Shows
Dementia DiscussionsAlzheimer’s Caregiving: A Journey of Love, Patience, and ResilienceWelcome to the first episode of season three of Dementia Discussions! In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Charlene, a dedicated caregiver navigating the emotional and practical challenges of supporting her sister-in-law with Alzheimer’s. Charlene brings a unique perspective as a sister-in-law and sibling, sharing deeply personal stories about her family's journey through this devastating disease.We explore the complexities of caregiving, from handling denial and family dynamics to managing difficult conversations and making tough decisions. Charlene’s resilience, compassion, and humor shine through as she offers practical tips, emotional insights, and a dose of insp...2025-01-0951 minDementia DiscussionsNavigating Love and Loss: A Caregiver's Tale of Resilience with Andrew BloomenthalIn this poignant episode, I sit down with Andrew Bloomenthal, a writer and caregiver, to delve into his heartfelt story about navigating his father’s journey with Parkinson’s-related dementia. Andrew’s article in Boston Magazine struck a chord with readers, and today he joins us to share the deeply personal moments that shaped his caregiving experience. From navigating family dynamics to finding moments of levity and grace in the midst of confusion, Andrew’s story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and love. This episode is a testament to the strength of caregivers and the unbreakable bonds of family. 2024-12-1245 minDementia DiscussionsUntil There’s a Cure, There’s Community: Wine, Women, and DementiaIn this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I’m joined by the incredible Kitty Norton, a former assistant editor turned caregiver, blogger, and filmmaker. Kitty shares her inspiring journey from her mother’s dementia diagnosis to becoming her primary caregiver, a role that profoundly changed her life. We explore her transition into advocacy through her candid blog, Stumped Town Dementia, and her documentary film Wine, Women, and Dementia, which is now airing on PBS.Kitty brings her signature humor and raw honesty as we discuss caregiving challenges, family dynamics, and how humor can be a lifeline in even...2024-11-1952 minDementia DiscussionsNavigating Changes with Lewy Body DementiaIn this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri, a devoted caregiver whose husband Ray has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Sherri shares her journey, from noticing the first subtle changes in Ray's behavior to the emotional and practical challenges they face today.We delve into how Ray's fearless personality and active lifestyle shifted dramatically as the disease progressed, and how Sherri has had to adapt to these changes. This episode is a touching reminder of the resilience and love that caregivers embody, and it offers insights and advice that can help others facing...2024-09-1053 minDementia DiscussionsRebuilding Relationships Through DementiaIn this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I'm joined by Robin Degtjarewsky, a listener who reached out to share her inspiring story about caring for her mother, who lives with dementia. Robin opens up about her journey from dealing with her mother's hoarding issues to managing her care from a distance and navigating the challenges that come with dementia. Robin shares the unexpected silver linings that have brought her closer to her mom and offers valuable tips for other caregivers facing similar challenges.Join us as we delve into Robin's personal experiences, the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving...2024-08-1354 minDementia DiscussionsLove and Resilience while Caregiving for Multiple System Atrophy and DementiaIn this episode, I sat down with Melanie, a member of my dementia with Lewy body support group at the UCLA Mary S. Easton Center. Melanie bravely shares her journey as the sole caregiver for her husband, Monty, who's facing a multitude of health challenges, including multiple system atrophy (MSA), diabetes, and dementia.Through our candid conversation, Melanie opens up about the daily struggles and joys of caring for her beloved husband while striving to maintain her own identity. Her story is one of resilience, love, and finding gratitude in the face of adversity. Monty is a...2024-07-0946 minDementia DiscussionsA Daughter's Journey Through Dementia CaregivingIn today's episode, we go on a personal journey of caregiving with my guest, Kim, a long-time listener of our podcast and a daughter navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Kim's story is not just moving—it's filled with insights that only a dedicated caregiver can offer. