Afleveringen
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In this insightful episode, we explore meaningful and engaging activities for individuals with Alzheimer's dementia with our special guest, Judith A. Levy, ED.M., OTR/Lāa highly experienced occupational therapist and author with over 40 years in adult rehabilitation.
Judy brings both professional expertise and personal experience, having cared for her own mother with Alzheimer's for 10 years. Together, we discuss how the right activities can enhance cognitive engagement, improve mobility, and even support fall prevention. From simple household tasks to interactive games, movement exercises, and sensory activities, Judy shares practical and therapeutic approaches that caregivers can easily implement.
We also dive into her book, Activities to Do with Your Parent Who Has Alzheimer's Dementia, a must-read guide filled with activity ideas, home safety tips, and caregiving strategies designed to make the journey easier and more rewarding.
Tune in to learn how you can create moments of joy, promote well-being, and navigate the caregiving journey with confidence.
Visit Caregiver Relief for more resources, and donāt forgetāself-care is just as important as the care you provide. You are not alone!
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Welcome to Caregiver Relief Podcast, hosted by Diane Carbo, RN, a dedicated advocate for family caregivers. In this transformative episode, we introduce Watch Our Own, a revolutionary app created by former caregivers Giancarlo Paolillo and Sherrie Simms. Drawing from their personal caregiving experiences, Giancarlo and Sherrie have developed a comprehensive tool to simplify caregiving and alleviate the challenges faced by over 56 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S.
This episode explores how the app's innovative featuresātask tracking, GPS, fall detection, secure communication, and AI-powered assistanceāare redefining caregiving. Learn how Watch Our Own fosters collaboration among family members, empowers caregivers with practical solutions, and ensures peace of mind through advanced technology.
Join us as we discuss the app's potential to revolutionize caregiving, its roadmap for integrating AI and predictive analytics, and its mission to support caregivers around the world. Whether youāre a family caregiver or a professional seeking smarter caregiving solutions, this episode is packed with insights and hope.
Download Watch Our Own on iOS today, with Android coming soon, and start creating your care team. Together, we can transform the caregiving journey.
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Welcome to Caregiver Relief with your host, Diane Carbo, RN. In this heartfelt episode, "A Son's Mission: Dr. George Ackerman's Journey from Loss to Legacy," we pay tribute to Sharon Riff Ackerman and explore the quest for a Parkinsonās cure. Dr. George Ackerman, a family caregiver, advocate, educator, and author, shares his personal story of love, loss, and resilience.
After the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Sharon, in 2020, Dr. Ackerman founded Together for Sharon, a movement dedicated to raising Parkinsonās awareness and advancing the hope for a cure. Through this initiative, he connects with Parkinsonās warriors, caregivers, and advocates to amplify their stories and inspire others.
This episode dives into Dr. Ackermanās journey of caregiving, his insights on Parkinsonās, and his advocacy efforts. Hear about his latest books, including A Sonās Journey from Parkinsonās Disease Caregiver to Advocate, and the transformative impact of his work. Join us as we discuss the challenges of caregiving, the importance of raising awareness, and the hope for a future without Parkinsonās.
Visit Together for Sharon to learn more about his mission and become part of the movement. Letās stand together in honoring Sharonās legacy and fighting for a cure.
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In this heartfelt episode, Diane Carbo shines a spotlight on the inspiring work of the Veteran Last Patrol Program, an organization dedicated to providing companionship, comfort, and dignity to veterans in hospice care. Joining Diane is John Davis, a passionate board member, who shares how this mission honors our nation's heroes during their final journey.
Discover the impactful initiatives such as:
The Honor Ride and Operation Holiday Salute, bringing communities together to show appreciation. The Adopt a Care Facility Program, fostering meaningful connections with veterans in care. Stories of resilience, companionship, and the power of music and connection in hospice care.John explains the profound meaning behind "Last Patrol" and shares touching moments that illustrate the programās mission. Whether you're a veteran, a caregiver, or someone seeking a meaningful way to give back, this episode offers inspiration and ways to get involved.
š¢ Spread the Word and learn how you can volunteer, donate, or support this incredible mission.
