The Caregiver's Journey
The Caregiver's Journey is a podcast for families caring for someone living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Hosts Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster share practical tips and candid conversations about the day-to-day challenges of caregiving. The show focuses on helping listeners move from feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and frightened to feeling confident, balanced, and supported. Episodes blend hands-on advice with personal stories to make caregiving more manageable.
Episodes
Getting the Most Out of Doctor’s Visits: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Do you leave your loved one’s doctor’s appointments feeling intimidated or confused instead of empowered? Do you wish you had a clearer role in shaping their care? Many caregivers feel this way, and there is a better way to approach these visits.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we know how much rides on ever
Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 Steps 7-10 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Did your loved one recently receive a diagnosis of dementia? Have you already worked through the first six steps of the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap? If so, you’ve built a solid foundation, and it’s time to keep going.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we created the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Road
Choosing the Right Memory Care Community: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“There’s no perfect option out there, and there’s no community that’s going to check every single box.” — Kelly Graffius
Are you facing the moment you hoped would never come, trying to choose the right memory care community for your loved one? If you are not sure where to start, you are not alone.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and othe
Five Changing Caregiving Roles / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"Two words have been the foundation of every decision I made across all of my caregiving roles — safe and happy. Before every choice, I would ask, does this help my loved one be safe? And does this support them being happy?" — Sue Ryan
There was a moment in a doctor's office when five neurologists agreed on one word: dementia. In that moment, Sue looked at her husband Jack, squeezed his hand
Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 Steps 1-6 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Did your loved one recently receive a diagnosis of dementia? Are you at a loss for what to do next? Maybe you’re overwhelmed because you can’t find the information you need — or maybe it’s the opposite, and you’re drowning in so many conflicting resources that you don’t know where to start.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types
Show Up, Stay Present, Keep Finding Ways to Connect: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“When I look back on my caregiving experience, I found a purpose and a true sense of self that I didn’t know I had. Yes, there was a lot of drama and a lot of trauma, but I look back and think - this was a great experience and something I feel good about doing for the people I love.” - Nancy Treaster
There’s a moment in dementia caregiving where you realize your relationship has fundamentall
What Stage of Dementia Caregiving Are You in? / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Have you ever felt overwhelmed searching for the right information at the right time, or found yourself drowning in conflicting resources that leave you more confused than when you started? You’re not alone. Dementia family caregiving is a long journey, and it looks very different depending on where you are in it.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Al
Help for Solo Caregivers: Four Resource Areas / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Do you feel completely alone in your caregiving journey? No family backup, friends have faded away, and you can’t afford professional help? You are not alone — and there is real help available, often at little or no cost.
We are Elizabeth Miller of Happy Healthy Caregiver and Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster of The Caregiver's Journey. In this podcast we’ve joined forces with - together we’ve liv
Falling - Spot Risks, Stay Calm, Heal Afterwards: Five Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“When families are prepared — physically, emotionally, logistically — they are able to handle these moments a lot differently. There’s less panic, less guilt, and a little bit more empowerment.” — Dr. Taylor Rush
One minute, everything’s fine. The next minute, your loved one is on the floor. If fall prevention isn’t on your radar yet — or if you’re waiting until after the first fall happen
Meaningful Conversation: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"Once caregivers get it, they're like, 'My gosh.' You just have to train yourself to walk around the brick wall to the moment, the now, and the imagination." — Anne Basting
Do you struggle to create meaningful connections with your loved one living with dementia? Almost all of us do. You're not alone — and there are concrete tools you can learn right now to change that.
We are Sue Ryan and
What Is a Virtual Dementia Tour?: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“I don’t think any of us should be trying to assist a person with dementia without first walking in their shoes.” — PK Beville, Ph.D.
Have you ever wondered what it actually feels like to live with dementia? Do you find yourself struggling to understand why your loved one behaves the way they do, wishing you could see the world through their eyes- even for a moment? There’s a powerful tool
Turn Your Wishes Into Reality: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementiastled Project
WOOP is a very practical technique for anything from emotions to something on your to-do list — it can be used for many different kinds of wishes." — Donna Fedus
How many times have you been told that taking care of yourself is really important — and felt overwhelmed just thinking about it? You are not alone in this struggle, and there is a simple, evidence-based process that can help.