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or just someone interested in understanding the reality of living with dementia, this episode promises to enrich your perspective. Episode Highlights:[00:25] - Kim shares how the podcast has been a lifeline in dealing wit...2024-06-111h 00Dementia DiscussionsSupporting a Parent with Dementia in Your TwentiesIn today's episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Skylar, a young caregiver who has been navigating the complex world of dementia care for her mother. Two years ago, Skylar stepped into the role of primary caregiver, a journey filled with both adversity and profound personal growth. Join us as we explore Skylar's experiences, from managing daily care challenges to making tough decisions about assisted living. This conversation promises insights not only into the practical aspects of caregiving but also into the emotional resilience required in such a role.Episode Timeline:[00:32] - Introduction to...2024-05-1451 minDementia DiscussionsCannabis for Dementia: An Introduction with Dr. Sherry YafaiDr. Sherry Yafai joins me to discuss cannabis as a treatment for many symptoms that arise with dementia. As an emergency room physician turned cannabis clinician, Dr. Yafai shares her expertise on using cannabis for issues like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and pain. We discuss appropriate dosing, cannabis formulations, and most importantly - seeing a specialist versus experimenting on your own.Dr. Yafai stumbled into the world of medical cannabis while working in the ER, with patients mentioning using cannabis for issues like arthritis pain and chemotherapy side effects. She was skeptical at first but dove into the...2024-04-0945 minDementia DiscussionsBringing Dental Care Home with Gabrielle Mahler, DDSIn this episode, I speak with Dr. Gabrielle "Dr. Gabby" Mahler, a mobile dentist who makes house calls to patients, the majority of whom have varying stages of dementia. Dr. Gabby explains how she can perform cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and denture fittings in clients' homes and residential facilities. She also shares creative strategies for providing oral hygiene care to those who refuse it or cannot do it themselves. About my Guest: Dr. Gabrielle “Dr. Gabby” MahlerDr. Gaby has been practicing mobile dentistry for 14 years. She started working with retirement homes...2024-03-121h 04Dementia DiscussionsA Comprehensive Look at Dementia with Kevin Jameson, Founder of The Dementia Society of AmericaJoining me in this episode is Kevin Jameson, founder and CEO of the Dementia Society of America. Kevin shares his personal journey of caring for his wife who was diagnosed with dementia, which led him to start this organization. He provides an in-depth look at the various types of dementia, the importance of early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes we can make to reduce our risk. About My Guest, Kevin JamesonKevin started the Dementia Society of America after his wife was diagnosed with dementia in her late 50s. He became her primary c...2024-02-1340 minDementia DiscussionsBelieving in Yourself as a Caregiver with Tami AnastasiaIn this episode, we invite back special guest, Tami Anastasia. I had the pleasure of meeting Tami at an Aging Life Care Association Conference, where Tami's expertise in dementia care stood out. Tami is not just a dementia consultant; she's also an educator and the author of "Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to Pace Yourself." Tami's primary focus is on supporting primary caregivers or care partners, those who shoulder the responsibility of caring for a loved one with dementia. Through her private practice, she offers a wide range of support services. This includes counseling and emotional assistance...2024-01-0950 min
Dementia DiscussionsCreating a Meaningful Holiday Season with Tami AnastasiaThe holidays can be an especially difficult time for dementia caregivers. In this compassionate episode, expert Tammy Anastasia shares her top strategies to reduce caregiver stress, honor feelings of grief, and create new meaningful traditions.I had the pleasure of meeting Tami at an Aging Life Care Association Conference, where Tami's expertise in dementia care stood out. Tami is not just a dementia consultant; she's also an educator and the author of "Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to Pace Yourself." Tami's primary focus is on supporting primary caregivers or care partners, those who shoulder the...2023-12-1241 minDementia DiscussionsPlacing My Wife With Alzheimer's in Memory Care with Jay SwerdlowIn this heartfelt episode, I welcome back Jay Swerdlow, a longtime support group member. Jay shares the difficult journey of placing his wife Andy, who has Alzheimer's disease, into memory care. He discusses the challenges of caring for her at home as her disease progressed and delusions worsened. Though it broke his heart, Jay knew he had to make the difficult decision to move Andy to a care facility for both of their wellbeing. He talks about visiting her regularly, dealing with her not always recognizing him, and finding acceptance with where they are in this ongoing journey of...2023-11-1433 minDementia DiscussionsSupporting Your Loved One Through the Journey of Lewy Body DementiaToday I welcome Debbie, a dedicated wife caring for her husband who is living with Lewy body