Visit: veteranlastpatrol.org
š Tune in, and letās honor those whoāve served our country with the dignity and respect they deserve. ā¤ļø
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In this insightful video, we explore the profound impact that music can have on individuals with dementia, featuring Alexis Baker, a board-certified music therapist. Alexis shares her expertise on how music therapy can stimulate memory, improve mood, and enhance the overall well-being of those living with dementia. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of music and how it can be used as a tool to connect with loved ones who may be experiencing memory loss. Whether you're a caregiver or someone interested in the power of music, this video offers valuable information and practical tips.
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As an RN, Iāve watched too many of doctors prescribe antidepressant medications every time a patient starts to cry. We have become a culture that finds this practice as acceptable. I donāt mean to diminish the pain and symptoms of depression someone might experience. In fact, I suffer from symptoms of depression.
It's important to say, tears are healthy. Sadness doesnāt always need treatment. It's critical to understand that pleasure and pain come from the same source. So if you keep yourself closed off one, you wonāt feel the other.
Hey, depressive symptoms can affect your family life and contribute to physical illnesses. If youāre someone who suffers depressive disorders, my heart goes out to you. I understand your struggles. I suffer from treatment resistant depression.
That means I have tired lots of prescribed medications and over time, they stopped working for me. That meant either an increase in dosage of the antidepressant medicines or an addition of another medication to enhance the antidepressant medicines i was taking.
Natural treatments for depression are important to a healthy lifestyle. I have suffered from depression since I was a young woman. My mother died when I was 18. After her death, grief, sadness and depression became an ongoing struggle. I also suffer from seasonal affective disorder. When the days become shorter and sun light is less, my depression like symptoms return.
My depression does not prevent me from functioning in the real world. Trust me, I have my really down days. Days I want to stay in bed and hide under the covers. My mother died between Thanksgiving and New Years. She has been gone 50 years now. Yet, every single year, when the holidays approach, the signs of depression reemerge. Recently, the diagnostic and statistical manual also called the DSM- 5 has included grief as a depressive disorder if symptoms go beyond two weeks. Let me explain the DSM 5.
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Bathing can be a challenging and potentially hazardous task for seniors and the elderly, but American Standard's Walk-In Tubs offer a thoughtful and practical solution to this everyday concern. In this review, we'll explore the key features and benefits of American Standard Walk-In Tubs, which have become a popular choice among seniors and their caregivers looking for a safe and comfortable bathing experience.Hydrotherapy and RelaxationAmerican Standard Walk-In Tubs offer more than just safety; they also provide a luxurious and therapeutic bathing experience. Many models come equipped with hydrotherapy jets that can soothe sore muscles and alleviate joint pain. The warm, circulating water can promote relaxation and improve circulation, making it an ideal choice for seniors dealing with arthritis, muscle stiffness, or other age-related ailments.
Easy Access ControlsThe user-friendly controls of American Standard Walk-In Tubs are designed with seniors in mind. Large, easy-to-read buttons and a handheld shower wand make adjusting the water temperature and flow a breeze. Seniors can enjoy a personalized and comfortable bathing experience without the hassle of complicated controls.
American Standard Walk-In Tubs are a valuable addition to the lives of seniors and the elderly, offering safety, relaxation, and independence in the bathroom. These thoughtfully designed tubs make bathing a more enjoyable experience, while also reducing the risk of accidents. If you or a loved one is looking for a bathing solution that prioritizes safety and comfort, American Standard Walk-In Tubs are definitely worth considering. Invest in the well-being and peace of mind of your senior loved ones today.
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Discover the Key to Pelvic and Abdominal Health
Are you experiencing pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction or urinary or fecal incontinence? You're not alone. Countless Americans of all ages are dealing with these issues.
Luckily, there's a solution: pelvic and abdominal physical therapy. This specialized type of therapy targets a wide range of conditions, from urinary incontinence to fecal incontinence and post prostate surgery recovery.
By targeting restrictions, improving strength, and providing education on body mechanics, our treatments can help you regain control over your pelvic floor and surrounding structures.
Curious about what Pelvic health Physical Therapists do?
Well, they specialize in addressing a wide range of pelvic and abdominal health conditions. From chronic pelvic pain to bladder and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, and postpartum recovery, these therapists have got you covered. They can help with interstitial cystitis, levator ani syndrome, pregnancy and childbirth, and even chronic disorders. Some common symptoms they treat include urinary leakage, bowel issues, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.
During your session, your physical therapist will assess your trunk and pelvis, including the pelvic floor muscles. Then, together, you'll set goals and develop a customized treatment plan. This may include making lifestyle changes, pelvic floor muscle exercises, dry needling, myofascial release, acoustic compression therapy, scar tissue remodeling, core strengthening, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and even low-level laser therapy. Plus, you'll receive a home exercise program to continue your progress.
