Founder| Author of ‘The Amazing Zoe’ series| Advocate for Diverse Children’s Literature and Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness | Sandwich Caregiver | Harvard Medical School Advisory Council for the Dementia Solutions Project.
IWorld Alzheimer's Day: Life of a Sandwich Caregivers
On #WorldAlzheimersDay, we honour those impacted by Alzheimer’s, especially the including caregivers balancing responsibilities for both aging parents and young children. Research shows that Alzheimer’s touches us all in some way, whether directly or through someone we know and love.
It has been such an honour to be part of the Black Dementia Working Group for Alzheimer’s Society Canada. Sharing our stories, addressing the lack of representation, and collaborating to create solutions has been both empowering and vital. Together, we’ve pooled resources and created avenues of support for those in need.
To all caregivers, I encourage you to share your stories, post a cherished photo, or reflect on a happy memory. Let's uplift one another and continue to raise awareness.
Watch the full story here: solo.to/valene#alzheimersawareness#worldalzheimersday#AlzheimersDisease#DementiaAwareness#EndAlz#CaregiverSupport#AlzheimersAwareness#BrainHealth#MemoryCare#DementiaCare#AlzheimersResearch#Caregiving
Should I show it to you? OK. Mom and I are on the beach. My dad is somewhere in the background there. I see her love. I see her smiling. I see. That she's excited that I'm taking in the scenes myself. It's probably my first time walking on sand. I think that's what I was told. So yeah, I like that one. Mom. So vibrant. Loved to laugh, loved to socialize, loved people, loved her family and. I still see pieces of that. It's not quite the way it used to be. Mom was always that person. She would always come to my room, write a little note, or I'd come home from school and there's a note on my pillow just expressing some type of love. We were a religious family. Faith is big in her home. And she would often leave a Bible verse of of encouragement and support. And at the time, many times I would look at it and I'd roll my eyes like, oh brother, here we go again. But soon after I started to realize, you know, I really appreciated it. Later on, after having gone to school and went away, came back. I was living on my own and mom would still do the same thing. She would pack lunches or pack a Sunday breakfast. Sunday breakfast is a big thing for Caribbeans. Jamaican ackee and saltfish dumpling our favorite foods. And if I looked at the bottom of the bag I would still see a note and still see maybe something to read for encouragement as well. Mom loved to dress up. She really, really did, and she cared a lot about how she looked. But. But she was elegant, classy. Many times people would call her Lady C. The struggle now comes because I have returned home to live with my parents who are both aging. I have a little girl as well. I am what you call a sandwich generation caregiver. That means it's a person who is caring for aging parents, someone who has a young children, managing all the in's and outs of young children, and of course, still working. And the struggle comes just in trying to. Manage my day. I wake up. I try to get up early, but then my daughter follows. I try to just have that little window of time, but oftentimes they all wake up at the same time. So what I find myself doing in the kitchen, I'm scrambling. Got to get Zuri, my daughter, off to school making her breakfast. What she eats is different from my parents making them breakfast. Something that I find really, really profound, I guess, is that sometimes in the mornings I'm dropping my. Daughter off to school, but I'm also now dropping my mom off to adult daycare and one day I was picking her up, picking my mom up from daycare and I realized that I had to go and pick up my daughter. And I said to myself, I literally said it out loud. I'm like look at this, this. Look at life right now, you know, and it was just a moment of realizing realization of where we currently were. And of course the concerned me too, because I thought to myself. Where does life begin for me? What's going to happen to my life? The things that I want to do, the things that I want to achieve, and trying to balance all of it. And, umm. It's one of those things where I still, of course, I press 4 and I continue because I know the love that she gave to me. Should I show it to you? OK.
With over 100 types of dementia, getting the right diagnosis is important.
