Podcasts · Education · Health & Fitness

The Caregiver's Journey

Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster

74 episodes

The Caregiver’s Journey podcast is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day Alzheimer's and dementia family caregiving challenges with strength, patience, and peace of mind. Using practical tips and candid conversations, Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster help you navigate caregiving’s ups and downs, so you move from feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and sometimes frightened - to confident, balanced, and supported.

Episodes page 1 of 2

  1. The Messy Middle Steps 11-14 Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 22 min · S3 E73

    When someone gets a diagnosis of dementia, there are two people who need to be cared for: the person living with dementia and you, the primary caregiver.” Nancy Treaster Are you inserting yourself more and more into…

  2. Getting the Most Out of Doctor’s Visits: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 23 min · S3 E72

    Do you leave your loved one’s doctor’s appointments feeling intimidated or confused instead of empowered? Do you wish you had a clearer role in shaping their care? Many caregivers feel this way, and there is a better…

  3. Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 Steps 7-10 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 23 min · S3 E71

    Did your loved one recently receive a diagnosis of dementia? Have you already worked through the first six steps of the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap? If so, you’ve built a solid foundation, and it’s time to…

  4. Choosing the Right Memory Care Community: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 24 min · S3 E70

    “There’s no perfect option out there, and there’s no community that’s going to check every single box.” — Kelly Graffius Are you facing the moment you hoped would never come, trying to choose the right memory care…

  5. Five Changing Caregiving Roles / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 25 min · S3 E69

    "Two words have been the foundation of every decision I made across all of my caregiving roles — safe and happy. Before every choice, I would ask, does this help my loved one be safe? And does this support them being…

  6. Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 Steps 1-6 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S3 E68

    Did your loved one recently receive a diagnosis of dementia? Are you at a loss for what to do next? Maybe you’re overwhelmed because you can’t find the information you need — or maybe it’s the opposite, and you’re…

  7. Show Up, Stay Present, Keep Finding Ways to Connect: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S3 E67

    “When I look back on my caregiving experience, I found a purpose and a true sense of self that I didn’t know I had. Yes, there was a lot of drama and a lot of trauma, but I look back and think - this was a great…

  8. What Stage of Dementia Caregiving Are You in? / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 25 min · S3 E66

    Have you ever felt overwhelmed searching for the right information at the right time, or found yourself drowning in conflicting resources that leave you more confused than when you started? You’re not alone. Dementia…

  9. Help for Solo Caregivers: Four Resource Areas / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 22 min · S3 E65

    Do you feel completely alone in your caregiving journey? No family backup, friends have faded away, and you can’t afford professional help? You are not alone — and there is real help available, often at little or no…

  10. Falling - Spot Risks, Stay Calm, Heal Afterwards: Five Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S3 E64

    “When families are prepared — physically, emotionally, logistically — they are able to handle these moments a lot differently. There’s less panic, less guilt, and a little bit more empowerment.” — Dr. Taylor Rush One…

  11. Meaningful Conversation: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 25 min · S3 E63

    "Once caregivers get it, they're like, 'My gosh.' You just have to train yourself to walk around the brick wall to the moment, the now, and the imagination." — Anne Basting Do you struggle to create meaningful…

  12. What Is a Virtual Dementia Tour?: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 27 min · S3 E62

    “I don’t think any of us should be trying to assist a person with dementia without first walking in their shoes.” — PK Beville, Ph.D. Have you ever wondered what it actually feels like to live with dementia? Do you…

  13. Turn Your Wishes Into Reality: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementiastled Project

    · 25 min · S3 E61

    WOOP is a very practical technique for anything from emotions to something on your to-do list — it can be used for many different kinds of wishes." — Donna Fedus How many times have you been told that taking care of…

  14. Use Cognitive Simulation Therapy at Home: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 27 min · S3 E60

    "While we can't reverse aging, regular mental activity — these exercises, regular cognitive engagement — helps keep cognitive skills stronger for longer. It's like exercising your body." — Dr. Daniel Fenton What if…

  15. Protect Your Brain Health: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 24 min · S3 E59

    As a family caregiver, you spend so much time worrying about your loved one's brain health. But what about your own? The good news is that there are real, evidence-backed steps you can take to improve your brain health…

  16. What Is a Certified Senior Advisor: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 27 min · S3 E58

    Have you ever heard of a certified senior advisor? Would you even know what you needed or how to find one? You're not alone if the answer is no — and there are clear steps you can take to get the right help at the…

  17. Find The Right Support Group: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 19 min · S3 E57

    “Support groups are like lifelines — we’re around other people who are going through the same thing we are, and we know we’re not alone.” Kim Franklin Do you wonder if support groups are right for you? Do you know how…

  18. When Your Spouse Becomes Your Patient: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S3 E56

    "One of the hardest parts in spousal caregiving is accepting that we're no longer just partners. We're now caregiver and care receiver. The loss of our emotional and physical partner and the emotional responsibilities…

  19. Is It an Early Sign of Dementia? Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 27 min · S3 E55

    “What really helps is grounding yourself in three things: what change you’re noticing, how different it is from who this person has always been, and whether it’s getting worse over time.” — Dr. Anna Chodos Are you…

  20. Why the Right Dementia Diagnosis Matters: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 21 min · S3 E54

    “An accurate early dementia diagnosis is essential. It can make a significant difference in how families navigate the diagnosis.” Esther Kane, MSN, RN Your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia… but do you ever…

  21. The Dementia Care Financial Conversation: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 24 min · S3 E53

    "Dementia is not just a medical journey, but it's a financial and emotional one." – Devon Banning, CFP Are you avoiding the financial conversation with your loved one because it feels uncomfortable or overwhelming? Do…