dementia (LBD). Debbie shares the daily ups and downs of managing her husband's diagnosis, coping strategies that help her stay resilient, and advice for other caregivers walking a similar path.Debbie’s husband was diagnosed with LBD about 5 years ago but exhibited some mild symptoms 10 years prior. He was once an outgoing, successful man who is now grappling with memory loss and confusion. Debbie describes her husband’s strong denial about his diagnosis and his insistence that he’s fine, despit...2023-10-1034 minDementia DiscussionsNavigating Caregiver Stress and Guilt with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Genifer GoldsmithI had the pleasure of sitting down with clinical psychologist Dr. Genifer Goldsmith to discuss the immense stress and guilt that comes with being a caregiver. Our collaboration in co-facilitating a caregiver support group at UCLA for Alzheimer's Disease Research and care has been nothing short of enlightening. As someone who facilitates a caregiver support group, we see these struggles firsthand. Dr. Goldsmith provides research-backed insights on how to cope. One key element emerges as a cornerstone to enhancing a patient's journey: caregiver support. Join us as we unpack the pivotal role caregivers play and discover the p...2023-09-1225 minDementia DiscussionsFinding Balance: Self-Care and Compassion in Dementia Caregiving with Beth LanieIn today’s episode, I speak with another member of my support group, Beth Lanie, a devoted caregiver to her husband Howard, who has been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies. Beth shares her heartfelt experience, providing insights into the challenges, triumphs, and evolving dynamics of caregiving for a loved one with a progressive neurological condition.Beth discusses Howard's background as an aerospace engineer and their 42-year marriage. She opens up about the initial signs of Howard's memory problems, including difficulties with directions and completing projects. Beth recounts the haunting hallucinations that plagued Howard's nights, and the le...2023-08-0858 minDementia DiscussionsFinding Joy in the Present: Embracing Dementia's Silver Lining with Valerie RennertMy special guest this week is Valerie Rennert, who opens up about her father's journey with dementia. She shares how their family first became aware of his condition and the ways they tried to support him. Despite the challenges, Valerie emphasizes the silver lining: her father's happiness in the present moment, free from stress. Valerie fondly remembers her father, who was larger than life and incredibly intelligent. However, as the years went by, they began to notice changes in his memory and cognitive abilities. While his short-term memory is affected, he surprises everyone with his ability to e...2023-07-1129 minDementia DiscussionsBringing Care Home: The Dos and Don'ts of Hiring a Caregiver for Your Loved One with DementiaToday I'm joined by Noma Kaz, a seasoned caregiving professional specializing in dementia care. Throughout our conversation, Noma shares her extensive knowledge and experience in the field, helping us explore the intricate dynamics of caregiving for dementia patients, the qualities to seek in an ideal caregiver, and the necessary steps to ensure their effective integration into your loved one's life. I'm confident that this episode will provide you with both comfort and practical advice for navigating the often challenging journey of dementia care.[0:04] How care is activities of daily living.[1:57] How the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly...2023-06-1357 minDementia DiscussionsThe Power of Music, Yoga, and Seizing the Day in CaregivingFranne Golde opens up about her journey with her husband, Paul, who was diagnosed with a disease they knew very little about. Our conversation covers the challenges of finding care for Paul, the timing and benefits of hospice care, and several tools and book recommendations for all caregivers. It's a show that addresses difficult topics, but it's also an important conversation to have. It all began with an early misdiagnosis from a doctor, who called her "a neurotic Jewish housewife." Franne shares how she wrote an article about their journey and how Maria Shriver contacted her, which...2023-05-091h 19Dementia DiscussionsBalancing Caregiving and Self-Care: Tips and Tricks for CaregiversFinding strength in a community of other caregivers, in this powerful episode, I’ll speak to Amy Kent, a member of my support group who is caring for both of her parents with dementia. Amy shares her personal story of the day-to-day struggles of caregiving, from hiring caregivers to managing their declining health. She also talks about the emotional toll of caregiving and the financial strain it can cause. But despite the difficulties, Amy has found solace in our support group, and she's now helping others who are going through similar experiences. Her story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, an...2023-04-1132 minDementia DiscussionsI Need You To Know That I’m There, with James SavageIt’s amazing how much music comes up in these conversations where we delve into the experiences of those caring for loved ones with dementia. In this episode, James Savage shares his personal journey caring for his wife as her ability to converse fades, he finds himself feeling increasingly isolated and alone, with music providing a vital lifeline in filling the silence.James is a songwriter and has turned his lyrics towards themes of loss and memory, reflecting on his experiences caring for his wife. He is even in the process of writing a musical about a su...2023-03-1431 minDementia DiscussionsIt’s a Family Affair: How the dynamics of aging impact the entire familyToday Barbara is joined by her friend and colleague Bunni Dybnis. