Hope Floats: Navigating Caregiving in Dementia

A Tapestry of Hope: Living Well with MCI

Guest Lynn Ross shares her personal journey with mild cognitive impairment, her professional insights as a social worker, and practical tools for supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Her conversation with Hope Floats host Shoshawna Rainwater offers hope, strategies for adaptation, and ways to foster meaningful connections despite cognitive changes.   Links Dementia Spotlight Foundation - https://dementiaspotlight.org [https://dementiaspotlight.org] Dementia Together - https://dementiatogether.org [https://dementiatogether.org] Contented Dementia [https://www.amazon.com/Contented-Dementia-Helping-Enjoy-Life/dp/1846043774]by Oliver James   SPECAL Method- https://contenteddementiatrust.org/what-is-the-specal-method/ [https://contenteddementiatrust.org/what-is-the-specal-method/]  In this episode, Shoshawna mentions the Physiological Sigh—a fast, free, and scientifically proven breathing tool you can use to lower anxiety and calm your nervous system in real time. To do it, take two deep inhales through your nose (one deep breath, followed by a quick "top-off" inhale), and then let out one long, slow exhale through your mouth. Repeating this just a few times immediately slows your heart rate and releases stress. Want to dive deeper into the research? Check out these credible resources: * Read the Stanford Article: Learn how this breathwork triggers immediate relaxation in this listener-friendly breakdown from Stanford Medicine News [https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2023/02/cyclic-sighing-can-help-breathe-away-anxiety.html]. * See the Data: Check out the official 2023 Stanford University study published in Cell Reports Medicine via PubMed [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36630953/]. It proves that 5 minutes of daily "cyclic sighing" improves mood and reduces anxiety better than standard mindfulness meditation! * The Brain Biology: Curious about how our brains naturally use this tool? Read how UCLA neuroscientists discovered the exact brain cells responsible for this reflex in the UCLA Newsroom [https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-and-stanford-researchers-pinpoint-origin-of-sighing-reflex-in-the-brain]. Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398849/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.venmo.com/u/hopefloatspodcast] Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit www.HopeFloatspodcast.com

Supporting Families Navigating Dementia: Insights from Dr. Allison Lindauer

Navigating the journey of dementia can be fraught with challenges and emotional complexities. In this episode of Hope Floats, host Shoshawna Rainwater delves into expert insights shared by Dr. Allison Lindauer, a gerontological nurse practitioner and associate professor at OHSU. With her extensive knowledge and personal experience, Dr. Lindauer provides valuable strategies for families facing dementia. Links Dr. Lindauer’s team is now recruiting families for two studies. The first, STELLA-R, is for family caregivers for those with dementia who live in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho. Growing up in rural California, Dr. Lindauer is committed to including rural families in this telehealth-based studies. Her second study, STELLA-FTD, is a national study for caregivers for those with frontotemporal dementias, which is funded by the National Institute on Aging. Information about both studies can be found here: https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-center-for-aging-and-technology/stella-family-studies [https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-center-for-aging-and-technology/stella-family-studies] Driving Cessation Info: “How Can I Have Good Conversations About Not Driving?” - The Hartford https://higres.cloudinary.com/image/upload/crossroads_worksheet_conversation_planner.pdf [https://hig-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/crossroads_worksheet_conversation_planner.pdf] “Agreement with My Family About Not Driving” https://assets.thehartford.com/image/upload/crossroads_worksheet_family_agreement.pdf [https://assets.thehartford.com/image/upload/crossroads_worksheet_family_agreement.pdf] Hope Floats podcast homepage https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast [https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast] Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398849/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.venmo.com/u/hopefloatspodcast] Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit www.HopeFloatspodcast.com

Considering Your Health Future When You Have a Parent with Dementia

Rachel and Shoshawna explore the genetics of dementia, particularly the ApoE gene, and discuss proactive health strategies, ethical considerations, and future planning for those at risk.  We also say farewell for now to Rachel as the co-host and discuss the future of Hope Floats. Key  topics Genetics of dementia and Alzheimer's The ApoE gene and its variants Preventive strategies for brain health Ethical considerations in genetic testing End-of-life planning and medical aid in dying New chapters for Hope Floats  TOOLS:  https://www.lisamosconi.com/ [https://www.lisamosconi.com/] https://ApoE4.co [https://apoe4.co] Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398849/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.venmo.com/u/hopefloatspodcast] Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit www.HopeFloatspodcast.com

The Role of Elder Law in Dementia Care

This episode features elder law experts from Oregon Elder Law. We are discussing planning for incapacity, legal documents, and long-term care options, emphasizing the importance of early planning and legal safeguards. * Planning for incapacity and legal documents * Long-term care options and affordability * Medicaid, estate recovery, and spousal protections To learn more go to: National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: https://naela.org/ [https://naela.org/] Oregon Elder Law:   https://www.oregonelderlaw.com/ [https://www.oregonelderlaw.com/] National Elder Law Foundation: https://www.nelf.org/ [https://www.nelf.org/]   Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398849/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.venmo.com/u/hopefloatspodcast] Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit www.HopeFloatspodcast.com

Empowering Caregivers- an Interview with Dementia Expert Tami Anastasia

In this episode of the Hope Floats podcast, Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady welcome dementia care expert Tami Anastasia. They discuss the emotional landscape of caregiving, the importance of understanding personal history in dementia care, and the challenges caregivers face, including guilt and identity loss. Tami emphasizes the need for self-compassion, setting boundaries, and the transformative potential of the caregiving journey. The conversation also touches on communication strategies with loved ones experiencing dementia and the societal stigma surrounding the condition. Ultimately, the episode highlights the hope and growth that can emerge from the caregiving experience.  TAKEAWAYS: * Tami Anastasia is a dementia care expert with over 30 years of experience. * Understanding a loved one's personal history can improve caregiving strategies. * Caregivers often struggle with guilt and self-criticism. * Empowering caregivers to believe in themselves is crucial. * Every person with dementia is unique, requiring tailored approaches. * Setting boundaries is essential for caregiver well-being. * Communication with loved ones should adapt to their cognitive changes. * Societal stigma around dementia needs to be addressed and changed. * Finding hope in the caregiving process is vital for emotional health. * Caregiving can lead to personal growth and deeper connections.  Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2398849/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.venmo.com/u/hopefloatspodcast] Thank you for listening!  Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit www.HopeFloatspodcast.com