As a caregiver, providing care to a loved one with dementia can be a demanding experience. While it is natural to feel anxious or lonely, successful caregivers choose to focus on the positives of their situation and adopt a proactive approach. Let's talk about some traits of successful caregivers and how they can help transform one's caregiving experience.

It is important to acknowledge that many caregivers face negative side effects. For instance, the average dementia caregiver is at a higher risk of mortality and experiences anxiety, loneliness, and sleep difficulties. In fact, research shows that the average dementia caregiver has a 68% higher mortality rate compared to non-caregivers. Additionally, 64% of them experience anxiety, 40% of them experience loneliness and over 60% have trouble with sleep. However, successful caregiver's approach decreases their risks of all of these things. Though they may experience some of these emotions, they tend to have more...

Today, I want to share one of the most powerful and simplest things any caregiver can start doing immediately to increase how successful they are in responding to their loved one.

Every human brain has something called the negativity bias. That means that it's much easier for us to notice the negative things over the positive things. As a result, you will notice your loved one's difficult, agitated, distressed, and challenging behaviors, more than any other behavior.

That's natural.

You can be the best caregiver in the world, and you will still notice all the things that your loved one does that gets under your skin much easier than anything they do that is lovely or wonderful.

When we understand this information, we are then able to take steps to balance out the negativity bias.

Successful Careblazers do this well. They spend just as much time, if not more, noticing the moments when things are going well than they do talking about and noticing the moments when things are not going...

Are you open to the idea of making a change in your caregiving journey? Are you willing to ask yourself some questions that can lead you to solutions and new approaches? Today I’m going to discuss the importance of being open to new possibilities when it comes to caregiving, and how to train your brain to be more receptive to change.

Our human brains are designed to keep us safe and comfortable, even if that means staying in a situation that is causing us stress and discomfort. As a caregiver, it can be challenging to imagine doing something different, especially when you feel overwhelmed and burnt out. However, it's essential to recognize that staying the same won't help, and that change is possible.

One way to start making changes is by asking yourself a series of questions when you hear someone mention something that could be helpful. Instead of dismissing the idea immediately, try to think about how you could apply it to your situation. What part of what they're saying...

What do NFL coaches, brain surgeons, and criminal defense lawyers have in common?

In this post, I'll answer this question and how it relates to a common question caregivers ask that prevents them from getting the support and information they are so desperately looking for when it comes to dementia caregiving,

This is another episode in a series on controversial and unpopular opinions in dementia caregiving.

I don't think it's okay for us to shy away from the hard topics that I see daily when working with caregivers and that you probably see an experience on a daily.

If you prefer to watch a video instead, click HERE.

There is a common question I hear frequently that I believe holds caregivers back.

I'm sharing it with you today in hopes that it will help you receive the help and support that could be available to you.

So, let's answer the question at the beginning of this post. What does an NFL coach, a brain surgeon and a criminal defense lawyer have in common? They have never...

Careblazer, I don't know if you can hear it right now, but there is a major storm happening right outside of my window, but I am not gonna let that stop me from recording another video for you. So if you hear like some wind helling or blowing, that's because there is a major storm happening right now in Phoenix, Arizona.

Okay, So in this post today, I wanna talk about something that is blocking the behavior change you want to see in your loved one with dementia, the number one. Reason That stops a lot of caregivers from being able to figure out what is going to change the behavior, what is actually going to get the person with dementia to change is you labeling the behavior.

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here.

You interpreting the behavior. This is what I mean. But let's take one of the big examples. So many people struggle with the person with dementia, might not want to shower or bathe. When I work with some of my clients...

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with hundreds of people with dementia and their families personally on a one to one basis. 

I’ve worked with thousands in the online space through my private programs. 

And more informally, i’ve had some contact and communication with thousands more caregivers through social media- things like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram

Over the years, I’ve started to notice some general themes on what’s made the difference between the caregivers who burn out, give up, and barely recognize themselves in the mirror. And the caregivers that somehow seem to be managing, Somehow are holding on, maybe even doing things they enjoy. 

And it’s not what you would think. Many people think the ones doing the best are the ones with more help, money, and time. And while I wished that for everyone and it would be helpful, it’s not what makes the difference. I’ve worked with...

In this post I want to talk about two different places you can focus your attention. 

One will make caregiving much harder than it has to be. (please don’t choose this one)

The other will make a difficult journey much easier for you. 

After reading this post and trying this out- you can take it a step further by joining me in my Make Caregiving Easier experience at makecaregivingeasier.com and let’s keep the ball rolling.

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here.

I was talking to a friend recently and she was telling  me about a book (in full disclosure I have NOT read this book…yet). And it has nothing to do with caregiving…BUT the concept she shared with me was incredibly helpful to me AND I think it can be helpful to any caregiver. 

The book was called The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and it's a business book. 

BUT, the concept my friend shared was this: In life there is...

Has your person with dementia ever believed somethign that wasn’t true? Like that people are stealing things when it’s really that they are misplacing them or losing them?

Or maybe even that they see someone in the house, even though no one else is there? 

These are knowns as Delusions and Hallucinations. These are common symptoms that can happen in any dementia. And they are actually two different things, although many people confuse the two. 

Today I’m going to share what’s the difference between these two symptoms and how you’ll be able to know whether person you’re caring for has either one or both of these symptoms. AND most importantly, I’ll share some big do’s and don’t when trying to respond, because if you’ve even tried to tell someone what they are believing or seeing isn’t real then you know that usually makes things much worse. I don’t want that to happen to...

Hey there Careblazer. Today I want to talk about traveling with your LOWD. Under regular circumstances traveling can be stressful and require a lot of planning. Many people worry about being in a public place and how their LOWD might react. Last week (or whenever the other one is done), I gave you my top 5 tips for traveling with your LOWD. Today, I want to talk about a potential resource to explore when traveling. It can be controversial for some but is worth considering if it may be right for you. 

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here.

So as I mentioned this idea is somewhat controversial but you can consider using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. Today I want to review with you what the Sunflower Lanyard is, why some people consider it controversial, and how it could potentially be helpful for you and your LOWD. 

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is very much like it sounds. It is a green lanyard with...

Hello Careblazers!

This week over on my YouTube channel, I interviewed the creator of Jelly Drops: a unique and creative way to help prevent dehydration in dementia. While these shouldn't replace actual liquids, your loved one may enjoy eating them and get a bit more water in their system as a result.

If you're interested to know more, please watch the full video here to learn about Jelly Drops and how much water they actually contain.

PLEASE NOTE: I do not advocate for Jelly Drops. I am not an affiliate. I received zero money from Jelly Drops for this video. This is purely an informational video to learn more about Jelly Drops which have recently become available in the U.S.

Keep up the great work Careblazers!