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Today we are gonna address what are the stages of dementia, the memory, and ability to think. And do routine things declines when you have a diagnosis of dementia. It does not happen all at once. And there's a progression of dementia that can be divided into seven distinct stages.
And then we have these stages. The first three are considered the early parts of dementia. The next three stages are four, five and six are the middle stages of dementia. And then we have the final stage. Level seven. Stage seven, which is the end stage of dementia. So what, why do you need to learn about these stages?
The Importance of Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
It's really important to identify the signs and symptoms early on so that you can assist those suffering with dementia and knowing what to, not only what to expect, but treatments that, or options that you may have opened to you. The earlier dementia is diagnosed. Sooner treatment can begin. So treatment can actually delay the progression of the disease.
Symptoms of thinking and memory problems, changes in abilities are the stages of dementia. These symptoms generally follow a pattern that present progressively symptoms over. There are times the progression of the disease is rapid and obvious. Those individuals may go from a mild short term memory loss to experiencing vivid auditory and vis visual hallucinations.
Sometimes it feels like it's happening overnight. -
Diane Carbo is joined by Alicia Huard to discuss the emotional and practical challenges caregivers face when their caregiving journey ends. Alicia shares her personal story of caregiving, which began in 2007 when her mother suffered a major heart attack. Over the years, Alicia cared for her mother, mother-in-law, and father, all while raising her own children. Her caregiving experiences eventually led her to become a death doula.
Alicia details the hardships she faced, including the financial strain of unpaid caregiving, lack of healthcare benefits, and the emotional toll of caring for loved ones at the end of their lives. After her fatherās Alzheimerās worsened, Alicia made the difficult decision to place him in long-term care. This led to feelings of guilt, a common experience for many caregivers. Aliciaās role shifted from hands-on caregiving to being her fatherās advocate, where she now deals with issues such as missing belongings and inadequate care at the facility.
Alicia also shared the aftermath of caregiving, including her personal struggles to re-enter the workforce. After sustaining a concussion in a car accident, she has been left unable to drive and has faced difficulties securing employment, despite positive feedback from interviews. Diane and Alicia also discussed the systemic issues faced by caregivers, such as a lack of financial support, affordable respite care, and the long-term emotional impact of caregiving.
The episode highlights the often-overlooked challenges caregivers face once their caregiving responsibilities end, such as financial instability, feelings of isolation, and the struggle to rebuild their lives.
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There are physical and medical issues of providing care. There is significant emotional and psychological issues that impact the caregivers themselves.
Caregivers often experience a variety of complex emotions during their caregiving journey. The family caregiver is expected to adjust to changes that are expected of them, as they provide that care.
The most common emotion that caregivers report is guilt. Most report feelings of frustration, anxiety and constantly asking themselves, Now what do I need to do? And how can I keep doing what I am doing? The answer to these questions often elude the caregiver as they continue on their caregiving journey.
Being able to set boundaries is essential for every family caregivers mental and emotional health.
Learning how to set boundaries with a narcissist parent is even more important. And more of a challenge because, the narcissist has no regard for personal boundaries or limits.
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The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a caregiver a person who provides direct care for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill.
Caregiver is a general term. To me it means anyone that supports someone that needs some extra help. This could be a family caregiver, a home health aide, A respite caregiver, a travel companion, a companion or a sitter. You see, in todays world there are many that need help of some kind. And many that are stepping up to the plate and providing that support. And that support come in many shapes, sizes and forms.
Did you know that there are more than 65 million Americans, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or senior family member or friend during any given year. These caregivers spend an average of 20 hours per week providing support for their family member or family member by choice, in a variety of different ways.
Yet, so many do not identify as a caregiver. So, I want to talk about the different types of caregivers.
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Attention seniors and those who care for them! Did you know that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 1 million paid care workers in the US? Our present public health crisis already puts the burden of caring for older adults and disabled children on family members and friends. Family caregivers provide over $600 billion dollars of unpaid care. These family members are providing this care at the cost of their own mental and physical health.
Let's talk about what is happening in the Knollwood Military Retirement community.
