In this enlightening episode of the Hygge Nurse podcast, Rachel Zimmer sits down with Dr. Mia Yang, a dedicated geriatrician with extensive experience in dementia care and caregiver support. Together, they explore the intricacies of caregiving, focusing on the well-being of caregivers and practical strategies to navigate the challenges of dementia care.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Caregiver Well-Being:
- Importance of self-care for caregivers.
- Strategies to find moments of respite and self-care activities.
- Differentiating between internal thoughts and external constraints to reduce self-blame.
2. Navigating the Healthcare System:
- Challenges caregivers face in the healthcare system.
- Tips for managing transitions of care, such as moving from home to hospital.
- Importance of clear communication and finding language-concordant care.
3. Practical Tips for Caregiving:
- Handling common dementia-related behaviors like refusal to bathe or take medications.
- Importance of creating joyful moments despite the challenges.
- Utilizing mindfulness, journaling, and bilateral stimulation techniques like brain spotting for stress relief.
4. Research Insights:
- Overview of a study on the well-being of Black and Latino caregivers.
- Impact of cultural and language barriers on caregiver experiences.
- Importance of presence and empathetic listening in caregiving.
Resources Mentioned:
1. UCLA Caregiver Education Videos:
- Short, practical videos for managing common caregiving challenges.
2. Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey by Jolene Brackey:
- Humorous and accessible book with practical advice.
3. Ask Dr. Mia Podcast:
- Dr. Mia’s podcast on aging well and geriatric medicine.
- Podcast by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center on memory care research.
5. Brain Spotting Music on Spotify:
- Bilateral auditory stimulation music for stress relief.
Additional Recommendations:
- Understanding dementia behaviors and levels through a positive framework..
- Subscribe to Hygge Nurse Podcast: Stay updated with our latest episodes.
- Leave a Review and Share: If you found this episode helpful, share it with friends and family who might benefit.
- Visit Hygge Abode: Explore our digital courses designed to help you create serene, wellness-focused spaces at home. [Link to Hygge Abode Courses](https://www.hyggeabode.com/courses)
Thank you for tuning in. Stay cozy, connected, and take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.
