Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Podchaser |
Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster with The Caregiver’s Journey join host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Ryan and Treaster discuss transitioning into a caregiver role for a family member with dementia.
How does The Caregiver’s Journey support dementia patient caregivers?
“I wanted other people to learn faster and more easily than I did because I was so frustrated and overwhelmed and sometimes frightened,” said Ryan. “I prefer to feel confident, balanced and supported, and I wanted to give that to others.”
Before starting The Caregiver’s Journey, Ryan and Treaster realized there was a need for easy answers to daily caregiver challenges related to dementia. Ryan points out that there are 100+ types of dementia, each with unique characteristics. Dementia affects everything from cognitive function and mood to depth perception and movement. The nonprofit podcast and online course offer niche advice for caregivers, simplifying the process and promoting the well-being of dementia patients.
What are some best practices for caregivers?
“The hardest thing for anyone to realize when they walk in the door if they’re a first-time caregiver is that when your loved one gets a diagnosis of dementia, you just got a diagnosis of caregiver, and you’re not just a caregiver for the person with dementia,” said Treaster. “You are responsible for your care.”
Ryan highlights a few tips to keep yourself and your loved one happy and healthy.
- Give yourself permission not to be okay: She recommends caregivers acknowledge that while your loved one’s life is changing, so is yours. You must accept the change and the feelings that come with it.
- Find support in others: There are dozens of support groups and resources available to caregivers; you just have to look for them! Talking to others about the challenges, successes and everything in between is essential.
- Seek an accountability partner: While supporting your loved one, ensure someone is looking out for you. Ryan emphasizes that caregivers can easily neglect their own needs to prioritize the diagnoses of loved ones, but accountability is crucial not to burn out.
“It’s so easy for us to lose ourselves in our caregiving, and if we don’t have someone who holds us accountable for caring for ourselves, we can lose that,” said Ryan. “So, we want to prioritize learning about the diagnosis, but not feeling we need to do it alone.”
- Stay curious: One of the best ways to care for loved ones is to continue looking for new methods and helpful tips. Don’t compare yourself to others but be willing to learn more.
What are some dementia warning signs to look out for?
Treaster says that dementia patients are often skilled at hiding cognitive decline. You might brush off the signs the first couple of times, but it may be time to visit the doctor if the same issues keep recurring. Other short-term medical diagnoses can also present as cognitive decline, including vitamin deficiencies and minor infections.
“It’s easy to brush off the excuses because nobody really wants to answer to be dementia, right?” said Treaster. “But don’t let it go because the sooner you could find out it might be something else, or the sooner you can start treating their dementia, the better as well.”
How are continuing care communities transitioning to accommodate residents with dementia?
There are over 7 million individuals over the age of 65 in the United States with various dementia diagnoses. That statistic is expected to double by 2060. Continuing care communities are implementing day programs that allow dementia residents and outside participants to mingle during the day and special wings that allow residents with similar diagnoses to live near each other.
Treaster recommends testing out various programs. Maybe the first program isn’t a great fit; try another one! Day programs offer caregivers a break to care for themselves while loved ones enjoy exciting company.
Tune in to the full episode to learn more about The Caregiver’s Journey and visit https://thecaregiversjourney.com.
About The Caregiver’s Journey
Founded by seasoned caregivers, Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, The Caregiver’s Journey presents tips, tricks and support for first-time dementia caregivers nationwide. The nonprofit’s online course takes individuals step-by-step as they transition into caring for loved ones. Get advice on-the-go with The Caregiver’s Journey podcast or read its blog for articles about caregiver support, navigating continuing care communities and more.
Podcast Thanks
Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio
Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
