Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia, an AlzAuthors Podcast

Delight in the surprising journey of Ruth Stevens, from crafting a stage play to penning a heartfelt novel about Alzheimer's. Delve into the unexpected twists and turns as Ruth shares her personal experiences and the emotional impact of her work. Stay tuned for eye-opening insights on turning personal stories into fiction and a sneak peek into her upcoming duology. Get ready to be captivated by Ruth's incredible journey, as she shares the highs and lows of her creative process. For our March installment of Books & Chit Chat, our monthly Book Club collaboration with Aging & Amazing, we talk with Ruth Stevens, a former public relations professional from New York City and LA, and the author of the debut novel "Stage Seven," inspired, in part, by her personal experience dealing with her mother's Alzheimer's disease and decline. A fiction story acquisitions editor with AlzAuthors and a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and Women's Fiction Writers Association, Ruth brings a unique perspective to her writing, infusing humor and tenderness into a difficult topic. Her storytelling abilities, honed through a career in creative writing, advertising campaigns, and numerous articles for magazines, newspapers, and journals, shine through in her work, offering a compelling and relatable portrayal of Alzheimer's and its impact on family dynamics. Like enjoying a performance of her play, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn a lot. Have a listen. Quote:  “I feel like your play gave me permission to move on with my life”. - Audience member In this episode, you will:  Explore real-life Alzheimer's caregiving experiences and gain insights into navigating the challenges with compassion and understanding.Discover the art of turning personal stories into compelling fiction, finding inspiration from the heart-wrenching yet beautiful moments of caregiving.Uncover the captivating journey within the novel "Stage Seven" by Ruth Stevens, delving into the emotional landscape of Alzheimer's and its impact on families.Understand the profound impact of Alzheimer's on family dynamics, gaining new perspectives on how to navigate relationships and support systems during difficult times. After the Podcast Buy the Book Stage Seven Find more about Ruth Stevens at https://ruthfstevens.com/ Listen to Ruth on on the Hilarity for Charity (HFC) and AlzAuthors Summer Book Club Follow Ruth on Social Media: Instagram  Facebook Goodreads  Blog  About the Podcast  AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store

When you’re caregiving, it can often feel like you are out there on your own without direction or resources. Sometimes, it can even feel like your healthcare providers aren’t able to meet your needs. If any of this sounds familiar, this episode will be of comfort. Our special guest is Lance A. Slatton. Lance A. Slatton, the founder of a prominent home care company in southeastern Michigan, brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to the table. His caregiving journey, rooted in profound connections with his grandparents and later involving the care of his grandmother during her dementia and his father's health crisis, has deeply influenced his perspective on family caregiver support. Drawing from these experiences, Lance established his own home care company, driven by a commitment to improving caregiver well-being and patient care. His unique insights, stemming from real-life situations, position him as a credible and valuable resource for individuals navigating similar caregiving challenges. Quotes:  Knowing you are not alone is crucial. Seek out others who can understand and relate to what you're going through and educate yourself. - Lance A. Slatton If you've seen one person with dementia, you've only seen that one person. There are so many different variables and all these situations. - Lance A. Slatton I wanted to put something out there that is talking to family caregivers. It's half book, half guide, going through the whole caregiving journey with a lot of great resources and information. - Lance A. Slatton In this episode, you will:  Uncover effective caregiving challenges and innovative solutions for better patient care.Learn how to utilize valuable resources for dementia care to improve your loved one's quality of life.Explore practical ways to enhance family caregiver support and well-being.Understand the impact of personal caregiving experiences on professional paths and career growth.Learn about upcoming collaborations on the All Home Care Matters PodcastHear about Lance’s forthcoming book! After the Podcast Enriched Life Home Care Services https://www.elhcs.com/ All Home Care Matters Podcast https://allhomecarematters.com/ Lance's Book: All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide Ethics of Social Media show: Social Media Episode Unboxing Show: Unboxing Episode About the Podcast  AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store