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Bunni worked as an Aging Life Care Manager for years and is now a mediator, helping families of the aging and terminally ill work through bereavement, adjustments and transitions. She tells Barbara about her journey to the field of geriatrics, sparked by a course she took through UCLA’s medical school on death and suicide. Bunni realized then how death impacts the person who dies as well as their entire family unit, and teaching families to deal with loss became her mission. Tu...2022-06-2153 minDementia DiscussionsCaregiving by default and why it's so easy to lose yourselfToday Barbara’s guest is Sandra Hunnicutt. Sandra shares her story of taking care of her husband, Don, a brilliant UCLA professor who was a “man on fire” until 2018, when he began to show signs of memory impairment and was diagnosed with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. Sandra was Don’s sole caregiver for four years, until his condition deteriorated to the point that she needed to put him in a facility. She and Barbara talk about her experience along the way; how she “slipped into caregiving” not fully realizing it was happening. Sandra also shares valuable insights and advice, from the importan...2022-06-1443 minDementia DiscussionsLessons in Caregiving EducationToday Barbara is pleased to welcome David Hart, a professor and clinical psychologist who specializes in dementia and caregiving. David is a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at California State University, Fullerton, and is the director of clinical services at Always Best Care Senior Services in Torrance, CA. David shares his personal story about caring for his grandmother, who was diagnosed with dementia when he was 15. He and his mother did their best, he says, but they didn’t have the right information, support, or resources.“Our hearts were always in the right place, we just didn’t know...2022-06-0750 minDementia Discussions"Learning from other Caregivers"Nancy Tahara joins Barbara to talk about caring for her friend of 40 years. Now 81, he suffers from Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease, and REM sleep behavior disorder. He asked her to come take care of him a year-and-a-half ago, and she’s been his full-time caregiver ever since. Sadly, her friend’s condition is deteriorating quickly, both physically and cognitively. They just finished home health (physical therapy) but it didn’t help, so now they’ll start hospice. Nancy talks about how much she’s learned in her caregiving support groups – valuable advice, insight and support. She and Barbara also discuss...2022-05-3135 minDementia DiscussionsA Crash-Course in Caregiving: “It’s been a rollercoaster of figuring things out”Today Barbara is joined by Evelyn Garcia, who cares for her mother who has younger-onset dementia. Evelyn was living in Virginia when she got a call from her mother’s doctor, saying she couldn’t live alone any longer. When Evelyn flew out to Los Angeles, she realized how bad things were: her mother was paranoid and forgetful, cried all the time, and wasn’t paying bills or taking care of herself. In June of 2020, Evelyn moved to Los Angeles to take care of her. Evelyn and Barbara talk about how hard it is to become a caregiver without any ba...2022-05-2445 minDementia DiscussionsLaughter is the Best MedicineDani Klein Modisett is the founder and CEO of Laughter On Call which pairs comedians with Alzheimer’s patients. She’ll reveal the story behind the formation of this brilliant idea and explain why laughter really is the best medicine. Writer-comedian, Dani Modisett, has been performing comedy for over 20 years. She taught the art of stand-up comedy at UCLA for over a decade and has produced numerous live comedy shows all over the U.S.Find more about Dani and Laughter On Call The Washington PostNY Times & LOCNumber...2022-05-1735 min
