Anna Cantor has 10 + years of experience with Dementia. Her mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s & Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia in 2010. Anna was living in Germany at the time and dropped everything to become her mother’s caregiver. About 4 years into the process Anna moved her mother into a Care Home because her mom needed more care. Since then, Anna made it her goal to continue to educate herself on Dementia. She is a Certified Independent Dementia Consultant through Tepa Snow’s PAC program.
Anna focusses on two pillars: the Care Partners (family usually) at their home as they are dealing with day to day challenges with the disease progression AND after moving your loved one to a Care Home by creating a support system and plan for what comes next personally.
Anna’s approach with care as a partnership of friendship and trust to have their back. Post traumatic growth is used to integrate the space of resilience with embracing where they are at now… all the feelings are OK, and to move to acceptance. Then, Anna can help others prepare for the next stages of the disease process. Being vulnerable but empowered to adapt and adjust with agility as needed knowing about next steps is vital.
Tepa Snow program discusses (https://www.tepasnow.com of on Facebook), the brain changes coaching them to discuss which way is best to work with your loved one by using language, sound, music, visual cues. Tips: Break the tasks or challenges into specific steps by looking at the patterns. Routine is good but not having it be too rigid… stay flexible. What was the person doing prior to diagnosis? Create the same scenarios that give them comfort: pack a lunch, go to work (take a walk), doing art or crafts, etc. Are certain times of the day triggers?
Tools to use for self-care- yoga, any physical exercise, learning and connecting with others in community (Alzheimer’s support group Alzheimer's Help & Support | Alzheimer's Association ), and knowing what to expect next can provide comfort…
See the good in this process – see the good! Holding hands, sharing a smile, a hug, music… MUSIC, talking, create the special moments of connection and Anna has seen it still present with her mom during recent visits.
32:30 At what stage do you consider comfort measures only for your loved one? How do you personally make that choice for your loved one? The doctors and medical professionals are trained to continue and preserve life. Anna shares how withdrawal of feeding (by not using/ placing a feeding tube) is very humane and peaceful end of life process.
Getting the diagnosis after the testing process… then what? How to get information? Gain clarity through personal research and reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association for trainings and conferences in addition to getting a second opinion.
Robin Williams’ diagnosis of Lou Body Dementia – as an example of why we need community, resources, support and counseling. THIS is not meant to be done alone. See if you qualify for free counseling in your state if you are a Caregiver for your Loved One!
Anna is very EAGER to help… she fell into this path through her mother’s diagnosis and feels humbled to create this consulting practice: https://www.yourdementiacoach.comand IG @yourdementiacoach. Anna is available 8am – 9pm Pacific to help trouble shoot as well. Contact her for a free consultation!
Continue to CARE WITH ABUNDANCE as we are The Bridges We Build with and for others! Please subscribe, rate, review and follow The Bridges We Build, podcast. You can reach Samantha Dazey @carewithabundance on IG or FB. Thank You!
