Caring for My American Dad in Peru: An Alzheimer’s Caregiving Odyssey
Barbara Drake-Vera’s caregiving journey in Peru, caring for her American father with Alzheimer's, is a unique and eye-opening story that sheds light on cultural differences in elder care. While Barbara lived in Lima, Peru with her Peruvian husband, her widowed father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He lived in a four-bedroom home he previously shared with his late wife in Florida, USA, and it was soon determined he could not live alone at home.
As the only child, Barbara felt compelled to come to his assistance. She knew that elder care was manageable and affordable in Lima, where multigenerational families living together was the norm. So, she and her husband made the unconventional decision to move her dad to Peru to be cared for in their home. This was a radical change for him, a proud and independent American man, World War II veteran, and former postal worker in his eighties. Together, they navigated the cultural nuances of caregiving within a Latin community that, in spite of their challenges, led to success.
Barbara, the author of Melted Away: A Memoir of Climate Change and Caregiving in Peru,had had a difficult relationship with her father for many years, but this caregiving journey helped heal old wounds.
Quotes
“Caring for someone with dementia can be a real gift, but you don't think of it at the time because you're just trying to get through each day.” - Barbara Drake-Vera
“I decided to be compassionate. It wasn't forgiveness, but I chose not to let the past be my present.” - Barbara Drake-Vera
“My father, who was a self-absorbed, narcissistic jerk, was never such a nice person as when he was finally treated for Alzheimer's and cared for in Peru.” - Barbara Drake-Vera
In this episode, you will:
Explore the impact of cultural differences in elder care and learn how diverse perspectives can enrich the caregiving experience for individuals with Alzheimer's.Discover the benefits of multigenerational living for Alzheimer's caregiving and how it can positively influence the well-being of both the individual with Alzheimer's and the caregivers.Learn effective strategies for transitioning elders with Alzheimer's to new environments and understand the importance of creating a supportive and familiar space for them.
After the podcast
Purchase Melted Away: A Memoir of Climate Change and Caregiving in Peru
Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.
Learn more about Barbara Drake-Vera
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.
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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.
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December 3, 2024
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Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia, an AlzAuthors Podcast
Stress Isn’t Causing Your Medical Condition, But Could Be Making It Worse
Stress can worsen or exacerbate almost any medical condition. This doesn’t mean that your symptoms are all in your head but it does mean that having a healthy outlet for your stress is an important part of your treatment plan. Paul Folger is a journalist/news anchor who has ulcerative colitis – and lots of stress. He's talks about how he's navigated having this condition while also having a successful career in broadcast news.
December 3, 2024
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Speak Up For Your Health
310: Tackling Metabolic Disease: A Call to Action for Healthcare Providers
In this episode of Solving Healthcare, hosted by Dr. K, we explore the critical topic of metabolic disease. Dr. K shares his insights on its growing impact and discusses actionable strategies for healthcare providers to play a more proactive role in prevention, management, and patient education.Listen now on Apple & SpotifySPONSORBetterHelp is the largest online counseling platform worldwide. They change the way people get help with facing life's challenges by providing convenient, discreet and affordable access to a licensed therapist. BetterHelp makes professional counselling available anytime, anywhere, through a computer, tablet or smartphone.Sign up HERE for 10% off | Use discount code “solvinghealthcare”OFFERSGYATA NUTRITIONGyata Nutrition is now live! Founded by Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, Gyata Nutrition offers top-quality supplements, including New Zealand Whey Protein Isolate, Collagen, Magnesium, and Fish Oil—all Health Canada-approved.Get your Gyata Strong Bundle and save 50%Visit gyatanutrition.com and use promo code kwadcast15 to save on your order now!LMNTWe're excited to announce our partnership with LMNT, a pioneer in superior hydration solutions. The key to proper hydration isn't just water—it's water plus electrolytes. This balance is vital to avoid issues like muscle cramps and energy dips, often caused by the dilution of electrolyte levels from excessive water intake, a condition known as hyponatremia.Enter LMNT, an electrolyte drink mix that's