Dementia DiscussionsLearning Caregiving from a DistanceKatie is a new caregiver, taking care of her mother who is in the early stages of “advanced cognitive decline.“ She’s also caregiving from a distance. She’ll discuss trying to navigate through this new experience and how she’s found support for both her mom and herself.Want to share your story? Barbara would love to have you as her guest on Dementia Discussions. Please get in touch! (310-362-8232 / Barbara@seniorcarenavigatorla.com)2022-05-1053 minDementia DiscussionsDaily Money Managers as part of the caregiving teamToday Barbara is joined by her friend and colleague Natalie Stanger. Twenty years ago, Natalie started a company to “help seniors do the things they could no longer do or didn’t want to do,” and it’s kept her busy ever since. Natalie talks about how she got into the world of geriatrics and found her niche as a Daily Money Manager (a “DMM”). They discuss all the things she does for her clients, from bill paying and mail management to simply keeping them company: “There’s no formula, it’s whatever people need.” One of her jobs is to help seniors w...2022-05-0336 minDementia DiscussionsDiagnosing Dementia with a Pre-existing Brain ConditionToday Barbara is joined by Heidi Artman, who is caring for her husband, Lee. Heidi first noticed Lee’s memory problems in 2015, but it wasn’t until recently that he received a diagnosis. Because Lee has struggled with bipolar disorder since his early 30s, what was happening in his brain was difficult to diagnose. Heidi and Barbara talk about the complexity of brain disease and the research into whether components of bipolar are linked to a propensity to dementia. Heidi talks about Lee’s condition: Lewy body dementia is the main component now, and it’s progressing quickly. Along with bod...2022-04-2641 minDementia DiscussionsThe Sad Relief of Getting the DiagnosisToday Barbara welcomes Denise to the podcast. An only child, Denise says she never saw herself as a caregiver, but when her mother was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s, everything changed. She and Barbara discuss the complex emotions and transitions involved once you receive the diagnosis – not only for the one who gets the diagnosis but all those who care for them. Denise tells Barbara that hearing the diagnosis was confirmation that her mother was no longer self-aware enough to know what she needed. From then on, it was up to Denise to make all the decisions.Wo...2022-04-1943 min
How To Move Your Mom®016: Aging, Dementia & How to Navigate Both - Barbara HamentThis week's guest on How to Move Your Mom (and still be on speaking terms afterward) is Barbara Hament of Senior Care Navigator L.A. Barbara has devoted her career to helping people age with grace, dignity, and the best possible professional care. Known for her work in dementia, Barbara is considered a pioneer in the field, providing expert support and caregiving services to older adults and their families in the Los Angeles area and beyond for more than 30 years.For the past decade, Barbara has led caregiver support groups for Alzheimer’s LA and UCLA’s Eas...2022-04-1325 minDementia DiscussionsA gertiatric caregiver’s mission to give backToday Barbara welcomes her colleague and friend Doria to the podcast. They discuss Doria’s experience caring for her mother, Jeanette, from when she had a stroke during the Northridge earthquake (1994) until she died at 82. Doria talks about how difficult it was to find caregivers due to their lack of resources, and how her mother was often mistreated and harmed by women they’d hired. Acknowledging her mother’s pain is what motivated Doria – at the age of 50 – to go back to school to become a geriatric social worker. She finds the work rewarding but also heart-breaking due to the lack o...2022-04-1226 minDementia DiscussionsCaregiving when both your parents have Alzheimer’s DiseaseToday Ed Mount joins Barbara to talk about his ongoing journey as a caregiver. Ed’s father died from Alzheimer’s in 2012 and his mother Judy is now suffering from the disease. He and Barbara discuss the different phases of Alzheimer’s and the various caregivers Ed has encountered throughout the years. Through his experiences, Ed shares what he’s learned along the way and what he wishes he’d done differently. 2022-04-0540 minDementia DiscussionsMy wife is taking care of her mom – and we have young kids!When Adam Steinman’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago, his kids were two and six. Adam joins Barbara to share his experience caring for younger children and aging parents, a phenomenon known as the Sandwich Generation. Adam remembers his mother-in-law as incredibly vibrant and fiercely independent, a progressive thinker who would “always tell you what she thought.” For Adam and his wife, this made knowing something was awry that much more obvious. He and Barbara talk about the stress of “double caregiving,” feeling like you’re always choosing one over the other, and how he tries to norma...2022-03-2953 minDementia DiscussionsMemory care facilities don't always want your feedback – no matter how much you’re payingToday Barbara is joined by Gary Zembow and Marcy Lebovitz to discuss Gary’s mother, Esther. Now 94, Esther was born in Poland, and was the only member of her family to survive the Holocaust. Gary and Marcy describe Esther as bright, happy and cheerful, despite what she lived through as a child. They first remember noticing dementia symptoms after she had anesthesia for back surgery. It was never diagnosed, but they assume it was frontotemporal because she had trouble finding words. They talk about their caregiving journey as Esther’s symptoms declined, beginning at an independent living facil...2022-03-2245 min