Use Cognitive Simulation Therapy at Home: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"While we can't reverse aging, regular mental activity — these exercises, regular cognitive engagement — helps keep cognitive skills stronger for longer. It's like exercising your body." — Dr. Daniel Fenton
What if you could make small changes and have more intentional conversations with your loved one that actively stimulate their brain? You're not doing one more thing — you're simply being
Protect Your Brain Health: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
As a family caregiver, you spend so much time worrying about your loved one's brain health. But what about your own? The good news is that there are real, evidence-backed steps you can take to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of cognitive decline — even in the midst of a demanding caregiving journey.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzh
What Is a Certified Senior Advisor: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Have you ever heard of a certified senior advisor? Would you even know what you needed or how to find one? You're not alone if the answer is no — and there are clear steps you can take to get the right help at the right time.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how overwhelming it can be to recognize
Find The Right Support Group: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“Support groups are like lifelines — we’re around other people who are going through the same thing we are, and we know we’re not alone.” Kim Franklin
Do you wonder if support groups are right for you? Do you know how to find one that fits your needs? Are you feeling overwhelmed and isolated in your caregiving role?
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones wi
When Your Spouse Becomes Your Patient: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"One of the hardest parts in spousal caregiving is accepting that we're no longer just partners. We're now caregiver and care receiver. The loss of our emotional and physical partner and the emotional responsibilities we're taking on can really take an enormous toll."
Are you struggling to find balance between being a spouse and being a caregiver? Do you find yourself wondering when the sh
Is It an Early Sign of Dementia? Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“What really helps is grounding yourself in three things: what change you’re noticing, how different it is from who this person has always been, and whether it’s getting worse over time.” — Dr. Anna Chodos
Are you concerned that your loved one is showing early signs of dementia? Do you find yourself noticing changes but unsure whether they’re significant? You’re not alone in this uncertain
Why the Right Dementia Diagnosis Matters: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“An accurate early dementia diagnosis is essential. It can make a significant difference in how families navigate the diagnosis.” Esther Kane, MSN, RN
Your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia… but do you ever wonder if they’ve been diagnosed with the correct type? Do you find yourself thinking: “This diagnosis doesn’t quite fit what I’m seeing.” You’re not alone. Getting the correct
The Dementia Care Financial Conversation: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"Dementia is not just a medical journey, but it's a financial and emotional one." – Devon Banning, CFP
Are you avoiding the financial conversation with your loved one because it feels uncomfortable or overwhelming? Do you find yourself wondering how you'll afford care as your loved one's needs increase?
Are you concerned about making the right financial decisions during this challenging t
Preparing for Stormy Weather: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Are you prepared if a major storm threatens your area? Do you know whether to evacuate or shelter in place with your loved one who has dementia? Have you created a communication plan that accounts for potential power outages and cell tower failures?
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how storm seaso
Dementia Caregiving and TV: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"The difference between TV as comfort and TV as chaos isn't the screen—it's understanding how the changing brain experiences what's on it."
Do you rely on television to help occupy your loved one's time? Does your care receiver seem agitated or anxious when the TV is on? Have you noticed them leaving the room when a show is playing or struggling to follow programs they once enjoyed?
We are
Family Dynamics in Caregiving: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Are you struggling to pull your family together to create a working support system for someone living with dementia? Do you find family members disagreeing on what needs to be done or how to help? You're not alone, and there's a path forward.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that transforming fami
Navigating Death Related Responsibilities: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Do you know what you need to do immediately after your loved one passes? Many caregivers don't. Are you worried about missing important tasks or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of administrative, financial, and legal responsibilities?
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've navigated the challenging proc
Are You Part of the Sandwich Generation? Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to care for aging parents while raising children? Do you find yourself stretched thin between different generations, each with their own unique needs?
My name is Sue Ryan. As a caregiver for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, I understand the unique challenges faced by those in the sandwich generations. I recently spoke with Christy
Navigating Grief Throughout Caregiving: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and Other Dementias
Have you noticed yourself feeling sad when your loved one can't remember their phone number? Do you find yourself withdrawing from friends or losing patience more easily? These feelings might be grief—and you may not even realize it's happening.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that grief doesn't
Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: Later On Steps 18-20 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Have you reached the point where you're now fully responsible for your loved one's care and safety? Do you find yourself guiding others or managing all aspects of their daily needs? You've entered what we call "later on"—the final stage of the caregiving journey, and while some aspects may feel more manageable, new challenges and emotions emerge that require specific attention and planning.
Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: Messy Middle Steps 11-17 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Have you moved beyond the initial steps of your caregiving journey and now find yourself needing to take more control while your loved one still believes they can do most things independently? Are you noticing that simple tasks are becoming increasingly challenging for them, yet they resist your help? You’re not alone! You’ve entered what we call the “messy middle” stage of your caregiving jo
Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: In the Beginning Steps 7-10 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Have you completed the first six essential steps of the comprehensive 20-step caregiving journey roadmap guide Navigating Dementia Caregiving: Your Resource Roadmap for Every Stage? Are ready to take on more? Do you find yourself wanting to learn faster and more easily than trying to figure everything out on your own? If you answered ‘Yes’, you’re in the right place for the next phase of the
Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: In the Beginning Steps 1-6 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Have you ever felt overwhelmed because you don’t know what information you need, can’t find reliable sources, or feel frustrated by too much conflicting advice?
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned having a step-by-step roadmap is crucial for navigating the beginning of your caregiving journey. We rec
When to Call in Palliative Care: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of dementia care? Do you find yourself wishing you had more support navigating medical decisions and planning for the future? You’re not alone - and there’s specialized help available that many caregivers don’t fully understand.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we
Aligning Work and Caregiving Responsibilities: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Have you ever thought, "I wish I knew how to have a constructive conversation with my manager about how to align my work responsibilities and my caregiving responsibilities?" Today we're sharing strategies to help working family caregivers thrive at both work and at home. We're sharing four tips.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other
Create Your Personal Caregiving Support Network: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“In the marathon that is caregiving, the difference between exhaustion and endurance isn’t willpower, it’s the strength of the support network we build around us.” Sue Ryan
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving? Do you find yourself thinking, “I don’t have time to get everything done.” or “I should be able to do this myself.”? You’re not alone, and there’s a bet
Is the Medicare GUIDE Program for you?: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Is the Medicare GUIDE Program for you? Today Nancy and I are sharing insights from Amy Imes of Emory's Integrated Memory Care about the new Medicare Program GUIDE. We're going to help you understand what it is and how to know if you can leverage it. We're sharing three tips.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we
Studying Sleep Early in the Dementia Journey: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Do you wish you could get a good night’s sleep? We do too!
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we appreciate the insights Dr. Glenna Brewster, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, Assistant Professor at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University, shared for all of us about her sleep study titled SLEEPMATE, and how
Studying Experienced Caregivers: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"When it comes to caregiving, the assumption about being able to take what we've learned and just naturally grow is not always going to be true."
How do you think you would feel if you were caregiving for a second or third person living with dementia? Would you feel more prepared because of your previous experience? If you answered "yes," you might be surprised by what research is revealing
Learn to Navigate Support Systems: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“An educated and confident family caregiver who knows what to do in their role is really the absolute best medicine for the care receiver.” Dr. Carolyn Clevenger
Do you know extensive research specifically focused on dementia caregivers is being conducted? Are you aware of innovative studies designed to equip family caregivers with navigation skills? Now you will, and you’ll be learning ab
Build a Partnership With Your Care Community: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Is your loved one in a memory care community, or are you considering moving them into one? Understanding how to build a collaborative relationship with the care team is crucial for ensuring the best outcomes for your loved one.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that creating a true partnership with
Introduce and Integrate a Caregiver: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Adding a new caregiver to your support team can be a challenging transition, whether they're coming into your home, assisting your loved one who lives alone, or joining the care team in a memory care community. This transition can be particularly difficult for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia, as changes in routine can cause confusion and resistance.
If your loved one
How To Create a Care Plan: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Are you prepared for others to take care of your loved one? Do you have a care plan in place? Having a comprehensive care plan is one of the most important tools a caregiver can create — not just for emergencies, but for everyday peace of mind.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned the importance of cr
Navigating the Caregiver Hiring Process: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
When the time comes to bring professional caregiving support into your loved one’s life, the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hiring a caregiver for home care or to complement care in a community setting, understanding how to find, evaluate, and select the right person is crucial for both your peace of mind and your loved one’s well being.
We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, we’
They Know What We Don’t, Elder Law Attorneys: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
We don't know what we don't know. But elder law attorneys do, and their expertise can be transformational for families facing aging-related challenges. Whether you're dealing with a recent diagnosis, planning for potential long-term care needs, or simply trying to prepare for the future, understanding how and when to work with an elder law attorney can make all the difference in your journey.