When you’re caregiving, it can often feel like you are out there on your own without direction or resources. Sometimes, it can even feel like your healthcare providers aren’t able to meet your needs. If any of this sounds familiar, this episode will be of comfort. Our special guest is Lance A. Slatton. Lance A. Slatton, the founder of a prominent home care company in southeastern Michigan, brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to the table. His caregiving journey, rooted in profound connections with his grandparents and later involving the care of his grandmother during her dementia and his father's health crisis, has deeply influenced his perspective on family caregiver support. Drawing from these experiences, Lance established his own home care company, driven by a commitment to improving caregiver well-being and patient care. His unique insights, stemming from real-life situations, position him as a credible and valuable resource for individuals navigating similar caregiving challenges. Quotes:  Knowing you are not alone is crucial. Seek out others who can understand and relate to what you're going through and educate yourself. - Lance A. Slatton If you've seen one person with dementia, you've only seen that one person. There are so many different variables and all these situations. - Lance A. Slatton I wanted to put something out there that is talking to family caregivers. It's half book, half guide, going through the whole caregiving journey with a lot of great resources and information. - Lance A. Slatton In this episode, you will:  Uncover effective caregiving challenges and innovative solutions for better patient care.Learn how to utilize valuable resources for dementia care to improve your loved one's quality of life.Explore practical ways to enhance family caregiver support and well-being.Understand the impact of personal caregiving experiences on professional paths and career growth.Learn about upcoming collaborations on the All Home Care Matters PodcastHear about Lance’s forthcoming book! After the Podcast Enriched Life Home Care Services https://www.elhcs.com/ All Home Care Matters Podcast https://allhomecarematters.com/ Lance's Book: All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide Ethics of Social Media show: Social Media Episode Unboxing Show: Unboxing Episode About the Podcast  AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store

This is a replay of our book club discussion with our friends at Aging & Amazing. "Books & Chit Chat" is a monthly book club featuring a title from the AlzAuthors collection. Throughout the month, readers participate in a discussion in the book club's Circle community at Aging & Amazing, then meet with the author for an in-depth discussion of the book and the caregiving journey. The online discussions are typically moderated by Andrea Couture, but she was unavailable for this episode so AlzAuthor founder, manager and author Marianne Sciucco is in her place for this episode. Florrie Munat, the author behind "Be Brave, a Wife's Journey through Caregiving," brings a deeply personal and touching account of her caregiving experience for her husband, Chuck, who faced a stroke and Lewy body dementia. Through her memoir, Florrie provides a candid and insightful portrayal of the challenges and triumphs she encountered, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for caregivers navigating similar paths. Her tender storytelling and unwavering strength make her a compelling and relatable guest, bringing a wealth of wisdom and empathy to our discussion on the complexities of dementia caregiving. We're honored to have Florrie's unique perspective and compassionate voice on the Podcast. Quote: When love and duty are one, then Grace is within you. - Florrie Munat In this episode, you will: Gain insights into the caregiving journey for dementia patients and discover effective support strategies.Explore the therapeutic benefits of writing as a tool for caregivers to navigate their emotions and experiences.Learn how to effectively navigate complex family dynamics in the context of providing care for individuals with dementia.Discover the powerful benefits of journaling as a coping mechanism and reflective practice during the caregiving journey.Understand the unique challenges and symptoms associated with Lewy Body Dementia to better support individuals with this condition. After the Podcast Register for Books & Chit Chat Purchase Be Brave: A Wife’s Journey Through Caregiving, which is available as a paperback, and on Audible Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you Connect with Aging & Amazing Hear Florrie speak about Lewy Body Dementia on Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia Read Florrie's AlzAuthors post: Memoir, Be Brave: A Wife’s Journey Through Caregiving by Florrie Munat About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store

