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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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- Yesterday25 min
Show Up, Stay Present, Keep Finding Ways to Connect: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“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 I look back and think - this was a great experience and something I feel good about doing for the people I love.” - Nancy Treaster There’s a moment in dementia caregiving where you realize your relationship has fundamentally changed. Your loved one may no longer recognize your name, your face, or the decades you’ve shared together. How do you keep loving someone through that? How do you stay present when the person in front of you is both familiar and a stranger? We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve navigated these moments personally - and we’re sharing what we’ve learned about showing up, staying present, and working to keep finding ways to connect with your loved one as their memory fades. Nancy’s chapter, “Love Beyond Memory,” is featured in the Caregivers Advocate, Volume 3. Let’s explore four tips for loving beyond memory - even when the person you love doesn’t remember who you are. 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/67-show-up-stay-present-keep-finding-ways-to-connect-four-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyThe Caregiver’s Advocate Volume 3: https://amzn.to/4vS5Cy8The 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: Don't flip the switch Let go of who they were, and fall in love with who they are nowRedefine what connection meansGive yourself permission to get help — before you are drowning Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/67-love-beyond-memory-four-tips-for-showing-up-staying-present-and-staying-connected/
- 2 weeks ago25 min
What Stage of Dementia Caregiving Are You in? / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
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 started? You’re not alone. Dementia family caregiving is a long journey, and it looks very different depending on where you are in it. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we built the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap to help you find the right resources at the right time. As with all our resources, it’s a free, 20-step roadmap available on our website thecaregiversjourney.org. The roadmap page also includes a self-assessment tool to help you identify which caregiving stage you’re in right now. Revisit this assessment tool throughout your caregiving journey to help you know the caregiving stage you’re currently in. Let’s walk through the three distinct stages of dementia family caregiving so you know what to expect and where to focus your energy. 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/66-what-stage-of-dementia-caregiving-are-you-in-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyThe 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 The three stages of dementia family caregiving and the self-assessment tool on the caregiving roadmap page of our website, thecaregiversjourney.org. The first stage is “In the Beginning.”The second stage is “The Messy Middle.”The third stage is “Later On.” If our self-assessment tool shows you are further along in your journey, start there. Once you feel confident in where you are, we encourage you to go back and explore the earlier steps. You may find helpful tips that apply to where you are today, even if those steps were designed for an earlier part of the journey. Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/66-what-stage-of-dementia-caregiving-are-you-in/
- 4 weeks ago22 min
Help for Solo Caregivers: Four Resource Areas / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
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 Elizabeth Miller of Happy Healthy Caregiver and Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster of The Caregiver's Journey. In this podcast we’ve joined forces with - together we’ve lived it, learned from it, and made it our mission to walk alongside family caregivers. We’re sharing four key resource areas that can provide real relief without breaking the bank. Think about the analogy of a frog in water. If a frog jumps into boiling water, it immediately jumps out. But if the water starts lukewarm and slowly heats up, the frog doesn’t realize the danger until it’s too late. That’s how burnout works for caregivers — especially solo caregivers with fewer helping hands. The average caregiver is in this role for four and a half years. For dementia family caregivers, it can stretch to ten years or more. You can do it alone for a while, but not indefinitely. Here’s where to turn. Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/podcast/ Additional Resources Mentioned Happy Healthy Caregiver website: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/Area Agency on Aging Finder: https://eldercare.acl.gov/homeLifespan Respite Voucher Program: https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/respite-voucher-programs/apply-for-state-lifespan-respite-voucher-programs/Veterans Administration office locator: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/Elizabeth Dole Foundation Respite: https://hiddenheroes.org/resources-online-education/respite/Medicare Guide Program Eligible: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/guide/faqs#ben-cgsMedicare Guide Program locator: https://bit.ly/4n3uArvDementia Support Group finder: https://www.alz.org/event-search?category=Support+GroupsVirtual Support Group: daughterhood.orgAdult Day programs - ask your Area Agency on Aging to help find one: https://eldercare.acl.gov/homeNational Adult Day Services Finder: https://www.nadsa.org/locator/Dementia Adult Day Programs Finder - choose Community Service: https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/Dementia Friendly America's Memory Cafe Directory: https://dfamerica.org/memory-cafe-directory/The Caregiver’s Journey Podcast on Palliative Care: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/42-when-to-call-in-palliative-care-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/Seth Rogan and his wife Lauren HFC respite grants: https://wearehfc.org/care-grants/Home Instead grant application: https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care-services/alzheimers-dementia-care/HFCgrant/Memory Board - HHC10 saves 10% at checkout: https://memoryboard.com/?utm_source=happyhealthycaregiver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=promo_pageCare Yah-Ya: https://www.careyaya.org/ Papa companion care: https://www.papa.comZinnia TV: https://www.zinniatv.com/Vivo Virtual Exercise: <a href="https://teamvivo.com/"
- Jun 16, 202626 min
Falling - Spot Risks, Stay Calm, Heal Afterwards: Five Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“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 — or if you’re waiting until after the first fall happens — you’re not alone. But there’s a lot you can do right now to be better prepared. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we know firsthand how frightening falls can be — and how much the fear of a fall can affect both the person you’re caring for and yourself. We’re sharing five practical tips drawn from the expertise of Dr. Taylor Rush, clinical health psychologist and director of behavioral sciences and interdisciplinary programs at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Neurological Restoration. Taylor specializes in chronic neurological conditions including Parkinson’s and movement disorders, with a deep focus on supporting care partners through the challenges they face every day. Let’s walk through five essential tips for preventing falls, handling them when they happen, and managing the emotional aftermath — for both you and your loved one. 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/thecaregiversjourneyTaylor Rush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-rush-phd-488149352/Cleveland Clinic for Neurological Restoration: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/neurological/depts/neurological-restorationThe 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: Know your loved one's fall risk factorsReduce risk with practical prevention strategiesStart the conversation early — and have a planStay calm and assess — don't panic in the momentManage the emotional aftermath of a fall Read More in This Blog
- Jun 2, 202625 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
- May 19, 202626 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/
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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