Dementia DiscussionsCaregiving from afar: The importance of building a local team for your loved onesPaul Spiegelman joins Barbara to talk about caregiving for his mother, Lila, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015. At first, Paul’s father did all the caregiving while Paul, who lives in Dallas, did what he could to support his father (a “caregiver’s caregiver”). As Lila’s condition declined, Paul says he could see the strain on his father. That’s when he knew his parents needed more help. He and Barbara discuss the adjustment that comes when you bring in professional caregivers, and Paul describes the sense of security he now has, knowing someone is always there for them2022-03-1540 min
Dementia DiscussionsCaring for a loved one who doesn’t know who you areSteve Johnson joins Barbara to talk about caring for his wife of 22 years, Bonnie. In September of 2020, Bonnie was diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. He says the onset was radical – they’d taken a family trip in June but by August, Bonnie no longer recognized him. He tells Barbara about how much his life has changed in just two years, and his experience caregiving for someone who is too impaired to understand what’s happening to her. They discuss coping strategies and tactics for caregivers as well as ways to manage his own anger over all that he has l2022-03-0835 min
Dementia DiscussionsYoung Onset Alzheimer’s: The diagnosis neurologists don’t know how to deal withAre you a caregiver with a story to share? Please call Barbara at 310-362-8232. Today Barbara is joined by Kimberly Cruelle, whose husband was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s six years ago at the age of 47. She tells Barbara about the early signs, starting with memory loss that quickly became severe. They discuss the challenges of young onset Alzheimer’s – when the patient’s age makes it difficult to get the right tests approved, and how often it’s misdiagnosed as anything from sleep apnea to personality disorder to, in Kimberly’s husband’s case, untreated...2022-03-011h 10Dementia DiscussionsThe dynamics of caregiving for different family membersBarbara kicks off today's episode with a question for you: Would you (or someone you know) like to help other caregivers by sharing your caregiving story on Dementia Discussions? If so, Barbara would love to hear from you! Call or text: 310-362-8232. Next, Barbara welcomes facility placement specialist Stacy Brooks. Stacy’s company, Heart Light, helps place seniors in assisted living facilities. Stacy also knows first-hand how much the right living situation can improve someone's life. An only child whose parents divorced 50 years ago, Stacy talks to Barbara about how different her experiences have been -- first helping to...2022-02-2237 minDementia Discussions7 years into Alzheimer’s: His imaginary life is all day long nowToday Barbara welcomes back Dotti McLean, whose husband Brian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago. They talk about how the disease has progressed, and all the things Dotti has learned along the way. Dotti describes some of the physical problems – losing his muscle memory, having a hard time walking, getting dizzy and falling down – as well as the memory decline. She says that Brian is unable to understand basic directions or explanations and lives in his own imaginary life all day now. She and Barbara discuss how difficult it is for a caregiver to parse through the va...2022-02-1543 min
Dementia DiscussionsHow Senior Move Managers tackle the complex logistics of moving a loved oneToday Barbara is joined by Marty Stevens-Heeber, founder and CEO of Clear Home Solutions. An accomplished business woman and entrepreneur, Marty tells Barbara why she was drawn to working with older adults. They discuss her work as a Senior Move Manager, a fairly new but growing role devoted to helping families deal with the difficult (and potentially traumatic) experience of moving loved ones into a new living situation. Her company can take over any and all of the logistics associated with the move – from the packing up and shipping to the unpacking and setting up to the final sale or...2022-02-0853 minDementia DiscussionsWhen we were listening to music, everyone else got a breakToday Barbara is joined by Bobbie Schwarcz to talk about Bobbie’s father-in-law, Chuck, who died several years ago. When Bobbie met Chuck, he’d already been diagnosed with dementia. Bobbie describes Chuck as an intelligent, charming, and fascinating man who’d been quite an accomplished musician. As his disease progressed, Bobbie started listening to music with him. When she’d play Marie Callas, his all-time favorite singer, he’d light up and smile. “It was like a light bulb would go off,” she says, “and he was happy.” She and Barbara talk about the weight and responsibilities that caregivers take on...2022-02-0127 min