Join the karaoke fun at the Knollwood Military Retirement Community in northwest Washington, D.C.! Retired U.S. Army Colonel Phil Soriano, 86, has hosted the singalongs since they started during a snowstorm happy hour in 2016. Stevie, a sociable robot resident at Knollwood, will co-emcee the upcoming show with Soriano. Soriano plans to sing "YMCA" while Stevie leads the dance moves, but it's not easy as Stevie doesn't have elbows. However, Soriano is more concerned with Stevie's comfort level, and the engineers are doing their best to make it a success. Don't miss the excitement and singing at Knollwood!
Stevie, a social robot, is teaming up with the Robotics and Innovation Lab at Trinity College Dublin and the non-profit retirement home Knollwood to explore the future of eldercare with artificial intelligence. Alongside a group of Trinity researchers, Stevie will spend several months at Knollwood to better understand how AI can be developed to aid both elderly individuals and their human caretakers. Their goal is to find ways to address the growing demand for care as more Americans age, and discover how robots can fill the gap in professional care.
At Knollwood, a retirement community, over 300 senior citizens ranging in age from 60 to 106 live in four different areas according to the level of care they require. Those older adults with greater physical or cognitive needs have 24-hour elder care nursing care in a hospital-style setting. Those in better health live in āIndependent Livingā apartments and enjoy the freedom to come and go as they please.
The Independent Living wing may remind you of a college dorm with decorated doors and bulletin boards filled with events. The residents have different levels of mobility but you might see walkers, coifs, or even dĆ©cor reminiscent of the late Barbara Bush. One apartment door reads āStevieā.
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Imagine a world where caregiver robots assist human caregivers in providing personalized care for older adults, disabled individuals, and even children. The future is not far off, and it promises to revolutionize the way we approach caregiving. In today's world we are experiencing a human labor shortage. In our country, we presently have more older people than youth. The decreased birth rates and advanced technology in health care and medical science has us living longer, but not always healthier.As we face a direct care workers shortage, family members are faced with providing care to their family members. The family caregiver is providing quality and personalized caregiver in the home, spending time with their loved ones as a companion and taking care of making sure their loved one takes their medicine and helps with daily activities. They provide social interaction that is so desperately needed . So many older people suffer from loneliness. Many family caregivers do not realize that the expected caregiving journey, on average , is 6 to 8 years. Some family members are providing care for as long as 20 years.
Let's explore the rise of caregiver robots, discuss their potential benefits and challenges, and examine strategies for effective robot-assisted caregiving. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of automated caregiving, where technology and human touch work together to create better care for all. Will the development of robots make caregiving easier or more challenging? Will researchers find robot malfunctions give human caregivers more work? Let's explore. Over the next year, I am going to introduce you to the latest and greatest technology that science has to offer and we will monitor and discuss what researchers are discovering about the development and acceptance by society of caregiver robots.
Short SummaryRobot caregiving is rapidly changing the future of providing quality care to elderly and our loved one with dementia. This technology is becoming increasingly popular due to a need for additional caregivers, as we face staff shortages of nurses and direct care workers.
The risk and potential challenges allowing robots to to provide care to loved ones is the loss of empathy and human connection and increased feelings of social isolation To the point, we must address when introducing robot caregivers into the eldercare system, such as in nursing homes and assisted living, or even in the daily lives of older people in their homes. We want to maximize benefits & minimize risks over the use of human caregivers. Responsible integration requires striking a balance between technology & human touch through collaborative models while considering ethical guidelines & promoting cultural sensitivity. -
As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes. Our movements become less steady, our vision less acute, and our reaction times slower. These changes can lead to an increased risk of falls, which can cause serious injuries and greatly impact our quality of life. But what if we told you that you could significantly reduce your risk of falling by understanding the causes and implementing some simple strategies? Intrigued? Letās dive in!Short Summary
Understand the causes of falls to prevent them and keep older adults safe. Exercise, home modifications, assistive devices & technologies, healthcare professionals help reduce fall risk. Community programs provide exercise & education for overall health & wellbeing.Understanding the leading cause of falls is the first step towards prevention. Falls can result from a myriad of factors, such as certain medical conditions or poor dietary habits. These risk factors can increase the likelihood of falls in older adults, making fall prevention an essential part of disease control.
The repercussions of older adult falls can be severe, leading to fatal and nonfatal injuries, including serious injury, such as shoulder and forearm fractures, spine fractures, pelvic and hip fractures, and even head injuries. Such injuries can significantly impact an individualās ability to lead an independent life among older adults.
