach dementia care with empathy and connection.

In "Dementia Caregiving: How to Prepare for Health Crisis (2024)," we provide essential strategies for caregivers managing the complexities of dementia care. Preparing for unexpected health crises can ease the burden on both the caregiver and the person with dementia. This episode covers vital aspects like maintaining caregiver health, emotional preparedness, and practical planning for financial, legal, and care arrangements.

Together with Dr. Melissa Batchelor and guest Jacob Kendall, we dive into how caregiving impacts personal health and share insights on managing stress, building a Caregiving Plan B, and finding resources to make tough moments more manageable. Caregiving is a journey, and being prepared can make all the difference.

Tune in to gain the knowledge and support you need to navigate caregiving with resilience and confidence.

In this episode, we explore the critical risks of opioid use among seniors, including addiction, overdose, and the dangerous side effects that can worsen existing health conditions. We speak with David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, to understand the impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) on aging parents and their families, highlighting why awareness is essential for everyone.

OpiAID is revolutionizing OUD treatment with remote patient monitoring, biometric insights, and personalized care plans that go beyond the clinical setting. As the opioid crisis impacts families nationwide, this episode provides crucial insights for seniors and their loved ones to safely navigate opioid-related challenges.