We are so glad you are here
This is the home of the Experiences in Caregiving and Caregiving Matters podcasts. Our podcasts serve as a safe place where caregivers can speak freely on their experiences within the Alzheimer’s journey. By connecting listeners with our resources, we hope to encourage people to ask questions, give advice, and share stories about their own caregiving journey.
Experiences in Caregiving Episodes
In this episode we discuss the importance of exercise and movement for our loved ones; how to motivate them to exercise, types of activities and exercises to try, and potentially equally or even more important; movement and exercise for the caregivers themselves.
In this episode we discuss how we approach the difficult discussions of caregiving (i.e. Power of Attorney - POA- considerations, life-saving measures, care facility, in-home care, etc.) with our elderly loved ones, our families, and others on our care team. Sometimes these conversations are meant with anger, sadness, suspicion, or an outright refusal to have the discussion all together. We discuss ways to break through and put a care plan in place to hopefully avoid chaos later.
In this episode we discuss the complex nature of relationships between caregivers and those around them who may or may not also be grieving. We discuss communication styles, how best to support a caregiver, and how caregivers can compensate when their allies can’t or won’t support them.
With the overwhelming response to our “The Impact of Caregiving on the Black Community” episode, we’ve come back with a part 2 to further discuss the challenges of caregiving in the African American/Black community, the racial disparities in care for loved ones, support for caregivers, and access to resources.
In our newest episode we are celebrating Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness month so we’re talking all things brain health, the Alzheimer’s Association’s “The Longest Day” fundraising initiatives, and how “The Longest Day” impacts our caregiving community.
In this episode we’re talking about the coming ‘era of treatment,’ how to get doctors and patients to buy-in, and the frustration caregivers feel when trying to get a diagnosis for their loved one in general, but more specifically, the right diagnosis. We also discuss ways caregivers can be more proactive with their loved ones’ health as well as their own.
In this episode we’re discussing the impact of caregiving on the African American/Black Community, the racial disparities of care for loved ones, support for caregivers, and access to resources. In addition we will discuss the unique challenges the Black Community is navigating and potential ways to overcome them.
In this episode we’re talking all things support groups - why caregivers need support groups, their benefits, what made us finally say yes to this type of support, ways to access this type of support, and how to overcome some of the obstacles to that support.
The holidays can be tough on caregivers so this month’s episode is all about tackling the holiday time blues; mainly how to handle our grief and how to set boundaries and expectations with family and friends during the holiday season.
Caregiving Matters Episodes
In this episode of Caregivers One-on-One, host Susan speaks with Muffy Walker, a seasoned caregiver and author, about her journey in caregiving, particularly for her mother and mother-in-law who both suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Muffy shares her personal experiences, the challenges she faced, and the importance of support systems for caregivers. She discusses her motivation for writing her book, 'Memory Weavers,' which aims to educate and advocate for caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer's. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care among caregivers and the significance of community support.
Muffy's caregiving journey began in childhood, influenced by her family's medical background. Her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, leading Muffy to become her primary caregiver. Muffy's mother lived with her for a year before moving to independent living. Muffy also cares for her mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer's and lives in a memory care unit. Support systems are crucial for caregivers to prevent burnout and manage stress. Muffy's book, 'Memory Weavers,' took 13 years to write and reflects her caregiving experiences. The book aims to educate readers about Alzheimer's and provide resources for caregivers. Muffy emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers to maintain their health. The conversation highlights the emotional and financial burdens of caregiving. Muffy encourages caregivers to seek support and not to hesitate in advocating for their own needs.
You can connect with Muffy via her website here: https://www.muffywalker.com/
Buy her book “Memory Weaver” by Muffy Walker here: https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Weavers-Muffy-Walker/dp/B0DT7V6K3L_
Get more info on the APT Web Study here: https://www.aptwebstudy.org/
Our inaugural “Caregiver One on One” episode is now live through our sister podcast, “Caregiving Matters!” In this episode we are joined by writer, advocate, ambassador, influencer, and caregiver, Jacquelyn Revere. We do a deep dive into Jacquelyn’s caregiving journey with her mom, the impact its had on her life, life after caregiving, and how to cope with the grief both during and after the caregiving journey.
In this episode, certified care manager, Janai Quintana, discusses potential indoor or outdoor activities caregivers can do with their loved one as Alzheimer’s/dementia progresses.
In this episode, certified care manager, Janai Quintana, discusses the information necessary for choosing a care facility for a loved one.
In this episode, certified care manager, Janai Quintana, discusses the ‘right’ time to put a loved one into a care facility.
In this episode, licensed clinical social worker, Molly Fisher, helps caregivers in devising strategies to alleviate the stress and anguish associated with caring for someone with dementia/Alzheimer’s.
In this episode, licensed clinical social worker, Molly Fisher, helps caregivers process their feelings regarding the possibility or inevitable progression of their loved ones not remembering them as dementia/Alzheimer’s advances.
In this episode, licensed clinical social worker, Molly Fisher, lists books and movies that may be helpful for caregivers on their dementia/Alzheimer’s journey.
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Our Partners
Get to know our partner organizations and companies.
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Products Caregivers Love
Get the skinny on the products that caregivers are loving right now for their loved ones and for themselves.
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Important Contacts & Tools
Phone numbers, emails, websites, and other online tools that can help.
In this episode we discuss how caregivers can “prepare themselves” for the more advanced phases of their caregiving journey, how to communicate next steps with family and support/care teams, and how to take care of yourself in the process. We also discuss how to make talking about next steps and “the end” more comfortable and less taboo.