Alzheimer's is well-known for causing memory loss, but there are other changes you may notice as it progresses. In honour of World Alzheimer's Day, here are other common Alzheimer's symptoms to watch for:
■ Planning and problem-solving challenges
■ Difficulty with routine tasks
■ Time and place confusion
■ New problems with communication
■ Poor judgment
■ Changes in personality and mood
While there's no cure for Alzheimer's, an early diagnosis can help your loved get the resources and treatments they need to manage their condition.
How can our caregivers support your loved one? Get started today: https://lnkd.in/gZvhRJB#hcacares#inhomecare#Independentliving#athomecare#seniorlivingcommunity#hcaEdmonton#seniorcare#caregiving#seniorliving
For anyone navigating the dementia journey, we know firsthand how important it is to get the guidance and support you need, right when you need it.
We're personalizing the journey for our members so they interact only with the resources relevant to them – making it easier than ever to navigate the dementia journey, whether that includes caregiving for yourself or someone else.
Our new features help you:
👉 Find expert guidance on topics most relevant to your dementia journey
👉 Hear from others in our Community who know what you’re going through
👉 Access 24/7 support tailored to your individual needs
If you’re not already a Remo member, sign up for free here → https://lnkd.in/gCc__qRy
If you’re already part of our Community, we invite you to log in and explore what’s new.
#dementia#dementiacare#dementiasupport#community#dementiaawareness#dementiadiagnosis#alzheimers#expertguidance#virtualcommunity#caregiversupport
Stanford-Trained Clinical Psychologist | Geropsychologist | Founder, Center for Mental Health & Aging | Keynote Speaker 🎤 | Helping You Meet the Mental Health Needs of Older Adults with Top-Rated CEU Courses
Dementia Careblazers by Natali N Edmonds, PsyD, ABPP has been such a valuable resource for families living with dementia.
Several years ago, I was working with a physician who was caring for his father with dementia, and I referred him to Dementia Careblazers YouTube channel. He and the professional caregiver hired to work with his dad would watch the videos together and brainstorm caregiving methods.
Now, I recommend this channel to every family I work with living with dementia.
These bite sized videos are packed with practical tips and compassion. Everything you want and need in #dementia care
#brainhealth#dementiacare
Board certified Geropsychologist & Founder of Dementia Careblazers Offering Dementia Care Programs and Consulting
When I first started Dementia Careblazers, it was important to me to find a way to give family members access to clear answers and creative solutions to their most challenging situations. That's how this channel was created - by answering the questions I was receiving every day in my clinical practice.
I had no idea what I was doing and was incredibly scared, but I committed to turning on my camera and posting a new in depth training video every week.
Today, we've reached over 16.8 million views worldwide and have more than 168,000 YouTube subscribers with the majority of our viewers being over the age of 65 years old. I'm proud that all our videos are free—no subscription needed, just internet access.
We cover topics such as:
- What to do when someone with dementia says "I want to go home."
- What to do if the person with dementia doesn't want to bathe/shower.
- Helpful products and resources to make caregiving easier
- Interview with dementia experts
- Breaking news and up-to-date dementia research
- and more
To access hundreds of free training videos, go to: https://lnkd.in/g9AJkbmz#dementiacare#alzheimers#dementiasupport#caregiving#careblazers
September is Alzheimer's Awareness Month 💜🧠
This month, we come together to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and support those affected by it. Alzheimer's is a challenging life change, but with the right tools and support, we can make a difference for a person living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
One way to help keep our loved ones safe is through SafeTracks' GPS tracking devices. These devices provide peace of mind by allowing caregivers to monitor the location of those who may wander due to Alzheimer's. They come in various forms, such as watches and wearable pendants, making them easy to use and integrate into daily life.
Let's spread the word about the importance of Alzheimer's awareness and the tools available to support those living with this condition. Together, we can create a more understanding and supportive community. 💜
https://lnkd.in/gmYjMnGC#AlzheimersAwareness#WorldAlzheimersMonth#DementiaSupport#GPSTracking#Caregiving#StaySafe
September is Alzheimer's Awareness Month 💜🧠
This month, we come together to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and support those affected by it. Alzheimer's is a challenging life change, but with the right tools and support, we can make a difference for a person living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
One way to help keep our loved ones safe is through SafeTracks' GPS tracking devices. These devices provide peace of mind by allowing caregivers to monitor the location of those who may wander due to Alzheimer's. They come in various forms, such as watches and wearable pendants, making them easy to use and integrate into daily life.