tasty, convenient, and free from sugar or artificial additives. Co-created by Robb Wolf and Luis Villasenor, LMNT provides optimal ratios of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, ensuring not only health and performance benefits but also a delightful taste experience with flavours like Orange Salt, Citrus Salt, and the new Watermelon Salt.To celebrate our partnership, we're offering you a free sample pack.Simply visit DrinkLMNT.com/kwadcast and start your journey to better hydration. LMNT stands behind their product with a no-questions-asked refund policy.Together with LMNT, we're redefining hydration. Remember, it's not just about water—it's about water PLUS electrolytes. Stay hydrated, and stay healthy!LMNTEXAMINE.COMBest source for evidence based nutrition and supplement information.Exclusive Offer for Kwadcast FollowersWe are thrilled to roll out a special offer exclusively for the subscribers of Kwadcast.substack.com, made possible by our new partnership:* 7-Day Free Trial: Start your journey with Examine.com with no strings attached. Explore their exhaustive resources and see how they can aid in meeting your health and wellness objectives.* Discounted Subscription Plans: Enjoy a special discount on Examine.com’s membership, tailored just for you:* Monthly Subscription: Originally $29, now just $25 — a saving of 14%.* Yearly Subscription: Typically $198, now only $171 — saving you 14% as well.Get Your Discounted AccessReady to dive in? Simply use this special link to access these exclusive discounts. The link will direct you to a sign-up page where your discounts will be automatically applied at checkout.Discount LINK for Examine.comSolving Healthcare Media with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading Solving Healthcare Media with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kwadcast.substack.com/subscribe
December 3, 2024
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Solving Healthcare with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng
Holiday Stress and Wellness Edition: How to Avoid Gaining Weight During the Holidays
Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.
Guest: Tara Schmidt, RDN, LD
It’s not uncommon to gain a pound or two each year as we get older. For many, most of our annual weight gain occurs during the holidays. It’s a time of celebration and is filled with parties and events, often with high calorie foods and drinks. Holidays can also be stressful, and many find some relief of stress by eating. Weight gain during the holidays occurs so easily and quickly, yet losing this weight can be quite challenging and can take months. In fact, some studies have shown that weight put on during the holidays never comes off. How do we deal with the abundance of food we’re exposed to over the holidays? How should we approach holiday parties? How can we avoid contributing to the problem when we bring food to holiday events? With the holidays approaching, today’s podcast is directed at our own personal health in our “Holiday Stress and Wellness Series” as we discuss “How to Avoid Gaining Weight During the Holidays.” My guest for this podcast is registered dietician and nutritionist Tara Schmidt, RDN, LD, from the Mayo Clinic.
Check out our guest’s podcast, “Mayo Clinic on Nutrition” Here https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/on-nutrition/
Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.
December 3, 2024
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Mayo Clinic Talks
How Can Hospitals Advance Their Digital Transformation With HIMSS Maturity Models?
HIMSS, The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) is an American not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving health care in quality, safety, cost-effectiveness and access through the best use of information technology and management systems. One way of helping hospitals advance their digitalization efforts is with the help of maturity models. These are assessment questionnaires that position hospital on a level from 1 to 7 on a maturity scale. They can help hospitals benchmark their current digital position and plan better which steps to take to advance on their digital transformation journey.
So far, HIMSS designed 6 maturity models:
EMRAM - for EMRs,
INFRAM - healthcare IT infrastructure,
AMAM - for analytics,
DIAM - for medical imaging,
CCMM - continuity of care model,
C-COMM - community care outcomes.
In this discussion John Rayner, Senior Director Analytics - EMEA at HIMSS, talks about different maturity models, how hospitals use them, what to be mindful of in digital transformation of healthcare, and more.
Key Takeaways:
HIMSS models provide a structured pathway for hospitals to achieve digital maturity and improve care.
Leadership, clinical engagement, and infrastructure are critical for successful digital transformation.
Interoperability is the cornerstone of modern healthcare, requiring system-wide alignment.
Key benefits for hospitals:
Understanding the current level of digital maturity and identifying gaps.