Finding Peace in Preparation: End of Life Service Preplanning: Eight Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
When you’re grieving, the last thing you need to be doing is planning a service. Pre-planning allows you to make only two decisions when death occurs: what day and what time the service will be held. Everything else can be arranged in advance, giving you the space to honor your loved one while processing your grief.
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, and we recently spoke with Greg Cannon
When To Call In Hospice: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that there are many misconceptions about hospice care. Today, we're joined by hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire to help clarify what hospice really is and when to consider it. Through their extensive experience, they've developed four essential tips to help you navigate this important t
Time for a Change? Tips When Considering Home and Community Living Options: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and Other Dementias
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we often face the challenging question: "Is it time to change my care receiver's living situation?" We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, and through our experiences, we've developed five essential tips to help you navigate this complex decision-making process.
Connect with us and share your tips:
Website: https://
The Realities of Caregiver Self-Care: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or other type of dementia, you’ve probably heard countless times: “Don’t forget to take care of yourself.” While well-intentioned, this advice can feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling multiple responsibilities!
Through our conversation with Elizabeth Miller, we’ve learned that effective self-care is about more than just genera
Are You Ready for an Emergency? Get a Plan!: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, worries can keep you up at night — but they don’t help you. Through our conversation with Denise Brown, we’ve learned having a solid emergency plan helps calm your worries, reduce your fears, and provide you with peace of mind.
Full Show Notes
https://thecaregiversjourney.com/are-you-ready-for-an-emergenc
Navigating Death Related Responsibilities
Supporting Your Parent Through Their Caregiving Journey: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
When a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia and the other parent begins their caregiving journey, the dynamic between the caregiving parent and child shifts dramatically. Through our experiences and conversations with families navigating this transition, we've developed six essential tips to help you support your parent as they take on the role of primary caregiver
Dental Care Update: Three New Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"I discovered a growth on his gum that was only slightly smaller than a marble. That's when I learned dental care involves much more than just brushing teeth."
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we're continuously learning and adapting our care approaches. Through recent experiences, we've discovered important new aspects of dental care that we
Delusion Support: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
When your loved one experiences delusions or hallucinations for the first time, it can be frightening and overwhelming for everyone involved. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we've learned how to navigate these challenging moments.
See Full Show Notes here
Connect with us and share your tips:
Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.comInstagr
Creating Engaging Activities: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we often struggle with adapting activities to their changing abilities. Through our experiences, and what we’ve learned from others on their caregiving journeys, Nancy Treaster and I developed three important tips to help you create meaningful engagement that honors who our care receivers are today.
Connect with u
Meaningful Caregiver Gifts: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"If you give me a spa certificate but no gift of time to go with it, I'll probably never use it."
As friends and family of Alzheimer’s and other dementia family caregivers, we want to give meaningful gifts that will actually be used and appreciated. Through our experiences and what we've learned from others on their caregiving journeys, we've developed five important categories of gifts
Medication Management: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"I wish I had started monitoring my husband's medication sooner than I did."
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that medication management becomes increasingly challenging. Through our experiences, and what we've learned from support groups and others on their journeys, we've developed four important tips to help you support your care
Traveling: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
“We’ve both had ‘that’ trip — the last trip that you take when you decide we’re not traveling ever again with our care receiver. Or, as we like to say, it’s the trip after the last trip you should have taken!”
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned travel decisions require careful consideration. Through
Search and Rescue: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
The moment you realize your loved one with dementia is missing, every second feels critical. While the natural instinct is to immediately begin searching, having a clear action plan can make the difference in finding them quickly and safely. Through insights from John Clark, a specialized dementia search and rescue expert in Georgia, we've compiled three essential tips for these frightening s
Preparing for Holidays: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
The secret to successful holiday celebrations with our dementia care receivers isn't perfect decorations or parties—it's having a peaceful retreat space ready for them when needed.
As caregivers navigating the holiday season with loved ones who have Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that intentional planning makes all the difference. The holiday season brings additional
Eating and Drinking: Seven Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned eating and drinking become significant challenges. Through our experiences, and what we've learned from support groups and others on their journeys, we've developed seven important tips to help you and your care receiver navigate dining.
