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The Caregiver's Journey: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster
The Caregiver’s Journey podcast is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day Alzheimer's and dementia family caregiving challenges with strength, patience, and peace of mind. Using practical tips and candid conversations, Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster help you navigate caregiving’s ups and downs, so you move from feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and sometimes frightened - to confident, balanced, and supported.
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- 3 days ago25 min
63. Meaningful Conversation: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"Once caregivers get it, they're like, 'My gosh.' You just have to train yourself to walk around the brick wall to the moment, the now, and the imagination." — Anne Basting Do you struggle to create meaningful connections with your loved one living with dementia? Almost all of us do. You're not alone — and there are concrete tools you can learn right now to change that. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how isolating it can feel when conversations stall and connection seems just out of reach. We're sharing five tips for creating intentionally meaningful moments with your loved one, from Anne Basting, founder of the award-winning nonprofit TimeSlips, who has spent 30 years developing and researching creative storytelling approaches for people living with dementia. Let's explore five essential tips for creating meaningful connections — from believing in your own creativity to turning shared moments into lasting gifts. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyTimeSlips: https://www.timeslips.org/Dementia Friendly America: https://dfamerica.org/timeslips/The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways We shared 5 tips: Believe in your own creativityForget memoryOpen with a beautiful questionUse beautiful listeningCreate gifts from the experience Read More in This Blog
- 2 weeks ago26 min
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 could see the world through their eyes- even for a moment? There’s a powerful tool that can help you do exactly this. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we know how much empathy and understanding matter in day-to-day care. We’re sharing insights today from PK Beville, Ph.D., founder of the global nonprofit Second Wind Dreams® and inventor of the Virtual Dementia Tour, a simulation experience that has changed how nearly five million people worldwide understand and care for people living with dementia. If you’re following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, this is part of Step Seven — educating yourself. You can find the full roadmap as an interactive page on our website at thecaregiversjourney.org. Steps one through six help you build your foundation right after a diagnosis. Steps seven through ten are about deepening your understanding, and the Virtual Dementia Tour is one of the essential resources we recommend in this phase. Let’s explore three essential tips — from understanding what the Virtual Dementia Tour is, to applying what you learn at home, to finding one near you. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/62-what-is-a-virtual-dementia-tour-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneySecond Wind Dreams: https://secondwind.org/The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways We shared 3 tips: Learn what happens in a Virtual Dementia TourApply what you learn at homeFind a virtual dementia tour near you Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/62-what-is-a-virtual-dementia-tour-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/
- May 5, 202625 min
Turn Your Wishes Into Reality: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementiastled Project
WOOP is a very practical technique for anything from emotions to something on your to-do list — it can be used for many different kinds of wishes." — Donna Fedus How many times have you been told that taking care of yourself is really important — and felt overwhelmed just thinking about it? You are not alone in this struggle, and there is a simple, evidence-based process that can help. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how hard it can be to find time — and energy — for your own wellbeing. We are sharing insights from Donna Fedus, gerontologist and founder of Borrow My Glasses, about an evidence-based process called WOOP — yes, WOOP — and how it can help caregivers turn their wishes into reality. Donna has been a gerontologist for 35 years and a dementia educator for nearly 20. She founded Borrow My Glasses in 2013 and has been instrumental in bringing WOOP to dementia family caregivers through a nationally funded study conducted with Yale University. Let's explore three essential tips for putting WOOP to work in your caregiving life. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/61-turn-your-wishes-into-reality-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyDonna Fedus at BorrowMyGlasses https://borrowmyglasses.com/The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways We shared 3 tips: Tip 1: WOOP it up Tip 2: Hone in on your wish Tip 3: Make it work! Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/61-turn-your-wishes-into-reality-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/
- Apr 21, 202627 min
Use Cognitive Simulation Therapy at Home: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"While we can't reverse aging, regular mental activity — these exercises, regular cognitive engagement — helps keep cognitive skills stronger for longer. It's like exercising your body." — Dr. Daniel Fenton What if you could make small changes and have more intentional conversations with your loved one that actively stimulate their brain? You're not doing one more thing — you're simply being more deliberate about conversations you're already having and sneaking in more benefits along the way. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how meaningful it is to find ways to help our loved ones function at their best for longer. We're sharing insights about cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) from Dr. Daniel Fenton, head of neuropsychological services at New Days, a virtual clinic specializing in care for people with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia. Let's explore three essential tips for bringing cognitive stimulation therapy into your everyday conversations at home. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/60-use-cognitive-simulation-therapy-at-home-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyhttps://www.newdays.ai/The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways We shared 3 tips: Tip 1: Create A Simple Structure Tip 2: Leverage These Types Of Activities Tip 3: Don’t Forget To Wrap Up And Reflect Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/60-three-tips-for-using-cognitive-stimulation-therapy-at-home/
- Apr 7, 202623 min
Protect Your Brain Health: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
As a family caregiver, you spend so much time worrying about your loved one's brain health. But what about your own? The good news is that there are real, evidence-backed steps you can take to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of cognitive decline — even in the midst of a demanding caregiving journey. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we know how easy it is to put yourself last. That's why we're sharing insights from Shelby Roberts, Senior Director of Public Health for the Alzheimer's Association, about protecting your brain health and reducing your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. We're sharing three tips. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/ Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/59-protect-your-brain-health-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800–272–3900. Masters-level counselors can help with crisis intervention, finding resources including support groups, and they offer interpretation in over 200 languages. Alzheimer’s Association Brian Health Habit Builder: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/brain-health-habit-builder Alzheimer's Association Brain Health Resources: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways We shared 3 tips: Tip 1: Learn about the 10 health habits for your brain Tip 2: Know yourself Tip 3: Pick a place to start Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/59-protecting-your-brain-health-three-essential-tips-for-dementia-caregivers/
