Hey there, Careblazers! Today, I want to share a personal experience highlighting a critical issue in the healthcare system. As someone who has worked in the healthcare field for over 13 years, I recently found myself on the other side as a caregiver for my parents. The experiences I had during this challenging time have prompted me to address an important aspect that healthcare professionals need to keep in mind, and it can also help you, the Careblazer, in your caregiving journey.

Let me set the stage for you. My dad had a severe fall, which landed him in the hospital for a month, including some time in the ICU. From there, he was transferred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation. It was during this transition that I encountered a series of disheartening experiences that shed light on the state of care facilities today.

Upon arriving at the skilled nursing facility, nobody greeted me. The worker at the front desk was busy with her phone, failed to acknowledge my...

Welcome back, Careblazers! I want to talk about a lesser-known but valuable living facility option for older adults, especially those with or without dementia, who require assistance with their daily activities. While many seniors prefer aging at home and receiving care there, it may not always be feasible for everyone. Traditional options like assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes are well-known, but another alternative, called "group homes," deserves attention. Let's discuss the pros and cons of group homes to help you make an informed decision for your loved one's care.

Group homes are residential facilities that resemble ordinary homes and are licensed by the state to provide specialized care for their residents. You may find them nestled within residential neighborhoods, blending in with regular houses. These homes cater to older adults who need support with their daily activities but want a more home-like environment.

*The Benefits of Group...

Introduction:

Hey there, Careblazers! Welcome back, today, let's talk about an all to common issue dementia caregivers face. What issue you may ask? Dealing with repeating questions in dementia care. It can be tough, but don't worry—I've got your back! Together, we'll tackle this challenge and make your caregiving journey a little easier.

Understanding Memory in Dementia:

Imagine this: your loved one asks you the same question over and over again, even after you've already answered. It can be frustrating and make you wonder if you're doing something wrong. But here's the key: in dementia, memory loss is a big factor that causes this repetition.

When Memory Plays Tricks:

When your loved one keeps asking the same question, it doesn't mean that what you said didn't work or that you need to come up with something new every time. Their memory is tricking them, making them forget what you just told them. It's important to remember this and not be too hard on yourself.

The Power of...

Hey there, Careblazers! Today, I want to share a valuable tip that can make a big difference in how your loved one with dementia feels. You might think you already know it, but let me ask you this: Are you actually doing it?

If you're new here, welcome! I'm Dr. Natali, and on this channel, we talk about all things related to dementia caregiving. Before we dive into today's tip, let me quickly ask for your support. If these blog posts have helped you on your caregiving journey, please let other caregivers know about them. By spreading the word, we can reach more caregivers who need information and support.

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! So, what's the one thing you can do to avoid upsetting your loved one? It's pretty simple, really—just avoid saying "no." No one likes hearing or saying that word, right? But here's the thing: when we say "no" to our loved ones with dementia, it often makes them frustrated and angry. And when they're not doing well, it makes our lives...

Introduction:

Being a caregiver can be challenging, especially when it comes to making tough decisions for our loved ones. One common mistake we make is thinking that if something bad happens, it means we made the wrong choice. In this blog post, we will explore why this kind of thinking is incorrect and how we can change our perspective to feel more empowered on our caregiving journey.

The Problem with Negative Outcomes:

Recently, during a live Q&A session in my Care Course, a caregiver shared her experience of placing her mom in a care facility, even though she didn't want to. Unfortunately, her mom had a serious fall while at the facility, which made the caregiver doubt her decision. It's natural to question ourselves in such situations, but we need to understand why this kind of thinking is flawed.

Why We Can't Predict the Future:

When something bad happens because of a decision we made, we often believe that a different choice would have led to a better outcome. However,...

Hey there, fellow Careblazers! I recently stumbled upon a revelation that I just had to share with you. Picture this: your loved one with dementia gets upset or angry frequently, and you desperately want to reduce those instances. Well, buckle up because I've got a simple tip that might just do the trick. Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Now, before I spill the beans, I know your brain is already screaming, "But how? What about this situation?" Take a deep breath and let your brain freak out for a moment because I'm about to drop some wisdom that might surprise you. Stick with me, and I promise it'll be worth it. Oh, and don't forget about the assignment I've got for you at the end.

So, recently I was chatting with a friend, and we happened to discuss how she responded to her grandma's persistent desire to go home. She mentioned something so brilliant, yet so quick, that it's easy to overlook. But not today, my friends! I'm here to shine a spotlight on this gem because it's precisely...

Introduction:

If you would like to learn a special habit that holds incredible power, then you'll want to read this. Sometimes, our minds get caught up in imagining the worst-case scenarios, filling us with stress and worry (especially as a dementia caregiver.). But what if I told you that these thoughts are simply stories we make up? That's right! By realizing this, we can take charge and create a more positive tale. This small shift in thinking can have a big impact on our lives. Get ready to uncover the secrets of balanced thinking and how it can change your world for the better.

The Habit of Storytelling:

Have you ever found yourself dwelling on all the things that could go wrong in the future? I'm sure you have, it's pretty hard not to when dealing with anything dementia-related. Imagine you're considering placing a loved one in a care facility, and suddenly, your mind is flooded with fears. Thoughts like, "What if they refuse to go? What if they run away?" start taking over....

Welcome back, Careblazers! Today, let's talk about how you can get more help in caregiving. Most dementia caregivers want more support, and in this post, I'll share four simple steps from the section in the Careblazer Care Course, Help That Actually Helps, to increase your chances of getting the help you need. These steps can be used when asking family, friends, neighbors, caregiving agencies, or healthcare providers for assistance. Let's break it down and see how you can start implementing them in your life.

Step 1: Choose a Task You Need Help With

First, think about a task that you do as a caregiver but could be done by someone else. It could be helping your loved one with bathing, feeding, or getting dressed. It could also be non-caregiving tasks like grocery shopping or mowing the lawn. Write down everything you do in a day that could be done by someone else.

Step 2: Find Someone or a Place to Ask for Help

Next, think about who could help you with that task. It could...

Being a caregiver can be overwhelming, especially when you have other demands in your life. The key to reducing overwhelm is knowing the difference between what is necessary and what is simply a nice-to-have. In this blog post, we'll explore a powerful question that can help caregivers prioritize their tasks and reduce stress.

That question is: "Is this a necessity or a nicety?"

Let's dive in!

Caregivers often face overwhelming situations due to the mounting of various tasks. To overcome this, knowing the difference between what is essential and what can wait is important. You can better manage your daily tasks by asking yourself whether something is a necessity or a nicety.

Example: Decorating for the Holidays

Let's consider a caregiver who was feeling stressed about decorating her house for the holidays. While it may seem like a small task, it added to her already full plate of caregiving duties. By using the necessity or nicety question, she realized that while decorating was not...

Are you a caregiver who finds dementia caregiving overwhelming and challenging? Do you often wish for a smoother, more comfortable journey in caring for your loved one? If so, you're not alone. Let's explore the three stages of dementia caregiving that every caregiver experiences and discuss how you can transition from the unknown stage of struggle to the stage of smooth sailing, where success and confidence await you.

Stage 1: The Unknown Stage

The journey of dementia caregiving begins in the unknown stage, where uncertainty is one of the main feelings.

As a caregiver, you step into a world you've never experienced before, filled with countless questions and an overwhelming amount of information to absorb. Dementia is complex, and each person's experience with it is unique, making it impossible to predict what lies ahead.

In this stage, it's common to feel confused, overwhelmed, and ill-equipped to handle the challenges that arise. Just like when you first learned to drive a car,...