Let's spread the word about the importance of Alzheimer's awareness and the tools available to support those living with this condition. Together, we can create a more understanding and supportive community. 💜
https://lnkd.in/gPMqGuHA#AlzheimersAwareness#WorldAlzheimersMonth#DementiaSupport#GPSTracking#Caregiving#StaySafe
Champions of Aging Well - Owner at Home Care Assistance of Montgomery & Auburn/Opelika |
Vice President of the Alzheimer's, Education, Resources and Services (AERS) Board
With over 100 types of dementia, getting the right diagnosis is important.
Alzheimer's is well-known for causing memory loss, but there are other changes you may notice as it progresses. In honor of World Alzheimer's Day, here are other common Alzheimer's symptoms to watch for:
■ Planning and problem-solving challenges
■ Difficulty with routine tasks
■ Time and place confusion
■ New problems with communication
■ Poor judgment
■ Changes in personality and mood
While there's no cure for Alzheimer's, an early diagnosis can help your loved get the resources and treatments they need to manage their condition.
How can our caregivers support your loved one? Get started today: https://lnkd.in/gHNGZB6e#inhomecare#independentliving#montgomeryAL#caregiving
🌟Join us for the start of an insightful educational series in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association🌟
📘 Effective Communication Strategies
📅 Date: Friday, April 19, 2024
🕓 Time: 4 - 5:30 PM
This program is designed to empower caregivers with the tools to decode verbal and behavioral cues from individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your communication skills and support your loved ones better.
Mark your calendars for the complete series:
🔹 Understanding Alzheimer's - May 17
🔹 10 Warning Signs of Dementia - June 21
🔹 Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body - July 19
🔹 Dementia Conversation - August 16
Plus, two sessions at the Center for Seniors:
🔹 Understanding Alzheimer's - September 20
🔹 Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body - October 18
This series is a much-needed resource for individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia and their dedicated caregivers. Let's come together to share knowledge and support on this enlightening journey!
#AlzheimersAssociation#Caregiving#Education#MCLS#DementiaAwareness
With over 100 types of dementia, getting the right diagnosis is important.
Alzheimer's is well-known for causing memory loss, but there are other changes you may notice as it progresses. In honor of World Alzheimer's Day, here are other common Alzheimer's symptoms to watch for:
■ Planning and problem-solving challenges
■ Difficulty with routine tasks
■ Time and place confusion
■ New problems with communication
■ Poor judgment
■ Changes in personality and mood
While there's no cure for Alzheimer's, an early diagnosis can help your loved get the resources and treatments they need to manage their condition.
How can our caregivers support your loved one? Get started today: https://lnkd.in/e4ixme-G#inhomecare#independentliving#montgomeryAL#caregiving
🧠 Five activities for Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Implementing routine and creative daily schedules is essential for individuals with Alzheimer's or Dementia, as it promotes focus, relaxation, and emotional well-being.
Routines provide structure, while creative activities bring joy and purpose. Family caregivers can create cherished moments through simple, engaging activities that offer mental and physical stimulation.
It is important to adapt these activities based on the seniors' moods and abilities and ensure open communication about what brings them joy.
For challenging days, consider smaller social interactions and balancing indoor and outdoor activities with the support of loved ones.
#Alzheimers#DementiaCare#CaregivingTips#MentalHealth#SeniorCare#DailyRoutines#EmotionalWellbeing#CreativeCare#Caregivers#AgingWithPurpose#SeniorWellness#ElderCare#MemoryCare
Claims Account Manager - RIBO Licensed
3moAbsolutely Beautiful V🥰