Do you know about Area Agencies on Aging? This is a nationwide network of nonprofit agencies created by Congress in 1974 to be one-stop shops with information about programs, services, and resources to assist with the care of older adults. And Lesley Katz is helping people connect with these services. She’s a social worker and community educator wi…

People don’t like to think about death. And they certainly don’t like to talk about it. Or do they? Sharon Crowell is an end-of-life acupuncturist and hospice volunteer who facilitates Death Cafés where participants have honest and often lively discussions about death, dying, and impermanence. And it’s not as morbid as it sounds. By encouraging ear…

Sitting down with your aging parents to discuss long-term care issues can be difficult, but these tough talks are critical to have early. Melissa Fritz is helping get these conversations started. She hosts the show Inside Senior Living. which follows families on their journeys to finding living options for the next stage of their lives. By bringing…

As Dr. Steven Sabat says, “Look at those with dementia as people, rather than patients – just because they have certain difficulties doesn't mean they cease to be a person.” Amen! In part two of our interview, we continue our talk about the gross underestimation of the capacity of people with dementia. These are people with significant remaining so…

We know about the weaknesses of people with dementia, but what about their strengths? Dr. Steven Sabat, professor emeritus in psychology at Georgetown University, reminds us that these people retain awareness, thinking ability, and sense of self. He’s learned that those diagnosed with dementia have more in common with people who don’t than we gener…

Low health illiteracy is a barrier not only to getting the right care but also to creating peace of mind for a caregiver. Thankfully, Jennifer Woodruff is helping to remove these barriers. She’s founder of the Patient Better Project, which helps patients and their families form an at-home care team, enhance communication with health professionals, …

Sometimes caregivers just need a break. Daphne Johnson started Respite for All to help them and the ones they care for. RFA’s volunteers are helping improve quality of life for people with dementia while offering peace of mind and respite to their caregivers. It’s a great way to help offset growing social isolation for both patient and caregiver as…

Where flowers bloom, so does hope. And in Florida today, hope for delivering better care to dementia patients is growing thanks to Sira Botes. Her role as a home care clinician inspired her to create a communication platform, the Memory Bouquet, that helps everyone involved with dementia care by identifying the highest, safest cognitive level and e…

Caregiving can change everything and Jillian McCleary understands that first hand. Over a period of 6 months Jillian left her career to care for her mother with Dementia, bought a house that could accommodate her mother’s needs, started her business “Lovelind”, and got married! Listen in with Bobbi & Mike as they talk with Jillian about the ups and…

When your partner or spouse has a dementia diagnosis it is so important to find support. That’s why Laurel Whitman joined Well Spouse, an organization that advocates for and addresses the needs of individuals caring for a chronically ill and/or disabled spouse or partner. Join Bobbi, Mike & Laurel as they discuss the significant stress disability a…

It can often feel hopeless trying to engage with a loved one suffering from dementia. That's why it's important for not only family but also friends to share stories that connect with them. In part two of our talk with blogger James Russell, we discuss the wonders of the village that emerged to help him care for his daughter, how he goes about docu…

Imagine being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at only 48 years old. This is what happened to Lynn Russell. Her father, James Russell, now helps care for her. He tells their story on his blog, "Nevertheless Dementia, We Persist," where he recounts the daily struggles, joys, and epiphanies of life with Alzheimer’s. In part one of this talk we …

To look in the eyes of someone you love and have them not know you is heartbreaking. So, after losing four family members to Alzheimer’s, actor and playwright Nancy Daly knew she had to do something. She started Actors & Artists Unite to End Alzheimer’s – a national team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Her touching stories of the loved ones she lo…

One Alzheimer's diagnosis in one’s family is life-changing. But three? That's when Kristina Lubofsky knew she had to take action. She used her gerontology and caregiving backgrounds to create Busy Minds Box. The service helps dementia patients combat boredom, loneliness, and depression with a monthly activity box. Thanks to Kristina, older adults c…

A trip to the hospital, planned or unplanned, with a person who has a memory disorder can be difficult to manage and risky. Not to mention stressful. But you can be ready for it, or even avoid it. Michael Splaine provides an online workshop for caregivers designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to avoid preventable hospital or emergenc…

Caring for a loved one with dementia can have devastating effects on the lives of families and caregivers, including financial pressures, legal quandaries, health problems, and emotional turmoil. Fortunately, the California Caregiver Resource Centers offer free support. As one of the program's consultants, Stephani Gunther is helps families cope wi…

When you have a mom who is a great cook, you notice when she's off her game and forgetting ingredients. For Lily Hernandez's mother this was an early sign that she might not be well. And when she was diagnosed with dementia, it changed her family's life overnight. Like so many caregivers, Lily is learning as she goes, including the power of playing…

