Gather Darlings

GATHER | Younger-Onset Dementia with Patti LaFleur, Lorenzo's House

In this heartwarming episode, we are joined by sunshine in the form of a person, Patti LaFleur! Patti shared the very personal and impactful mission of Lorenzo's House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating younger-onset dementia. Founded in 2021, Lorenzo's House is leading the way of support for families facing this challenging and often isolating journey. The organization's core mission is powerful and personal: to shift the narrative from isolation to connection, from stigma to strength, and from darkness to light! Key highlights of Lorenzo's House include: - Holistic Support Model: Offering virtual and in-person youth initiatives, support groups, and healing spaces - Community Building: Creating a national and global network of families united in their journey - Empowerment Focus: Providing free support to families, with a vision of expanding their reach Our conversation emphasized the importance of supporting entire families, recognizing the profound impact of younger-onset dementia on children, partners, and caregivers! Patti gives us advice on how to show up for our youth and how to be more mindful this holiday season. Lorenzo's House stands as a beacon of hope, bringing light to families facing this challenging diagnosis and creating a supportive community where no one feels alone! Share, support and donate to Lorenzo's House: https://lorenzoshouse.org [https://lorenzoshouse.org/] We mentioned the incredible, Adria Thompson of Be Light Care Consulting [https://www.belightcare.com/], Remember Me [https://www.remembermeftd.com/] podcast, Jacquelyn Revere of MomofMyMom [https://momofmymom.com/] on social media and Think Tank [https://www.bearwiseconsulting.com/thinktank]created by Nicole Will and James Lee. Patti LaFleur, Programs Lead Patti is the former carepartner to her mom, Linda, who had younger-onset dementia - and a former elementary educator of over 10 years. Patti designs and leads our youth programming with intentionality, knowledge and love. Her capacity to connect with family members through lived experience and profound generosity of spirit sets the tone for how Lorenzo's House shows up for families. Patti has a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, has spent countless hours volunteering with people living with neurocognitive disorders, and as a community educator for the Alzheimer's Association.

National Family Caregivers Month | Honoring Dementia Caregivers

In this episode of "Gather Darlings," host Carrie, known as Dementia Darling, honors National Family Caregivers Month by shining a light on the incredible work of dementia caregivers! Carrie shares a comprehensive list of essential resources for dementia caregivers, including the Alzheimer's Association, Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care, and the Family Caregiver Alliance, among others. These organizations provide vital support, educational programs, and community connections that can make a significant difference in caregivers' lives. The episode also addresses mental health and self-care, encouraging caregivers to join support groups, seek professional help when needed, and practice mindfulness techniques. Carrie highlights the importance of respite care as a crucial support system, outlining various options such as in-home services and adult day centers that allow caregivers to recharge. Additionally, practical tips for daily caregiving are shared, including establishing routines and utilizing tools to enhance communication and quality of life. Tune in to this episode to gather insights, resources, and encouragement as we celebrate the dedication of dementia caregivers everywhere. Essential Resources for Dementia Caregivers 1. **Alzheimer's Association** - [alz.org [http://alz.org/]](https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources [https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources]): Offers a 24/7 helpline, support groups, and educational programs. 2. **Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care** - [teepasnow.com [http://teepasnow.com/]](https://www.teepasnow.com [https://www.teepasnow.com/]): Provides innovative dementia care training and resources. 3. **Be Light Care** - [belightcare.com [http://belightcare.com/]](http://www.belightcare.com [http://www.belightcare.com/]): Offers dementia care consulting and education. 4. **Roon Dementia** - [roon.com [http://roon.com/]](http://www.roon.com [http://www.roon.com/]): A platform that provides resources for dementia care. 5. **Family Caregiver Alliance** - [caregiver.org [http://caregiver.org/]](https://www.caregiver.org [https://www.caregiver.org/]): Provides comprehensive support and information for family caregivers. 6. **AARP Caregiving Resource Center** - [aarp.org/caregiving](https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/) [http://aarp.org/caregiving%5D(https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/)]: Offers tools and information to help navigate the caregiving journey. Mental Health and Self-Care Resources 1. **Zen Caregiving Project** - [zencaregiving.org [http://zencaregiving.org/]](https://zencaregiving.org [https://zencaregiving.org/]): Offers mindfulness-based support for caregivers. 2. **Steadii App** - [steadii.com [http://steadii.com/]](https://www.steadii.com/ [https://www.steadii.com/]): A mobile app designed to help caregivers manage their responsibilities. 3. Leeza's Care Connection for support groups https://leezascareconnection.org/home [https://leezascareconnection.org/home] Respite Care Resources 1. **ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center** - [archrespite.org [http://archrespite.org/]](https://archrespite.org [https://archrespite.org/]): Provides resources to help find respite care options in your area. 2. Area Agencies on Aging in your local area (google this for your location) 3. HFC www.wearehfc.org [http://www.wearehfc.org/] for respite grants and support groups Practical Tools and Engagement Resources 1. **Care Mobi App** - A mobile app for caregiver organization and reminders. 2. **Zinnia TV** - A platform for engagement activities tailored for seniors. 3. **Nana's Books, Mirador, SingFit, Music with Alexis**: Various resources for engaging activities with individuals living with dementia. Zinnia TV- www.zinniatv.com [http://www.zinniatv.com/] 1. Nana's Books- www.nanasbookseries.com [http://www.nanasbookseries.com/] 2. Mirador Magazine- www.miradormagazine.com [http://www.miradormagazine.com/] 3. Singfit http://www.singfit.com [http://www.singfit.com/] 4. Music with Alexis- www.musicwithalexis.com [http://www.musicwithalexis.com/] 5. CareMobi app https://nursing.nyu.edu/w/caremobi [https://nursing.nyu.edu/w/caremobi] Additional Support 1. **Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One Podcast** - Hosted by Nicole Will, this podcast empowers older adults and caregivers with insights throughout the aging journey. More information can be found at [willgatherpodcast.com [http://willgatherpodcast.com/]](http://www.willgatherpodcast.com [http://www.willgatherpodcast.com/]). We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! Follow us on Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/gatherdarlings/] and Join our Facebook Group HERE. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/254521577686841] Come as you are! We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

