A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One's Memory Loss

When Care Needs Change Fast: A 3-Year Future Mapping Guide

Don't wait for a crisis. If someone you love is showing early signs of memory loss, the time to plan is now. In this episode, Kelly walks you through how to build a simple, realistic three-year care roadmap before urgency makes the decisions for you. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103] Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss [https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss] Resources https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planning [https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planning] https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planning [https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planning] The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Dementia and Hoarding: Fear of the Void

This episode explores dementia-related hoarding, why it happens, what it means, and how families can respond with compassion. Kelly reframes hoarding not as stubbornness or manipulation, but as the brain's way of coping with memory loss. As dementia progresses, people anchor their sense of identity, security, and memory to physical objects, making removal feel threatening and distressing. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103] Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss [https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss] Resources https://www.agingcare.com/articles/how-to-handle-hoarding-behaviors-in-dementia-patients-133679.htm [https://www.agingcare.com/articles/how-to-handle-hoarding-behaviors-in-dementia-patients-133679.htm] https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/stages-and-symptoms/dementia-symptoms/hiding-hoarding-losing [https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/stages-and-symptoms/dementia-symptoms/hiding-hoarding-losing] https://alzfdn.org/alzheimers-today-volume-17-number-3/hoarding-and-dementia/ [https://alzfdn.org/alzheimers-today-volume-17-number-3/hoarding-and-dementia/] The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Weight Loss and Dementia

This episode explores why people with dementia often experience significant weight loss and changes in eating and drinking habits. Kelly explains how aging can affect eat and drinking, as well as how dementia can disrupt hunger and thirst signals, sensory processing, and the brain's ability to complete the steps involved in eating. She includes practical strategies to simplify mealtimes, prevent dehydration, and reduce caregiver stress. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103] Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss [https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss] Resources https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/home-life/eating-and-dementia [https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/home-life/eating-and-dementia] https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/living-with-dementia/changes-eating-habits-food-preference [https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/living-with-dementia/changes-eating-habits-food-preference] https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=90372426&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NhWnrr-bvx0B-bwux9JRzUaF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_IXQBhCkARIsADqELbJElVmccAgy8omnYc4mqN8eYv6EEpVG6CDSPovQC4NZPdFyNcBQEisaAsHQEALw_wcB [https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=90372426&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NhWnrr-bvx0B-bwux9JRzUaF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_IXQBhCkARIsADqELbJElVmccAgy8omnYc4mqN8eYv6EEpVG6CDSPovQC4NZPdFyNcBQEisaAsHQEALw_wcB] The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Refusing Medications: From Resistance to Cooperation

When a loved one refuses their medications, it can feel like an emergency. The risks are real, the pressure is immediate, and the instinct to push for compliance is strong. But in many cases, that resistance is not about defiance—it’s communication. In this episode, Kelly breaks down what’s really behind medication refusal in memory loss, and guides us through methods focusing on protecting both safety and dignity, offering a more effective way to navigate these moments without escalating conflict or damaging trust. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103] Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss [https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss] Resources: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/medical/parent-refusing-medication/ [https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/medical/parent-refusing-medication/] https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/senior-health/elderly-parent-wont-take-medication?srsltid=AfmBOoqVi7cqZ_fmYk3NlUY5Ebcup3fZfdLOlpzP1V9NC7NT18G5-8ap [https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/senior-health/elderly-parent-wont-take-medication?srsltid=AfmBOoqVi7cqZ_fmYk3NlUY5Ebcup3fZfdLOlpzP1V9NC7NT18G5-8ap] The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.

Beyond Puzzles: Redefining "Brain Training" for those with Dementia

In this episode, Kelly challenges the idea that cognitive activities like puzzles and card games are always beneficial for loved ones with dementia. She explains that as the disease progresses, these activities can create feelings of being tested rather than included, leading to withdrawal and disconnect. Kelly offers practical strategies for adapting activities and communication so loved ones feel valued, contributing, and connected rather than measured. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103] Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT! https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss [https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss] Resources https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/dementia-tasks-activities/ [https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/dementia-tasks-activities/] https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids/family-activities [https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids/family-activities] https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/activities?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=90372426&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NgGjuKB4Dw1mGyJDvnDGMqxl&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vzOBhBxEiwAc7WNrwtO_DChShBVoX_S2UtM2o7ZVpHaXZnPK5aa2Z-AP8NB16rxpOVQNBoCZ84QAvD_BwE [https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/activities?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=90372426&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NgGjuKB4Dw1mGyJDvnDGMqxl&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vzOBhBxEiwAc7WNrwtO_DChShBVoX_S2UtM2o7ZVpHaXZnPK5aa2Z-AP8NB16rxpOVQNBoCZ84QAvD_BwE] The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.