Long-term caregiving has many emotional and physical impacts on the caregivers, including migraines, depression, hair loss, and a “short fuse”. But Carol Greco is helping to make the experience less stressful. She is founder and CEO of WeCare4, a global platform and community with a portfolio of resources for all caregivers. It has all the informat…

What do you do when you are concerned about your parents whose health is deteriorating but your siblings are not? This is just one of the many issues that can create conflict among family members dealing with eldercare. In some cases, a professional mediator can be extremely helpful. Kimberly Best, RN, MA, is a professional civil and family mediato…

We all need stimulating conversation. But what happens when we are isolated or spend lots of time alone? After a career at NASA, Amy Stapleton began designing interactive voice experiences for Amazon Alexa that use virtual characters to chat, entertain, and engage. After witnessing how covid lockdowns and social isolation negatively affected the he…

Gen Xers may have been saying “OK, Boomer” since the 80s, but now more and more find themselves taking care of their Boomer parents. Guest Joy Johnston – digital journalist, author, and caregiver advocate – was in her 30’s when her father was diagnosed with dementia. Her collection of essays, The Reluctant Caregiver, is a realistic, humorous, and i…

About 40% of employees are also family caregivers, but not all employers recognize the daily challenges of this growing community. To help these caregiver employees and prevent burnout, Denise Brown develops and leads training programs for family caregivers and their employers. It all begins by starting a conversation with your manager. Employees h…

African Americans have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, but many don't get the support they need. Dr. Fayron Epps is helping to change that. She's devoted her career as a nurse leader to reducing health disparities for underserved populations through innovative, culturally relevant programs for the Black communit…

It’s time to clear the air about medical cannabis and dementia. Sue Felmeth – an RN, educator, and consultant – began to investigate medical cannabis after her mother's pain management doctor recommended it as a safer option to opioids. She was amazed to discover that it can be an effective way to safely cut back on other medications and improve qu…

Sometimes metal detectors can also find old memories. Just ask Steve Kiley. He has a background in occupational therapy and a passion for history, metal detecting, and relic hunting. He’s created a unique and fun reminiscence program for seniors using the artifacts they find, which helps those with dementia feel valued, contented, and peaceful by r…

Young caregivers need to know they are not alone. After all, there are an estimated 1.4 million youths between ages 8-19 caring for a family member with dementia. Hailey Richman was one of them. She started Kid Caregivers, an organization which helps young people cope with their situation. It also enlivens the lives of adults living with Alzheimer'…

Having a good story is nice, but it’s better when it’s told well. As someone who has told thousands of others’ stories over his long and successful career as a news producer, Frank Silverstein knows the power of good storytelling. And with his documentary film Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia he tells of his personal experience as a co-caregiver…

Long-term care can be very expensive, so planning ahead is one of the most important steps one can take to help minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Amy Goyer knows these challenges firsthand. She's AARP's national family and caregiving expert and has been a family caregiver her entire adult life. With proper care planning, individuals and their caregi…

As a family caregiver the journey of dementia can be a perpetual grieving process. But how does one deal with this grief? For Bishop Kenneth Carder, it was through a lens of faith. In part two of our discussion, we explore more on how caring for those whose memories are fading can affect one’s thinking about God, life, and what really matters. Bish…

A diagnosis of dementia changes everything quickly, including how one loves. Our guest, Bishop Kenneth Carder, is a retired United Methodist bishop and seminary professor who cared for his late wife. He is now devoted to educating people on behalf of those living with dementia, both those diagnosed and their care partners, focusing on what faith co…

In this episode Bobbi & Mike continue their conversation with Mary Underwood – a social worker of 33 years with a primary focus on memory care, and two-time Alzheimer’s Association Outstanding Caregiver of the Year Award winner – has learned a lot in her career. Most importantly, care facilities and caregivers need to always focus on the person, no…

Mary Underwood – a social worker of 33 years with a primary focus on memory care, and two-time Alzheimer’s Association Outstanding Caregiver of the Year Award winner – has learned a lot in her career. Most importantly, care facilities and caregivers need to always focus on the person, not the illness. Even if a person’s needs and conditions for liv…

Parlez-vous Français? Habla Española? Parli italiano? Speaking more than one language opens doors in many ways, especially for nurses and caregivers caring for a dementia patient who can no longer speak English. Dr. Zoila Ortega knows this firsthand. She learned a lot taking care of a mother with Alzheimer’s, including the importance bilingual nurs…

Wouldn’t it be nice if we each had by our side a personal advocate, cheerleader, companion, guide, ear, and rock? This is the role of an end-of-life doula. Similar to birth doulas, they are nonmedical professionals offering emotional, spiritual, informational, and physical support. In her role as a doula, Jane Euler talks with Bobbi & Mike about ho…