Dementia DiscussionsCutting-edge technology designed to help people with dementia and their familiesToday Barbara is joined by social gerontologist Benjamin Surmi. As director of culture, training and Koelsch Innovation Lab for Koelsch Communities, Benjamin focuses on seeking the most effective ways to support family caregivers. In the past, he says, most tools were human – nurses, dog walkers, house cleaners, drivers, bookkeepers. These days, thanks to technological advances and COVID, many are virtual. Benjamin shares some of the items in his “Tech Toolbox”: tracking devices that look like watches; GPS shoe inserts; a device that looks like jewelry that detects falls. Also on the market, a belt that senses a fall and inflat...2022-01-251h 00
Dementia DiscussionsCaregivers vs. the healthcare system: An unbelievable story of perseverance and hopeA lot has happened since Ted Snyder was Barbara’s guest on Dementia Discussions last April. Today he tells Barbara how his wife Rena’s condition has progressed from mild cognitive impairment to late-stage Alzheimer’s; how she is often unresponsive, although she always responds well to music. Unstable on her feet, after Rena fell several times in the long-term care facility, Ted moved her into a small “board and care” in March. When she fell and broke her hip in September, Ted and his family were faced with a difficult decision. What happened next was a situation he had never...2022-01-1827 min
Dementia DiscussionsRemembering a remarkable womanToday Barbara welcomes back Owen Frances. Owen lost Rhonda, his precious wife of 52 years, to Alzheimer’s disease last year. In a beautiful, heartfelt, and extremely moving tribute, Owen shares memories and stories about Rhonda. He describes a remarkable woman who helped countless others through their grief as a bereavement counselor. “There was nobody who ever met her who didn’t come away better for it,” he says. 2022-01-1132 minDementia DiscussionsWhat Happens Next? Lewy Body Dementia and the confusing stages of declineIn her first podcast of 2022, Barbara is joined by Cheri Dickard whose mother, 82, was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD) three years ago. Cheri tells Barbara how one of her sisters -- a professional healer who works with many older clients -- had picked up on the signs much earlier, recommending natural remedies (exercise, fresh air). But her parents are traditional and waited until they received the official diagnosis from a medical doctor before taking her advice. Cheri tells Barbara she's grateful that she and her siblings can be around and give her dad a much-needed “respite” from his care...2022-01-0434 minDementia DiscussionsGratitudeHappy Holidays from Dementia Discussions! In Barbara’s last podcast of 2021, she reflects on the past year and why she started Dementia Discussions. She also talks about the importance and benefits of gratitude, and two of the things she’s especially grateful for this year. 2021-12-2904 min
Dementia DiscussionsWhat’s going on?Today Barbara is joined by Dr. Linda Ercoli, a clinical psychology professor and the director of UCLA’s Longevity Center. Linda has always been fascinated by what happens in the brain with dementia, and her graduate work was in geriatric psychology and the issues that elders face in our society. She talks to Barbara about neuropsychology, in which the focus is an assessment of cognizant and intellectual functions. She gets called in by neurologists, psychologists, and sometimes even lawyers to help tease out brain-related diagnoses by looking at brain scans, blood tests, and medications. After the evaluation – which she says...2021-12-2235 min
Dementia DiscussionsAdvanced Care Planning: How to get started and why it’s so importantToday Barbara welcomes Stefanie Elkins to the podcast. Stefanie is an aging-life care manager and an end-of-life doula whose company, Be Present Care, supports and guides families through end-of-life caring and planning decisions. They discuss the breadth and roles of a family caregiver, and how difficult it can be to make end-of-life decisions for a loved one. Stefanie talks about the importance of planning ahead and getting certain directives in place, and gives advice on how to initiate these uncomfortable yet important conversations.2021-12-1557 min
Dementia DiscussionsTaking over tasks for her husband- Step up or step back?Today Barbara talks with Karen Tucker, who attends her Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) support group at UCLA. Karen takes care of her 71-year-old husband, who was diagnosed with LBD last year, as well as her 95-year-old mother who lives in her guesthouse and her 45-year-old son who still struggles after a psychotic break at 23. They discuss Karen’s journey as her husband’s condition declined, and some of her biggest challenges, such as learning not to take things personally -- even when her husband gets upset and yells at her. She’s also learning how to navigate taking on the jo...2021-12-0830 min