The Disappearing Mind Podcast

The Disappearing Mind Podcast

by Senior Living Near Me

Mental Health Nutrition

Season 1

Brain Storms: Managing Dementia During Natural Disasters

As hurricane season approaches, it's crucial to prepare not only for the storm but also for the unique challenges it presents to those caring for loved ones with dementia. In this episode, Dawn sits down with Tim Guerrette, a retired Florida law enforcement chief and devoted son, to share invaluable insights from both his professional and personal experiences. They discuss how to navigate the complexities of evacuating or sheltering in place with a loved one who has dementia and offer practical advice on managing anxiety, disrupted sleep, and confusion during such high-stress events. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to handle these natural disaster events with compassion and confidence.

Supporting Families Through Dementia: Dawn's Journey

In this week's episode, Host Dawn Platt shares her experiences as a national dementia coach and trainer. She discusses coping with ambiguous loss and the challenges of the 'long goodbye.' Dawn also explores the shifts in family dynamics when taking on the role of a caregiver, offering practical advice on fostering family harmony. Tune in for more insightful reflections on resilience, compassion, and empathy in dementia care.

Bringing Care Home: Navigating Dementia Diagnosis to In-Home Support

Join Host Dawn Platt in this week's new episode as she guides you through the journey of caring for a loved one with dementia at home, from the beginning stages of receiving a diagnosis to establishing vital in-home support. Dawn explores recognizing the right time for bringing care into the home, managing caregiver wellbeing and burnout, accessing support networks, and practical steps for evaluating the home environment. Tune in for essential insights and guidance on this meaningful caregiving journey.

Real-life Q&A : Dawn Answers Questions from Families and Caregivers

Step into our latest episode, where host Dawn Platt compassionately delves into the questions submitted by family members and caregivers navigating life alongside loved ones with dementia. Dawn provides thoughtful insights and practical advice based on these questions, offering valuable support to listeners facing similar challenges. If you're left with lingering questions, we invite you to visit TheDisappearingMind.com to submit yours for Dawn to address in future episodes. Tune in for guidance, understanding, and solidarity in navigating the complexities of dementia caregiving.

A Quick-Cast Guide on Mastering Dementia Communication

Join Host Dawn Platt in this enlightening 16-minute quick-cast episode as she discusses effective communication with those facing dementia. Discover the benefits of compassionate communication, the importance of attitude, and the power of nonverbal cues. Gain insights into navigating the different stages of dementia while learning practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections. Tune in for essential tips on enhancing communication with loved ones on this challenging journey.

Harmonies of Healing: Music's Role in Dementia Support

Join Host Dawn Platt in this week's enlightening episode as she engages in a touching dialogue with Nurse and Memory Care Director Brenda Johnson. Discover the remarkable impact of music on Brenda's nonverbal grandmother, whose silence was broken by the familiar tunes of her past, offering glimpses of connection amidst dementia's fog. Additionally, they shed light on the higher prevalence of dementia among African Americans, underlining the need for greater awareness and support. Finally, they offer practical advice on self-care for caregivers, providing valuable insights for those navigating the complexities of caring for loved ones with dementia.

Ambiguous Loss: Mourning the Person You Knew Before Dementia

In this week's new episode, Host Dawn Platt engages in a heartfelt conversation with her colleague and friend EJ about navigating the complexities of ambiguous loss, drawing from personal experiences with EJ's mother-in-law. Ambiguous loss is a one's profound sense of loss and sadness not from the actual death of their loved one, but from the loss or change of the person they knew as a result of dementia or other personality change. They explore the challenges caregivers encounter as well as coping mechanisms for adapting to evolving relationships with loved ones affected by dementia. Delving into the impact of ambiguous loss, they shed light on its potential to alter family dynamics, trigger intricate grief responses, and hinder closure or resolution in conflicts.

Discussing the FAQs of ALZ

In this week's podcast, Dawn discusses common issues faced by dementia patients and their families. One prevalent issue is financial strain, and Dawn emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to alleviate this burden. She also stresses the significance of obtaining Power of Attorney early on to ensure that important decisions can be made on behalf of the individual. Other topics include over-purchasing or overspending due to memory loss or irrational fears of scarcity, risks of consuming expired food, the importance of staying hydrated with water rather than relying on non-hydrating beverages.

Securing Tomorrow: Financial Planning Strategies for Dementia with Matt Marcoux, CFP®

When dementia enters the picture, financial planning becomes a minefield of missed deadlines, family conflicts, and costly mistakes that can devastate a lifetime of savings. In this eye-opening episode, Dawn Platt sits down with Certified Financial Planner Matt Marcoux to reveal the critical financial warning signs families often miss, share shocking stories of six-figure IRS penalties that could have been avoided, and provide a step-by-step roadmap for protecting your loved one's assets before it's too late. Whether you're navigating the monthly cost of memory care or trying to coordinate between stubborn parents and concerned siblings, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions that could save your family thousands—and preserve your loved one's dignity in the process.

Coping with Anxiety and Fostering Self-Compassion as a Caregiver

As a caregiver, it's important to recognize that not all dementias are the same, and neither are their symptoms or behaviors. This understanding can help reduce anxiety and stress by managing expectations and approaching each situation with a tailored mindset. Host Dawn Platt shares helpful strategies, such as practicing responses to frequently asked or repeated questions, setting expectations with friends and family, and other ways to reduce anxiety as a caregiver, even sharing her own stories about her mother and her dementia. 

11 of 15