BRING YOUR BESTIE | Go-Mo girls—Sandra and Diana Gonzalez-Morett, Filmmaker & Caregivers

We're diving deep with the Go-Mo girls—Sandra and Diana Gonzalez-Morett—two badass sisters who turned their caregiving story into advocacy and art with their film Pedacito de Carne. After 7 years as full-time caregivers for their mom, Diana, they're here to spill on the highs, the heartbreaks, and the bonds that only sisters could handle. From navigating FTD (Frontotemporal Degeneration) to finding joy, love, and even play in the darkest of times, these women are redefining what it means to care and live fully. Tune in for sharing of resilience, sisterhood, mental health, ADHD and why self-care is the ultimate act of rebellion. "Pedacito de Carne" is a short drama film that follows Sandra, a young millennial caregiver for her mother, Antonia, who is living with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Inspired by the real-life experiences of Diana and Sandra Gonzalez-Morett with their mother's FTD journey, the film portrays the challenges and emotional complexities of caregiving. It illustrates a day in Sandra's life, highlighting themes of love and connection amidst adversity. Connect with the Go-Mo sisters at: @sandygomo [https://www.instagram.com/sandygomo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] @dianalaurengm [https://www.instagram.com/dianalaurengm?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] @PedacitodeCarnefilm [https://www.instagram.com/pedacitodecarnefilm?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Learn more at https://www.theaftd.org/ [https://www.theaftd.org/] Beyondd Project: https://beyonddproject.org/ [https://beyonddproject.org/] We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! Follow us on Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/gatherdarlings/] and Join our Facebook Group HERE. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/254521577686841] Come as you are! We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

DARLINGS | Europe Trip Recap with Adria Thompson

On this episode of Gather Darlings, Nicole Will, Carrie Aalberts, and Adria Thompson are sharing all about their European adventures! From diving into The Hogeweyk dementia village, to Adria's epic journey with Walk the Talk in Spain, we're sharing all the stories of care and connection. Oh, and did we mention Cannes? We hit the SilverEco conference hard—panels, awards, and jury duty! It's all here, and trust us, caregivers and healthcare pros, you don't want to miss this. Darlings, we're going global! To watch the webinar with Viking Pure Solutions [https://vikingpure.com/] of our time at The Hogeweyk watch HERE: https://vikingpure.com/reimagining-dementia-care-hogeweyk/ [https://vikingpure.com/reimagining-dementia-care-hogeweyk/] To learn more about: Walk the Talk visit: https://www.walkingfordementia.org/ [https://www.walkingfordementia.org/] SilverEco visit: https://www.silvereco.org/festival/en/ [https://www.silvereco.org/festival/en/] We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! Follow us on Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/gatherdarlings/] and Join our Facebook Group HERE. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/254521577686841] Come as you are! We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

GATHER | Real Talk with Nikki Nurse: Self-Care, Boundaries, and Caregiver Survival

Get ready to dive deep with Nikki Nurse—she's not just a caregiver, she's a powerhouse voice changing the game for family caregivers everywhere. Nikki is all about living your best life, even when you're up to your elbows in the everyday hustle. She'll help you find the small moments that matter, push you to pause, and teach you how to heal from the inside out. Nikki keeps it real about the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your mental and financial health when caregiving becomes your full-time job. Nikki gets it: caregiving isn't easy, but with her killer advice, you'll learn how to handle the stress, embrace the struggle, and actually find JOY in the process. It's time to stop pouring from an empty cup and start putting yourself first, because trust—when you're thriving, so is everyone else. Tune in for all the raw, real talk you need to make it through the day with your sanity (and a smile). Connect with Nikki at @alogcabininbrooklyn [https://www.instagram.com/alogcabininbrooklyn?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! Follow us on Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/gatherdarlings/] and Join our Facebook Group HERE. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/254521577686841] Come as you are! We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.