Therefore, it becomes crucial to take proactive measures like regular exercise, medication management, regular vision checks, home safety improvements, and even considering physical therapy. These steps not only help prevent falls, but also empower older adults to live a safer, healthier life.
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Alzheimer's, a degenerative brain disorder, can bring about subtle yet progressive changes in your thinking abilities and behavior. First signs may include memory problems or difficulty finding the right word. As the disease progresses, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships could become more challenging. Confusion and behavioral changes interfering with daily activity may arise as well.
Alzheimer disease is a progressive disorder of the brain, it can start during different ages of life. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease typically starts in later stages of life, in the mid 60s or later. I want to note here that developing dementia is not a normal aging process. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives four to eight years after diagnosis, There are some that can live as long as 20 years, depending on other medical conditions.Early-onset alzheimer's disease (although very rare) appears as early as 30 years old. Research shows profound changes forming within the brain over 10+ years before memory and thinking problems appear in most related dementias.
As we age, our risk of Alzheimer's disease increases. Certain mutations to the gene can also increase your chances, as well as other factors like head trauma and untreated depression. Additionally, specific medical conditions such hypertension or diabetes may raise the likelihood you could find yourself dealing with this debilitating condition in years ahead.
Researchers believe two proteins, called amyloid plaques early signs of alzheimers. These proteins accumulate slowly until they reach levels that block brain signals between neurons and fatally damage brain cells. Ultimately the brain changes lead to a decline in cognition, behavior and personality functions
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Dying to Know Straight Talk about Death and Dying? If you are like most people, you are not. There is a growing trend where strangers are meeting in places to discuss end of life issues.
As a nurse that has worked with the aging population for most of my life, I have come to be very open about death and dying. I am very comfortable discussing end of life issues.
In fact, I was fired from a world-class cancer center for discussing hospice and end of life with a young patient. She went on hospice the next day and was able to die at home, instead of at the cancer center. But, the facility could not allow anyone to discuss or even broach the subject of end of life.
It would affect the research numbers. Thus the money these organizations depend on to help Big Pharma find a cure.
Rarely will you hear the words from your medical professional, ā we do not have to treat this condition. We can make you comfortable. What are your concerns about end of life issues?ā
For decades, many have tried to shield our children from death and dying. When I was growing up, I remember a boy in my class and neighborhood died from leukemia. He was ālaid outā in his living room instead of a funeral home. I remember the feelings of confusion and loss. That same year, I lost my maternal grandmother. I was 7 years old.
I come from a very large family, and we all gathered with our cousins and friends at the funeral for 3 days. There were children running around and everyone was there to pay their respects.
Today, many do not know what to do at a funeral home or even support someone that has lost someone.
I know, from personal experience. After the death of my mother, when I was in nursing school and the death of my oldest son people avoid you. My oldest son was a disabled veteran that completed suicide. People tend to avoid those with a recent loss, because it makes them feel uncomfortable.
It is no wonder then, that an entire generation of baby boomers avoids discussions about end of life. They have had so many previous generations resist talking about death.
Baby boomers are a generation that has worked to acquire things.
Giving up things is not something many are familiar with or know how to deal with loss. It therefore is a difficult concept for many boomers to leave life and everything behind.
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Falls among the elderly are a critical issue, often robbing them of their independence and ability to age in place. IndeeLift emerges as a groundbreaking solution, offering a safe and effective method to assist individuals in getting up from falls. This innovation is particularly significant given the alarming statistics on falls and their impact on seniors' lives.Statistics reveal that falls are the leading cause of loss of independence among seniors. A single fall can dramatically alter a senior's ability to return home and live independently. This threat to elderly to maintain dignity and autonomy underscores the need for effective solutions like IndeeLift, designed to assist in these critical situations.Falls are not just minor incidents for seniors; they are a leading cause of loss of independence. The statistics are clear: a single fall can drastically change a seniorās ability to live independently, turning once-simple tasks into insurmountable challenges. This is where IndeeLiftās innovative solutions, specifically designed for fall recovery, become crucial. The floor beveled seat front allows the caregiver or EMS provider to use the absolute least expended energy, even with a person weighing over 300 lbs to over 600 lbs. This allows the person that has fallen to maintain their dignity. That is priceless. In fact, the lifts simply are easy to access for the physically disabled. It enables a person who has fallen to use the convenient operation easy transfer alone without the support of others.
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