- Mar 24, 202626 min
What Is a Certified Senior Advisor: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Have you ever heard of a certified senior advisor? Would you even know what you needed or how to find one? You're not alone if the answer is no — and there are clear steps you can take to get the right help at the right time. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how overwhelming it can be to recognize when something has changed and know where to turn next. We're sharing insights from Cynthia Perthuis, principal owner of Senior Care Authority in Southwest Florida and a certified senior advisor, about finding, evaluating, and implementing solutions along the caregiving journey. If you're following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, this aligns with Step Eight. You can find the roadmap as a downloadable digital guide on the guides page of our website, and we've also created it as an interactive page where you can click directly into each step. Let's explore three essential tips for navigating this process — from recognizing when something is wrong, to finding the right help, to building a strategy that works for your whole family. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/ Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/58-what-is-a-certified-senior-advisor-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Society of Senior Care Advisors: https://www.csa.us/ Cynthia Perthuis: https://www.seniorcare-nyfl.com/eldercare-consultants-in-new-york-city-and-southwest-florida.html#about The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways We shared 3 tips: Tip 1: Evaluate your situation Tip 2: Reach out for help Tip 3: Create a strategy Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/58-what-is-a-certified-senior-advisor-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/
- Mar 10, 202618 min
Find The Right Support Group: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“Support groups are like lifelines — we’re around other people who are going through the same thing we are, and we know we’re not alone.” Kim Franklin Do you wonder if support groups are right for you? Do you know how to find one that fits your needs? Are you feeling overwhelmed and isolated in your caregiving role? We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned that support groups can be transformative resources on this journey. In this post, we’re sharing insights from Kim Franklin, Senior Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, about how to find the right support group for you. Support groups offer more than just information — they provide therapeutic spaces where caregivers can come together, share their frustrations, breathe, and hear from others in similar situations. Yet many caregivers resist joining groups, thinking they don’t have time, don’t need help, or feel caregiving is a private family matter that should be handled alone. If you’re following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, this post supports Step Four, Find a support group. Let’s explore four essential tips for finding the right support group for your caregiving journey. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/ Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/57-find-the-right-support-group-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800–272–3900. Masters-level counselors can help with crisis intervention, finding resources including support groups, and they offer interpretation in over 200 languages. Community Resource Finder: https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/ Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website and enter your zip code to find support groups and other services in your community. The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways We shared 4 tips: Start with what you need right now Choose the best format for you Explore groups that match your situation Don't settle, but don’t give up either Take Action: Support Groups as Self-Care If you haven’t yet tried a support group, consider committing this month to looking for one. Keep in mind that attending a support group isn’t just about learning how to care for your loved one — it’s also a form of self-care. You’re taking care of yourself while learning valuable information and building connections with others who understand. Resources to Get Started: Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800–272–3900. Masters-level counselors can help with crisis intervention, finding resources including support groups, and they offer interpretation in over 200 languages. Community Resource Finder: Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website and enter your zip code to find support groups and other services in your community. The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.
- Feb 24, 202626 min
When Your Spouse Becomes Your Patient: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"One of the hardest parts in spousal caregiving is accepting that we're no longer just partners. We're now caregiver and care receiver. The loss of our emotional and physical partner and the emotional responsibilities we're taking on can really take an enormous toll." Are you struggling to find balance between being a spouse and being a caregiver? Do you find yourself wondering when the shift happened—when your partner became your patient? Have you noticed yourself "forgetting to be a spouse" because you're so focused on getting the caregiving right? We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've experienced firsthand the complex role transition that happens when your spouse becomes your care receiver. This journey isn't a sudden switch that flips on diagnosis day—it's a slow, gradual transition that unfolds over years. There's a moment when you realize your relationship has fundamentally changed. Your spouse, your partner, your companion—they're still there. But the person you used to bounce ideas off of can't be that person for you anymore. This transition brings unique challenges, from managing new responsibilities to redefining intimacy to letting go of promises made years ago. Let's explore four essential tips for navigating the changing role from spouse to caregiver while preserving your relationship and your own wellbeing. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/ Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/56-when-your-spouse-becomes-your-patient-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Takeaways We shared 4 tips: 1. Find the balance in your changing role 2. Give yourself permission to get help 3. Keep connection while intimacy is redefined 4. Give yourself permission to let go of promises you made years ago. Read More in This Blog https://sueryansolutions.medium.com/the-changing-role-navigating-the-transition-from-spouse-to-caregiver-90acd5fde819?postPublishedType=repub
About The Caregiver's Journey
The Caregiver’s Journey podcast is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day Alzheimer's and dementia family caregiving challenges with strength, patience, and peace of mind. Using practical tips and candid conversations, Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster help you navigate caregiving’s ups and downs, so you move from feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and sometimes frightened - to confident, balanced, and supported.
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