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I Didn't Sign Up For ThisA Life Rewritten: The Caregiver’s ShiftIn this deeply personal episode of "I Didn't Sign Up For This," Theba Lolley opens up about the emotional and transformative journey of caring for both of her parents as they battled different forms of dementia.
As the holiday season approaches, Theba reflects on the challenges, heartbreaks, and unexpected blessings that came with her role as a caregiver. She lost her father five years prior and her mother the month before recording this episode.
She shares how this experience has reshaped her view on life, love, and family, offering a heartfelt perspective on what it...2024-11-2246 min
"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | It's a pause!#063. This is my last podcast for a season or two as I focus more on my mom's needs and care. Of course, I wanted my last episode to feature my mentor and friend Carolyn. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Check out her new podcast. 2024-02-2949 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Hear from experts on hospice and palliative care#062. Jared Stewart (Executive Director) and Sam Ferguson (Patient Care Representative) from Hospice Home Care in Little Rock, Arkansas explain what hospice and palliative care is and when you should reach out. For more information call 501-558-4141.2024-02-2222 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | When is it time to call in hospice?#061. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about my mother entering last stage, when to call for hospice assistance and the importance of respite time for caregivers. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2024-02-0159 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | The Lifeline of Support Groups!#060. Sandra Rogers is a registered nurse, retired from being gainfully employed. Her nursing career included time in long term care for veterans, home health, geriatric clinical care and hospice - both inpatient and in home. Sandra’s volunteer time has included tutoring reading to elementary students with AR Kids Read, Shepherd's Hope free clinic, facilitating a caregiver support group with Alzheimer's Arkansas. And recently became a member of the Presbyterian Auxiliary Board. She lost her mother to Alzheimer's dementia and has cared for many patients with some type of dementia.2024-01-1152 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | A look back at 2023!#059. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about my second year as my mother's caregiver. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-12-1952 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Getting passionate about this health crisis!#057. David Cook is the Public Policy Director at the Alzheimer's Association. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of the Association’s state and federal policy objectives. He also coordinates efforts of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, the Association’s volunteer advocacy program. Creating opportunities for those who have been touched by dementia to share their experiences with their elected officials. His grandmother died of dementia and currently his father is living with the disease. Reach out to David at dmcook@alz.org.2023-12-0750 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Tis the seasons - do you have a plan?#056. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about how important it is to have a holiday plan. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-10-3150 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | After Steve's mom started a fire, he knew it was time#055. Steve Roberts took on the role of being his mother's primary caregiver giver diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had strong family support. But the toughest part of the journey was finding, relying and trusting an institution to help with her care, because some of his experiences were a "nightmare." 2023-10-0558 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | The mental health of a caregiver#054. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about how important it is to take care of your mental health and lowering expectations. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-09-3051 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Expect the unexpected with laughter#053. Jackie Parker, Author of Where is Wilma?, writes... "after living with my mother-in-law who had Alzheimer's, I discovered that I needed to understand the emotions associated with her actions. Underneath her certain behaviors lied the various reasons our loved one may be acting out." Jackie's 48 page book is a concise tender reflection of her journey with Wilma. Each detailed experience is concluded with a thoughtful life lesson. On episode #044 - I read from her book Where Is Wilma?2023-09-0739 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | What is your identity as a caregiver?#052. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about trying to describe yourself as a caregiver. It's complicated. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-08-301h 01"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Update on new approved medication#051. David Cook is the Public Policy Director at the Alzheimer's Association. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of the Association’s state and federal policy objectives. He also coordinates efforts of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, the Association’s volunteer advocacy program. Creating opportunities for those who have been touched by dementia to share their experiences with their elected officials. His grandmother died of dementia and currently his father is living with the disease. Reach out to David at dmcook@alz.org.2023-08-0239 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | I was angry with that tree, or was I!