In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the complexities of navigating the holiday season while caring for a loved one with dementia. They explore the emotional challenges caregivers face, the importance of simplicity, routine, and flexibility, and provide practical tips and hacks to make the holidays more manageable. The conversation emphasizes the need for caregivers to communicate their needs and adapt holiday traditions to create a supportive environment for both themselves and their loved ones.

Takeaways

• The holidays can be overwhelming for caregivers and those with dementia.
• Simplicity, routine, and flexibility are essential for a successful holiday experience.
• Avoid large crowds and overstimulating environments during gatherings.
• Minimize questions that put the person with dementia on the spot.
• Maintain regular routines as much as possible during the holidays.
• Traveling with a person with dementia requires extra planning and patience.
• Use technology to help manage caregiving tasks during the holidays.
• Grief and resentment are common emotions for caregivers during this time.
• It's important to ask for help and communicate needs to family and friends.
• Creating new traditions can be a positive way to adapt to changes.

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In this episode of Hope Floats, hosts Shoshawna Rainwater and Rachel Coady discuss the complexities of seeking a dementia diagnosis for loved ones. They explore what constitutes normal cognitive aging versus concerning changes, the importance of obtaining a diagnosis, and strategies for approaching the conversation with loved ones. The episode emphasizes the emotional challenges faced by caregivers and the significance of communication and support in navigating the journey of dementia care.

Takeaways

• Seeking a diagnosis is crucial when cognitive changes are noticed.
• Normal cognitive aging includes occasional forgetfulness and word-finding difficulties.
• Abnormal cognitive changes may include forgetting names and significant events.
• Recognizing signs of concern can help in timely intervention.
• Obtaining a diagnosis can alleviate confusion and provide clarity for families.
• Communication is essential in discussing diagnosis and care options.
• Caregivers should prioritize self-care during this challenging time.
• It's important to approach medical professionals with clear concerns and questions.
• Post-diagnosis, families should consider legal and financial planning.
• Sharing experiences with others can provide support and insight.

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Thanks for listening! Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources and learn more about the hosts you can visit www.HopeFloatspodcast.com

Welcome to Hope Floats! In this first episode, Shoshawna and Rachel introduce themselves and explain why they created the Hope Floats Podcast. As two people who have been care providers for people with dementia and who both have professional experience supporting caregivers in the dementia journey, the co-hosts share what brought them here, what the listeners can look forward to, and why they believe hope can be a part of the uncertainties of care providing in dementia. They look forward to an honest discussion about this disease, discussing choices and options, and sharing resources and tools to help navigate this journey with hope. It's time for a new conversation about dementia and caregiving. This is Hope Floats.

Takeaways

• Dementia is a challenging disease that requires better resources and support
• The Hope Floats podcast aims to provide information, support, and hope for families dealing with dementia
• Rachel and Shoshawna share their personal experiences and motivations for starting the podcast
• The podcast will be honest about the challenges of dementia while also offering strategies for reducing suffering and enhancing well-being
• Hope and community are important aspects of navigating the dementia journey

Chapters
00:00 Introducing Hope Floats
06:35 Personal Journeys
21:31 Agreements and Permissions
29:36 The Importance of Hope and Community

Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you!

Thanks for listening! Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources and learn more about the hosts you can visit www.HopeFloatspodcast.com

We're excited to be here and wanted to share more information about who we are, why we're here, and what you can expect from this podcast. You can also learn more at www.hopefloatspodcast.com

Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you!

Thanks for listening! Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources and learn more about the hosts you can visit www.HopeFloatspodcast.com