At the core of person-centered care is the person. And despite all the limitations dementia can bring, caregivers must remember that the person is still in there. So how do we reach them? Don Wendorf is a psychologist of 40 years who retired to become a full-time caregiver. He’s learned that focusing on a patient’s competencies – what they can stil…

A fashion designer once said that life’s too short for boring clothes. But any caregiver will tell you that life’s too short for complicated clothes, including our guest, Andrea Wurster. As the head of product and partnerships at Silverts, an adaptive clothing company, Andrea is helping provide easy dressing solutions with simplified, stylish desig…

Being imperfect is perfectly human. And with so many unknowns for first-time caregivers, they should never be afraid to ask for help. Bobbi & Mike talk with Breeda Miller, whose story about helping her mother at the end of her life has resonated with millions. And now her one-act play tells the story of her mother, from a young woman to a spirited …

Marriage is bliss, right? Well, whoever said that was never a co-caregiver for a family member with their partner. In this episode, Douglass Christensen talks with Bobbi & Mike about the stress a marriage can undergo while caring for a loved one with dementia, but also the ways it can bring you closer together. His role as a co-caregiver Vincent Za…

For many students, the college experience involves 24-hour cramming sessions, annoying group projects, and partying for days. But for Jillian Lee of National Alzheimer’s Buddies (NAB), a nonprofit pairing students with Alzheimer’s patients, college is a time to build bridges towards a society with equitable dementia care. Like so many, she knows th…

Is your fridge covered in sticky notes? Do you keep a notebook with enough highlighting that it looks like a coloring book? Or maybe your hand is covered in ink messages? You are not alone. Keeping all of your notes in order is a challenge and critical to providing accountability, continuity, and efficiency in care. Mike Michel, a former caregiver …

Due to the nature of dementia, it is likely that, at some point, the person you are caring for will need to be hospitalized. Unfortunately, hospitals are not typically well-designed for dementia patients and preparation can make all the difference. Dr. Brittany Lamb knows firsthand the frustration that overwhelmed caregivers encounter when visiting…

Tune in as Bobbi & Mike talk with author and caregiver Nancy Poland. Nancy teaches us the importance of caring for the caregiver and we learn how to “dance” with dementia behaviors. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rod…

In this foot-tapping episode, Bobbi & Mike talk with Joshua Vickery, Executive Director of Encore Creativity for Older Adults. We learn how Joshua uses music to engage people living with dementia and tap into their memories of beloved songs. Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show! To find out more abou…

Tune in as Bobbi & Mike have a chat with Lenny, the dementia-friendly barber. We hear how Lenny uses a jukebox and an old-fashioned shave to bring a little joy and bit of fun into care homes. We also walk away with some valuable dementia caregiving tips. As Lenny says, “Laugh a lot and forgive often.” Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review…

In this episode Bobbi & Mike talk with Senior Activities Coach Hayle Wilder. Hayle gives us tips on how to engage our loved ones living with dementia on a daily basis. We learn how Hayle applies a person-centered approach to design activity curriculum, and how caregivers can connect personally with those living with Dementia by understanding their …

Tune in as Bobbi & Mike chat with the fun and fabulous filmmaker and caregiver Lickety Glitz. We learn the importance of surrounding ourselves with kindred caregivers who can pick us when dementia has us down for the count, and also remind us we can get up tomorrow and “punch dementia in the face” once again. As Lickety says, “Until there’s a cure,…

Dr. Robert Arnold joins Bobbi & Mike to guide us into the specialty of Palliative care and how we can help promote the quality of life for our loved ones living with dementia. We learn that Palliative care involves caring for the whole person—their pain, symptoms, depression, anxiety, confusion, living environment, social concerns, as well as exist…

Tune in as Bobbi & Mike sit at the feet of Lynda Everman, author, caregiver and fiber artist, to explore how her faith informs her advocacy for those living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Lynda teaches us that fabric holds memories, is symbolic and can communicate love and affection when words may no longer be accessible. Don't forget to subscribe,…

In this fun-loving episode, Vincent Zappacosta, author of Dementia-Mama-Drama, joins Bobbi & Mike to connect and, at times, commiserate in the adventures of caring for a parent with dementia. Vincent teaches us his secret to surviving caregiving (hint: check the title) and gives us tips on sustaining a happy marriage while sharing caregiving respon…

Tune in as Kate Fassbender talks with us about using writing as a technique to express the myriad of feelings dementia patients and their caregivers experience. Kate’s gentle, kind spirit invites us to open and share our own stories as well as receive the stories our loved ones living with dementia want to share. Don't forget to subscribe, download…