#050. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about a dangerous tree that I was angry about revealing something more about my caregiving anxiety. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-07-2655 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | You too can become a victim of the disease!#049. On this episode Carolyn Berry of Alzheimer's Arkansas sits down to talk with friend and former co-worker Gigi Gabriel. Gigi served as the Education and Outreach Manager at Alzheimer’s Arkansas for 2 years. Her caregiving journey began when her mother was diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s at 55 years old. Gigi was a Pastry Chef, under 30 with small children at home and had to stop everything to be her mother''s caregiver. In March of 2023 her mother passed away after 13 years living with the disease. It has only been 3 months since her death, but Gigi wanted to sit down and talk ab...2023-06-2050 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Post tornado details and podcast update.#048. Checking in. I was not able to do a podcast in May due to the work that was still going on to rebuild and fix after March 31st tornado. I used May to focus on stuff that needed to be done around the house I'd put off for years. My hope is to be back to a normal podcast schedule this month, so I thought I would start by giving you and update, but go into more detail about the day of tornado and the days that followed.2023-06-0538 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Okay, now let's talk about the TORNADO!#047. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about how the tornado that damaged my home created new routines and opened up a whole new understanding of how the disease works in a crisis. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-04-2752 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Well that got real personal!#045. On this segment, Carolyn was more interested in asking how I was doing. And I complied, because an advocate means being vulnerable if you want to comfort and encourage others. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-03-2957 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | A reading of "Where is Wilma?"#044. My attempt at presenting an audio book of sorts by reading my friends book for this podcast. It was harder than I thought, so thankfully the chapters were petite, haha. Her written thoughts are so tender and she has taught me so much, especially about having a sense of humor through it all.Jackie Parker, Author of Where is Wilma?, writes... "after living with my mother-in-law who had Alzheimer's, I discovered that I needed to understand the emotions associated with her actions. Underneath her certain behaviors lied the various reasons our loved one may be acting out." Jack...2023-03-2829 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Be assured there are boots on the ground!#043. David Cook is the Public Policy Director at the Alzheimer's Association. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of the Association’s state and federal policy objectives. He also coordinates efforts of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, the Association’s volunteer advocacy program. Creating opportunities for those who have been touched by dementia to share their experiences with their elected officials. His grandmother died of dementia and currently his father is living with the disease. Reach out to David at dmcook@alz.org.2023-03-141h 00"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | What does it look like, really?#42. Carolyn gives us a picture of what is actually happening to the brain and how we can respond. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-03-0159 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Literally, dancin' her way through the process#41. Jeri Foster has been a bedside nurse for over 17 years and is the primary caregiver for her mother living with Alzheimer's. She's always been an outgoing outspoken person, so serving as a busy advocate to help others navigate this disease comes naturally. Her focus is the importance of consistency and keeping a favorite hobby alive. Jeri's upcoming fundraiser is April 29th - Purple Reign. 2023-02-081h 04"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Routine, routine and oh, routine!#040. Routine is the gateway to a more peaceful comfortable loved one. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 2023-01-2538 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | My 2022 year in review#39. Author and friend Jackie Parker and I look back at my first year as mom's full time caregiver. Jackie, Author of Where is Wilma?, writes... "after living with my mother-in-law who had Alzheimer's, I discovered that I needed to understand the emotions associated with her actions. Underneath her certain behaviors lied the various reasons our loved one may be acting out." Jackie's 48 page book is a concise tender reflection of her journey with Wilma. Each detailed experience is concluded with a thoughtful life lesson.2023-01-041h 00"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | There's a lot to consider, so plan accordingly#38. Planning ahead for holiday gatherings is crucial for loved ones living with dementia. My guest is Carolyn Berry. She currently serves as the Education Director at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Carolyn’s knowledge, vision and passion has allowed the organization to expand the reach to underserved communities throughout the state of Arkansas and help create policies for new funding for respite care. She received her Certified Dementia Practitioner in 2018. Carolyn serves on the state’ s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council creating