Summary
This is a Conversation with Caregivers (TM) episode with Nicole Smith, Author of “Diagnosis Dementia; Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management”. Nicole shares with Michele Magner her personal journey through caregiving for her mother who lives with Alzheimer's Disease.
Have the police ever been involved when you’re trying to care for someone you love? She shares with us 2 tough situations where the police had to get involved.
The discussion covers the complexities of navigating legal, medical, and emotional challenges in elder care, the importance of building a support network, and the lifestyle changes that can impact health. Nicole emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive planning in caregiving, while also sharing humorous and poignant stories from her experiences.
By the way, she’s read over 50 books about dementia and caregiving and has done book reviews on them! Purchase her book and connect with her using the links below.
Takeaways
I wrote the book I could not find.
Caregiving is everywhere.
You need to talk about dementia.
Pay attention to your parents.
My holy trinity of sanity is yoga, beer and chocolate.
You can't make this up.
The earlier you start, the better.
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
You have to build your support network STAT.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Caregiving and Dementia
03:41 Navigating Family Dynamics in Caregiving
06:58 The Complexities of Diagnosis and Treatment
09:43 The Overwhelm of Caregiving Responsibilities
12:50 Building a Support Network
15:34 Transitioning to Memory Care
18:49 Crisis Moments in Caregiving
25:03 Navigating Caregiving with Patience
32:44 Understanding Dementia and Its Impact
36:30 Building a Support Network (so important, it's talked about twice!)
42:39 Essential Legal Preparations for Caregivers
Keywords
dementia, caregiving, elder care, memory care, support network, Alzheimer's, family dynamics, crisis management, lifestyle changes, health
Connect with Nicole:
Purchase Diagnosis Dementia on Amazon HERE
Instagram Dementia Book Review Here
Connect on LinkedIn
As mentioned in this episode, check out Working Daughter by Liz O’Donnell Here.
Learn more about Wine Women & Dementia.
Podcast Music Written & Produced by Colin Roberts.