By Christy Byrne Yates, MS, California, US Podcast Description: Discover the unexpected truth about dementia care from a professional who found herself on the other side of caregiving. Get ready to uncover the surprising insights that transformed her perspective and could change yours too. Find out what left her reevaluating her own caregiving advice and how she's now championing an empowering approach for other caregivers. It's a revelation that could reshape the way you think about dementia care and caregiving. Mary Ann Drummond, a highly experienced nurse with a career spanning over 30 years, is a prominent figure in the realm of dementia care. Her book, Meet Me Where I Am: An Alzheimer's Care Guide, is a comprehensive resource derived from her extensive work in memory care settings. It offers practical strategies and insights tailored to the unique challenges of dementia caregiving. In collaboration with Dr. Beatrice Tauber Prior, Mary Ann co-authored Grandma and Me, a children's guide for Alzheimer's and dementia, emphasizing her commitment to addressing the broader impact of these conditions on families. With her wealth of nursing knowledge and literary skills, Mary Ann's contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and support available for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Quotes: “Give yourself grace. You're only human. There're going to be days where you don't always do exactly what you might know to do, but it's not wrong. It's just human.” “It's about capabilities. It's less about the limitations and more about the abilities.” In this episode, you will: Gain valuable insights into dementia care from real-life experiences.Discover the importance of prioritizing self-care as a caregiver.Learn to recognize and leverage individual capabilities in dementia care.Overcome challenges in decision-making as a caregiver for someone with dementia.Explore how to create a dementia-friendly caregiving environment for enhanced well-being. After the Podcast ·      Meet Me Where I Am – An Alzheimer’s Care Guide ·      Grandma and Me – A Kid’s Guide for Alzheimer’s and Dementia I Choose to Remember, a reminiscence therapy aid - available exclusively on the Angel Tree Publishing website. Connect with MaryAnn Twitter at @RNforAlz for more information and updates. About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store

Podcast Description: Jane Dwinell, co-author of Alzheimer's Canyon, brings a heartfelt and personal touch to the podcast. As a former Unitarian Universalist minister and with a background in nursing and hospice care, Jane's journey as a caregiver for her husband, Sky Yardley, provides a unique and empathetic perspective on the impact of Alzheimer's. Through their public speaking tour and workshops, Jane and Sky shared their experiences with dementia, aiming to break the silence and stigma surrounding the disease. Jane's dedication to storytelling and her commitment to raising awareness make her a valuable voice in the conversation about Alzheimer's and dementia. Quotes: "He wanted to meet his people. He wanted to meet other people with dementia. And by doing this church stuff and the workshops, it was his people all over the place." He was still writing almost up to a year before his death, when he was still at home, and he was unable to dress himself and bathe himself. He was still writing. In this episode, you will: In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the emotional rollercoaster of dementia caregiving.Discover the unique challenges of dementia caregiving during COVID-Understand the fluctuations in cognitive abilities in individuals with dementia.Learn the art of writing and publishing personal dementia caregiving experiences.Explore life after caregiving, including ways to move on both physically and emotionally. After the Podcast Purchase Alzheimer’s Canyon: One Couples Reflections on Living with Dementia , which is available as a paperback, Kindle edition and on Audible Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you Read Jane's AlzAuthors post: ‘Alzheimer’s Canyon’ Honors Jane’s Husband’s Wish to Make Blog Posts a Book and Help Others with Dementia. Listen to Jane on the “Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia” virtual event Podcast episode, “Writing Through the Fog: Three Authors Share Coping Strategies.” Jane's Bio: Jane Dwinell is a retired RN, freelance writer, and Unitarian Universalist minister. She is the author (or co-author) of four books including Birth Stories: Mystery, Power, and Creation and Alzheimer’s Canyon: One Couple’s Reflections on Living with Dementia, which won the Independent Publisher's of New England's 2023 award for narrative nonfiction. She lives in northern Vermont with her two cats, Tubby and Pogo, and her garden. Connect with Jane Facebook Instagram Website About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store  

