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

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.

A Turning Point: When "Fine At Home" No Longer Holds

In this episode, Kelly explores how a medical crisis, such as a fall or infection, often becomes the unexpected turning point when families first recognize the true extent of a loved one's dementia. From cognitive screening in the hospital to rehabilitation settings where the challenges become even more apparent, these moments, though emotionally overwhelming, can ultimately bring clarity and open the door to more realistic, proactive planning for the road ahead. Follow this episode with our "After the Diagnosis" episode: https://rss.com/podcasts/a-balancing-act/1796945/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/a-balancing-act/1796945/] 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://hign.org/consultgeri/try-this-series/recognition-dementia-hospitalized-older-adults [https://hign.org/consultgeri/try-this-series/recognition-dementia-hospitalized-older-adults] https://www.ourparents.com/senior-health/avoiding-signs-of-dementia [https://www.ourparents.com/senior-health/avoiding-signs-of-dementia] https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/recognizing-dementia-guide-early-symptoms-signs# [https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/recognizing-dementia-guide-early-symptoms-signs#] 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.

Dignity of Risk: Balancing Safety and Independence

In this episode, Kelly tackles the ethical tension caregivers face between keeping loved ones with dementia safe and preserving their independence and sense of self. Through real-life stories, she introduces the concept of the "right to risk" — the idea that autonomy and uncertainty are inseparable, even for vulnerable adults. Kelly encourages "negotiated risk": practical home and communcative adaptations as alternatives to simply eliminating activities. Good caregiving isn't about preventing every mistake, but helping someone continue to live a life that still feels like their own. 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.a24direct.co.uk/blog/balancing-independence-with-safety-in-home-based-care-plans#:~:text=While%20promoting%20autonomy%20is%20essential,Communicating%20Effectively%20with%20Families [https://www.a24direct.co.uk/blog/balancing-independence-with-safety-in-home-based-care-plans#:~:text=While%20promoting%20autonomy%20is%20essential,Communicating%20Effectively%20with%20Families] https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia/providing-day-day-care/decision-making-respecting [https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia/providing-day-day-care/decision-making-respecting] 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.