laws and policies to help Arkansans that are affected with various forms of Dementia. Alzheimer's ArkansasHours...2022-12-0745 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | A thankful Lolleygagger's message#037. A special Thanksgiving message from the mom and I. We are indeed thankful for much, but grateful beyond measure for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Like many, we have had a life with some trauma, disappointment and loss, and know that there could be more ahead before we go home to be with our Heavenly Father. Nonetheless, there have been a great deal more of God's faithful provisions that have to be recognized and professed. tlolley@sbcglobal.netYoutube 2022-11-2423 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Thanksgiving's Extra Helping of Friendship#036. When both my parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer's - in the same year and living separately I might add - I needed all the help I could get. The first person I reached out to was my dear friend, Anne Jansen. I had listened to her journey as she walked with both of her aging parents through some tough transitions. Her father passed from Parkinson's and mother passed away from Alzheimer's. This Thanksgiving I wanted to honor her for always being a light to me. And our extra side dish during the podcast, mom interacts with us at the end...2022-11-1050 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | How to navigate the holidays#035. Taco Williams Price is a graduate of Philander Smith College and has a Masters of Public Health Policy and Management from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - College of Public Health. She is a public health expert who works to advance health equity and improve healthcare outcomes amongst vulnerable populations and diverse communities.She currently serves as the Director of Programs for the Alzheimer's Association in which she oversees healthy brain & healthy aging initiatives. She manages strategy for developing community partnerships, increasing community awareness and education in addition to health systems engagement throughout Arkansas.2022-10-2759 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | The value of support groups#034. Sandra Rogers is a registered nurse, retired from being gainfully employed. Her nursing career included time in long term care for veterans, home health, geriatric clinical care and hospice - both inpatient and in home. Sandra’s volunteer time has included tutoring reading to elementary students with AR Kids Read, Shepherd's Hope free clinic, facilitating a caregiver support group with Alzheimer's Arkansas. And recently became a member of the Presbyterian Auxiliary Board. She lost her mother to Alzheimer's dementia and has cared for many patients with some type of dementia.2022-09-221h 12"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | PODCAST TAKEOVER! Packed with hope and resources.#033. Alzheimer's Association - Arkansas Chapter's podcast takeover with Executive Director Kirsten Dickins and Senior Public Policy Manager David Cook. Also enjoy mom making a special appearance to announce she was cold, hahaha. 24/7 HELPLINE 800.272.3900http://www.alz.org/arkansas/(800) 272-3900arkansasinfo@alz.org2022-08-2553 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Catching up with a friend#032. In 2000, Craig O'Neill became, and still is, an anchor for THV11 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Craig graduated from Little Rock's Central High School in 1968 and from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 1972. His career as a deejay began in 1969. A self-confessed sports nut, he became the host of ESPN2 Outdoors in 1995. In 1997, Craig became the stadium announcer for all home football games for the Arkansas Razorbacks.He specializes, currently, in children's literacy with 'Craig's Reading Roadtrip.’ Craig holds the distinction of being the only disc jockey to ever host a dance at the White House. 2022-08-1842 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Moving loved ones needs a sensitive touch#31. Janet Keller and her crew help move family members or friends who have physical issues or Alzheimers into new spaces and the special needs they may have at that time. Her company is called JanetOnTheSpot or JOTS. After a 30-year career in advertising and public relations, Janet started her company 4 1/2 years ago. Her goal is to help people make smooth transitions in their lives through getting organized, decluttering, downsizing, and in many cases moving to new locations. She began JOTS after seeing the challenges her Dad fa...2022-07-2249 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Respite, could help save your life!#30. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her passion to work with “seasoned” adults arose from her childhood and the senior adults from her community. Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses. Carolyn is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She serves on the Telecommunication Access Program advisory board. Her formal education includes a Master of Education in Adult Learning and a Bachelor of Social Wor...2022-06-2450 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Medicaid is complicated, Part 2#029. Brandie Bland is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, and Certified Alzheimer’s Caregiver. She has over a decade of experience in patient advocacy, medical billing and coding, health insurance navigation, durable medical equipment utilization and is an integral part of VP Medical Consulting since 2005.vp-medical.comPhone: 501-778-3378Fax: 501-315-3378Cell: 501-317-1276Facebook2022-06-0948 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Medicaid is complicated, Part 1#028. Brandie Bland is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, and