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Shave, Brush Teeth, Trim Nails and Hair: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that shaving, trimming nails, brushing teeth and trimming hair - what we’re calling personal care - can become challenging. These challenges often arise around the same time as bathing and dressing difficulties. How we provide support for our loved one will vary based on whether they stay at home duri
Bathing and Dressing: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and Other Dementias
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned bathing and dressing can become significant challenges. These activities are often early signs of transitioning from the initial phase of the caregiving journey where we’re simply prompting and helping them, to what we call the "messy middle”, when we begin asserting more control. We are Nancy Treaste
Incontinence Overnight: Four Essential Topics / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned overnight incontinence is one of the most challenging aspects of the journey. It's not a topic often discussed, yet it's a reality for us to face with compassion, dignity, and preparation. We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan. Through our experiences, we've developed four important tips to help you navi
Bowel and Bedbound Incontinence: Two Essential Topics / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned that full incontinence is an inevitable part of our journey. It’s a topic not often discussed, yet it’s a reality for us to navigate with compassion, dignity, and preparation — for both us and our care receiver. We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan. Through our experiences, we’ve developed 2 valuable ti
Cleaning Your Care Receiver: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and
As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned managing incontinence is one of the most challenging aspects of our journey. It’s a topic where having detailed information is vital to our adjusting to this part of our journey mentally, physically, and emotionally.
We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan. Through our experiences, and insights we’ve lear
Incontinence Begins: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Who knew that understanding the stages of incontinence could make such a difference in our caregiving journey? As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned incontinence is an inevitable - and can be - a challenging part of our journey. It’s a reality and a topic that’s not often discussed. It’s helpful for us to be prepared to navigate incontine
Preparing for Incontinence: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and Other Dementias
Description
Who knew being prepared could make such a difference in managing incontinence? Incontinence can be one of the most difficult areas of our caregiving journeys. It’s personal. It’s awkward. It’s rarely something discussed — by anyone — making it potentially uncomfortable to talk about. It’s also one of the most important areas to navigate with compassion and dignity — for us and fo
Preparing Young Adults for a Family Member's Dementia: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and Other Dementias
Description
When a close family member is diagnosed with dementia, it can be uniquely challenging for young adults to navigate this new reality. We are Nancy and Merritt Treaster. When Merritt was in his early twenties, his dad, who was 60 at the time, was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia. A few short years later, his grandfather, at the age of 85, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dise
Home Safety: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and Other Dementias
You’re going to wish you’d known about padding hard corners earlier in your caregiving journey!
We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan. Through our experiences as caregivers for our family members and loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned ensuring home safety is both vitally important and ever-changing.
In this post, we’re sharing three main tips for managing sa
Home Alone - in the Beginning: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
If your loved one can’t do three of the things we discuss in this episode, they should not be home alone. As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we both know that one of the early goals for our loved one is to help them maintain their independence as long as it's reasonable. You’ll be balancing your concern for their safety
Taking Away the Car Keys: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
If you can successfully leverage tip one in this episode you will have an easy path to taking away the car keys. As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we both learned that taking away the car keys can be a sensitive and important issue to address. In the beginning stages of dementia, our primary goal is to balance safety wi
Wandering: Ten Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
I wish I had known about this child proofing tip before I spent so much money on locksmiths. In this episode we talk about wandering. As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we've learned that wandering is a complex and often frightening behavior that requires careful management. Wandering can occur both inside and outside th
Communication – in the Beginning: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
You are going to wish you knew about the third tip in this episode much earlier! As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, we've learned that communication is a constantly evolving process. In the beginning (the early season of the diagnosis), our primary goal is to help our care receivers maintain as much dignity and i
Memory Loss: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Does it feel like a punch in the gut every time you realize something new your loved one has forgotten? As caregivers for our husbands, parents, and other loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, we've learned that memory loss in the early stages is a challenging journey. In the beginning (the early season of the diagnosis), our primary goal is to help our care receive
Meet Our Podcast Team: Why a Podcast for Dementia Caregivers
We are Sue Ryan, Nancy Treaster, and Merritt Treaster. In this episode we're introducing ourselves to you and sharing why we are so passionate about bringing you practical tips and candid conversations for Alzheimer’s and other dementia family caregivers.
Show Notes
Takeaways
Nancy and I have known each other for many years and have often discussed our caregiving journeys together. We're
Finally! Practical tips and candid conversations for Alzheimer's and other dementia family caregivers.
The Caregiver’s Journey is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day Alzheimer's and other dementia family caregiving challenges. Using practical tips and candid conversations, Sue and Nancy help you navigate caregiving’s ups and downs, so you move from feeling frustrated and overwhelmed to confident and supported.
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