The Caregiver's Journey

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/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/] * Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/] * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/], https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/] * Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org [sue@thecaregiversjourney.org], nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org [nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org] Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/63-meaningful-conversation-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/63-meaningful-conversation-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/] Additional Resources Mentioned * Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * TimeSlips: https://www.timeslips.org/ [https://www.timeslips.org/] * Dementia Friendly America: https://dfamerica.org/timeslips/ [https://dfamerica.org/timeslips/] * The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] Available as an interactive page [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] 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: 1. Believe in your own creativity 2. Forget memory 3. Open with a beautiful question 4. Use beautiful listening 5. Create gifts from the experience Read More in This Blog https://thecaregiversjourney.org/63-meaningful-conversation-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/63-meaningful-conversation-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/]

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. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkbeville/], founder of the global nonprofit Second Wind Dreams® [https://secondwind.org/] 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 [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] at thecaregiversjourney.org [https://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/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/] * Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/] * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/], https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/] * Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org [sue@thecaregiversjourney.org], nancy@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/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * Second Wind Dreams: https://secondwind.org/ [https://secondwind.org/] * The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] Available as an interactive page [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] 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: 1. Learn what happens in a Virtual Dementia Tour 2. Apply what you learn at home 3. Find 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/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/62-what-is-a-virtual-dementia-tour-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/]

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/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/] * Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/] * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/], https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/] * Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org [sue@thecaregiversjourney.org], nancy@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/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * Donna Fedus at BorrowMyGlasses [http://borrowmyglasses.com] https://borrowmyglasses.com/ [https://borrowmyglasses.com/] * The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] Available as an interactive page [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] 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/

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/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/] * Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/] * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/], https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/] * Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org [sue@thecaregiversjourney.org], nancy@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/ [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/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * https://www.newdays.ai/ * The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] Available as an interactive page [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] 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/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/60-three-tips-for-using-cognitive-stimulation-therapy-at-home/]

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/ [https://thecaregiversjourney.org/] * Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney [https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/] * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/], https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/] * Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org [sue@thecaregiversjourney.org], nancy@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 [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 [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 [https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health] * The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] Available as an interactive page [https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/] 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/