Certified Alzheimer’s Caregiver. She has over a decade of experience in patient advocacy, medical billing and coding, health insurance navigation, durable medical equipment utilization and is an integral part of VP Medical Consulting since 2005.vp-medical.comPhone: 501-778-3378Fax: 501-315-3378Cell: 501-317-1276Facebook2022-05-131h 01"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Christina's faith gets her through it all#027. Christina Muñoz is the co-owner and co-founder of Munoz Pugh, a strategic marketing and communications firm. Before starting her own company, she was the Associate Vice President of Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing for the University of Central Arkansas. Prior to joining UCA, Christina spent 9 years as evening newscast anchor for KATV Channel 7 in Little Rock Arkansas. Christina and her husband Dave have two daughters.Her passion for quality storytelling has brought her back to the news world as she has recently launched the Natural State Update, a digital news platform offering relevant information that impacts Ar...2022-04-2850 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | A sensitive process, needs a sensitive touch#026. Mike Cude is a licensed, Registered Respiratory Therapist and healthcare professional for 23 years, and a General Manager in the home care sector for 18 years. He is a Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Dementia Practitioner who specializes in senior living options and transitional care. He has been advising and working directly with seniors since 1999. A native of Arkansas, Mike has worked around the state throughout the duration of his professional career and is familiar with the offerings and amenities of the majority of the senior living communities, facilities, and agencies within the service area.Mike spent 20 years in th...2022-04-1258 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Chattin' with author Jackie Parker again, but this time with a disclaimer!#025. Jackie Parker, Author of Where is Wilma?, writes... "after living with my mother-in-law who had Alzheimer's, I discovered that I needed to understand the emotions associated with her actions. Underneath her certain behaviors lied the various reasons our loved one may be acting out." Jackie's 48 page book is a concise tender reflection of her journey with Wilma. Each detailed experience is concluded with a thoughtful life lesson. Jackie is 62 yrs old, born in South Bend, Indiana. She has been married for 39 yrs, has 9 children and 17 grandchildren while working as a physical therapy tech for over 20 yrs. Living her...2022-03-2157 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Gigi's early onset dementia family story#024. Gigi Gabriel is the Education and Outreach Manager at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Her caregiving journey began around 10 years ago, when she became a caregiver to her mother with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s. She was a Pastry Chef, under 30 with small children at home. Like many caregivers, she made the decision to leave her career to care for her mother. The past few years, she has been very active with the Alzheimer’s Association, Arkansas Chapter. She has served as Mission Chair for the walk and is currently the AIM Ambassador. She was also chosen to speak about her caregiving experie...2022-03-011h 02"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Hiring home care for your loved one#023. Kayla Bogle has worked in rehabilitation and hospice care, and has managed nursing homes and a senior care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing much-needed senior services in her local...2022-02-1648 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Respite Care and Advocacy with David Cook#022. David Cook is the Public Policy Manager at the Alzheimer's Association. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of the Association’s state and federal policy objectives. He also coordinates efforts of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, the Association’s volunteer advocacy program. Creating opportunities for those who have been touched by dementia to share their experiences with their elected officials. His grandmother died of dementia and currently his father is living with the disease.I worked in marketing for a TV news station in Little Rock, Arkansas for 25 years. Towards the end of my career...2022-01-2151 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | You're Not Alone with Townsend#021. Townsend is a singer/songwriter, licensed speech therapist, and mental health advocate. She is no stranger to dementia, as she spent 9 years working as a speech therapist in the nursing home/rehab setting, educating and counseling families, staff, and patients about the diagnosis and what steps to take next. Townsend began her project, called “you’re not alone”, to help use her platform to not only share music but spread the message of love and acceptance. Her long term goal is to help people feel less alone!Like and follow: http://www.townsendtmusic.com/https...2022-01-0759 min"Don't You Remember?"Don't You Remember? | Retirement, restructure and routines ~ praying that my new life status brings order and balance for the both of us.#020. My friend and Transformation Life Coach, Deana Williams, checks in to see how I'm approaching this new year retired from the work force and settling in as my mom's full time caregiver.Deana is a mom and a longtime resident of Little Rock, AR. She has been a physical Therapist for more that 28 years. Deana has survived being an orphan/ward of the court, incest, rape, molestation and domestic violence. She believes one’s goal has to be about thriving and not just surviving. As a certified Transformation life coach, author, speaker, advocate for survivors of sexual abuse...2022-01-0358 min