Setting a roadmap for improvement aligned with global standards.
Enhancing decision-making for procurement and strategy.
Demonstrating progress to stakeholders, ensuring investments lead to measurable outcomes.
Validating digital maturity levels, which can serve as a benchmark or "badge" of excellence.
Video: https://youtu.be/iHMC339XHIo
www.facesofdigitalhealth.com
Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/
December 3, 2024
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Faces of Digital Health
The Mind-Gut Connection: Is it a real thing?
Ever wondered why your gut feels off even when doctors say everything is normal? In this perfect post-Thanksgiving episode, we explore the often misunderstood mind-gut connection with GI expert Dr. Treta Parohit. We delve into chronic GI symptoms that persist despite normal test results and discuss the gut-brain axis and its role in conditions like IBS. Learn about dietary adjustments, psychological treatment options, and lifestyle changes that can help manage these symptoms. And finally, discover how OSHI Health provides virtual, multidisciplinary care for individuals struggling with chronic GI issues.
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00:00 Introduction and Post-Thanksgiving Greetings
00:01 Understanding Unexplained Tummy Troubles
01:00 Introducing the GI Expert
01:15 The Mind-Gut Connection Explained
02:27 The Importance of Poop in Diagnosing GI Issues
03:19 Stress and GI Symptoms
07:59 Multidisciplinary Approach to GI Issues
11:30 Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
16:29 The Role of Telehealth in GI Care
28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
December 3, 2024
by
Your Doctor Friends
One-on-One with Natalie Davis CEO, United States of Care
This episode was recorded on Monday, October 21, 2024, at HLTH 2024 in Las Vegas Natalie Davis, co-founder and CEO of United States of Care, joins Eric to share her thoughts on the current healthcare system and how her organization is advocating for a more affordable, dependable, personalized and understandable healthcare system. In addition, Natalie shares insights from the USofCare’s recent research and the policy solutions her organization is advancing to deliver the healthcare experience people want and ensure our healthcare system works better for everyone. About Natalie Natalie believes that making our healthcare system work better for everyone has never been more critical. She is dedicated to bringing together leaders and advocates nationwide who can help create meaningful change in our nation’s inequitable health care system. She brings all her personal and professional experiences to the fight for better health care, working to expand access to quality, affordable health care to help people right now while working towards durable federal policies centered on the needs of people to provide real and lasting solutions for everybody. Natalie Davis has spent nearly two decades shaping American healthcare policy to ensure that all people have access to affordable, quality care. In 2018, she co-founded United States of Care with Andy Slavitt, focusing on a person-centered approach to healthcare solutions and forging partnerships with organizations, advocacy groups, and communities to drive systemic change. Her prior roles include serving as Senior Advisor at CMS, where she supported a major healthcare expansion, and as Director at the Bipartisan Policy Center, where she launched reform initiatives to develop innovative, politically viable healthcare solutions. About the United States of Care United States of Care is a non-profit organization focused on building a healthcare system that serves everyone. Its mission is to ensure people can access affordable, quality care that meets their needs regardless of their background or circumstances. Working with leaders, communities, and individuals nationwide, the United States of Care focuses on developing innovative, non-partisan solutions to healthcare challenges, emphasizing policy, patient experience, and health equity.
December 3, 2024
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Bright Spots in Healthcare
TownHall: Navigating Partnerships & Change with John Couris and Sam Nimah
December 3: Today on TownHall Karla Arzola, Chief Information Officer at Rocky Mountain Human Services speaks with John Couris, President and CEO at Florida Health Sciences Center (FHSC) and Sam Nimah, CEO at TriVent Healthcare. The conversation delves into their collaborative approach to improving care for ventilator-dependent patients. They discuss the challenges of change management, the role of multidisciplinary teams, and the integration of evidence-based protocols. What are the challenges hospitals face in change management when introducing new care models? Why is the multidisciplinary team approach crucial in treating ventilator-dependent patients? What lessons can other organizations learn from the partnership between Tampa General Hospital and TriVent Health?Subscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer
December 3, 2024
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This Week Health: Conference
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