This is the replay of our inaugural book club discussion with our friends at Aging & Amazing. "Books & Chit Chat" is a monthly book club featuring a title from the AlzAuthors collection. Throughout the month, readers participate in a discussion in the book club's Circle Community at Aging & Amazing, then meet with the author for an in-depth discussion of the book and the caregiving journey. The online discussions are moderated by Andrea Couture, whom we meet during this first of the discussions on January 30, 2024. Andrea, also known as Drea, is the author of "Embracing What Remains," a moving memoir chronicling her experience as a young caregiver for her father during his dementia journey while simultaneously raising her own young children. As an advocate for Alzheimer's and dementia, Andrea's insight into the challenges and emotional toll of balancing caregiving responsibilities with motherhood offers a unique perspective that resonates with many caregivers. Her poignant storytelling and candid reflections provide a relatable and authentic portrayal of the complexities of caring for a loved one with dementia. Andrea's ability to navigate the delicate balance between her roles as a daughter, mother, and caregiver shines through in her memoir, making her a valuable voice in the Alzheimer's and dementia community. Andrea is a member of the AlzAuthors management team specializing in acquisitions and serving as book club moderator. In this episode, you will: Develop resilience and new strategies for managing the unique obstacles faced by young caregivers.Uncover insights for coping with the emotional impact of caring for someone with Alzheimer's and find ways to protect your own well-being.Explore the therapeutic benefits of expressing and reflecting on your caregiving experiences through writing a memoir.Understand how the COVID pandemic impacted caregivers After the Podcast Register for Books & Chit Chat Purchase Embracing What Remains, which is available as a paperback, Kindle edition and on Audible Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you Read Andrea's AlzAuthors post: Andrea Couture Wrote the Book She Yearned for on Her Dementia Journey Listen to Andrea's podcast "Behind the Mask: COVID, Kids and Caregiving" See Andrea on the AlzAuthors Live virtual panel discussion "When Dad Has Dementia" Connect with Aging & Amazing About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We've got merch! Shop our Store

Have you heard these myths about the power of art in dementia care? Myth 1: Only artistic individuals can benefit from art therapy. Myth 2: People with advanced dementia can't engage in creative activities. Myth 3: Art therapy is only about painting and drawing. In this podcast, you will learn how different art forms can benefit those living with dementia and how you can incorporate them in your care. From using humor to engaging with music and art, our expert panelists are redefining the meaning of connection in dementia care. Learn how simple activities like painting, singing, and even reading can spark meaningful interactions, revive memories, and create joy. Stay tuned for heartwarming stories and unexpected insights that will change the way you approach dementia care. Immerse yourself in this inspiring journey of reconnection and hope. The Panelists Tom & Karen Brenner, Mary Crescenzo, Katya De Luisa, Marc Rothman, MD, and Tryn Rose Seley. For details on the authors visit our website. Quotes: "I like to generally think of people who have dementia as on a journey that's very different from the one we all are on who don't have dementia. And it's taking them to a different place. It's taking them to a place that's hard for us to recognize."- Marc Rothman, MD "When we meet a person with Alzheimer's where they are, by using fluid guidance, non-judgment, not having preconceived notions what they can or cannot do, we can begin to have engagements with them." Mary Crescenzo "It's our turn to start the conversation, to bring out the best in a person with dementia." - Tryn Rose Seley In this episode, you will: ·      Discover how art can transform the lives of individuals with dementia and enhance their well-being. ·      Learn how personalized art can revive memories and create meaningful connections with individuals experiencing dementia. ·      Explore the impact of humor individuals with dementia and how it fosters engagement and joy. ·      Uncover the benefits of using reading and writing as therapeutic tools to stimulate cognitive abilities in individuals with dementia. ·      Embrace the power of patience and innovation in art therapy to create meaningful and enriching experiences for individuals with dementia. About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know Shop our Store Join our book club