  22. Preparing for Stormy Weather: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 22 min · S2 E52

    Are you prepared if a major storm threatens your area? Do you know whether to evacuate or shelter in place with your loved one who has dementia? Have you created a communication plan that accounts for potential power…

  23. Dementia Caregiving and TV: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 29 min · S2 E51

    "The difference between TV as comfort and TV as chaos isn't the screen—it's understanding how the changing brain experiences what's on it." Do you rely on television to help occupy your loved one's time? Does your…

  24. Family Dynamics in Caregiving: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S2 E50

    Are you struggling to pull your family together to create a working support system for someone living with dementia? Do you find family members disagreeing on what needs to be done or how to help? You're not alone, and…

  25. Navigating Death Related Responsibilities: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 29 min · S2 E49

    Do you know what you need to do immediately after your loved one passes? Many caregivers don't. Are you worried about missing important tasks or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of administrative, financial, and…

  26. Are You Part of the Sandwich Generation? Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 20 min · S2 E48

    Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to care for aging parents while raising children? Do you find yourself stretched thin between different generations, each with their own unique needs? My name is Sue Ryan. As a…

  27. Navigating Grief Throughout Caregiving: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S2 E47

    Have you noticed yourself feeling sad when your loved one can't remember their phone number? Do you find yourself withdrawing from friends or losing patience more easily? These feelings might be grief—and you may not…

  28. Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: Later On Steps 18-20 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 17 min · S2 E46

    Have you reached the point where you're now fully responsible for your loved one's care and safety? Do you find yourself guiding others or managing all aspects of their daily needs? You've entered what we call "later…

  29. Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: Messy Middle Steps 11-17 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 29 min · S2 E45

    Have you moved beyond the initial steps of your caregiving journey and now find yourself needing to take more control while your loved one still believes they can do most things independently? Are you noticing that…

  30. Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: In the Beginning Steps 7-10 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 28 min · S2 E44

    Have you completed the first six essential steps of the comprehensive 20-step caregiving journey roadmap guide Navigating Dementia Caregiving: Your Resource Roadmap for Every Stage? Are ready to take on more? Do you…

  31. Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: In the Beginning Steps 1-6 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 38 min · S2 E43

    Have you ever felt overwhelmed because you don’t know what information you need, can’t find reliable sources, or feel frustrated by too much conflicting advice? We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for…

  32. When to Call in Palliative Care: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 28 min · S2 E42

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of dementia care? Do you find yourself wishing you had more support navigating medical decisions and planning for the future? You’re not alone - and there’s specialized…

  33. Aligning Work and Caregiving Responsibilities: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S2 E41

    Have you ever thought, "I wish I knew how to have a constructive conversation with my manager about how to align my work responsibilities and my caregiving responsibilities?" Today we're sharing strategies to help…

  34. Create Your Personal Caregiving Support Network: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 22 min · S2 E40

    “In the marathon that is caregiving, the difference between exhaustion and endurance isn’t willpower, it’s the strength of the support network we build around us.” Sue Ryan Are you feeling overwhelmed by the…

  35. Is the Medicare GUIDE Program for you?: Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 24 min · S2 E39

    Is the Medicare GUIDE Program for you? Today Nancy and I are sharing insights from Amy Imes of Emory's Integrated Memory Care about the new Medicare Program GUIDE. We're going to help you understand what it is and how…

  36. Studying Sleep Early in the Dementia Journey: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 24 min · S2 E38

    Do you wish you could get a good night’s sleep? We do too! We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we appreciate the insights Dr. Glenna…

  37. Studying Experienced Caregivers: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S2 E37

    "When it comes to caregiving, the assumption about being able to take what we've learned and just naturally grow is not always going to be true." How do you think you would feel if you were caregiving for a second or…

  38. Learn to Navigate Support Systems: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 23 min · S2 E36

    “An educated and confident family caregiver who knows what to do in their role is really the absolute best medicine for the care receiver.” Dr. Carolyn Clevenger Do you know extensive research specifically focused on…

  39. Build a Partnership With Your Care Community: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 30 min · S2 E35

    Is your loved one in a memory care community, or are you considering moving them into one? Understanding how to build a collaborative relationship with the care team is crucial for ensuring the best outcomes for your…

  40. Introduce and Integrate a Caregiver: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 26 min · S2 E34

    Adding a new caregiver to your support team can be a challenging transition, whether they're coming into your home, assisting your loved one who lives alone, or joining the care team in a memory care community. This…

  41. How To Create a Care Plan: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 27 min · S2 E33

    Are you prepared for others to take care of your loved one? Do you have a care plan in place? Having a comprehensive care plan is one of the most important tools a caregiver can create — not just for emergencies, but…

  42. Navigating the Caregiver Hiring Process: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 29 min · S2 E32

    When the time comes to bring professional caregiving support into your loved one’s life, the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hiring a caregiver for home care or to complement care in a community setting,…

  43. They Know What We Don’t, Elder Law Attorneys: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 34 min · S2 E31

    We don't know what we don't know. But elder law attorneys do, and their expertise can be transformational for families facing aging-related challenges. Whether you're dealing with a recent diagnosis, planning for…

  44. Finding Peace in Preparation: End of Life Service Preplanning: Eight Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 28 min · S2 E30

    When you’re grieving, the last thing you need to be doing is planning a service. Pre-planning allows you to make only two decisions when death occurs: what day and what time the service will be held. Everything else…

  45. When To Call In Hospice: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 27 min · S2 E29

    As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that there are many misconceptions about hospice care. Today, we're joined by hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda…

  46. Time for a Change? Tips When Considering Home and Community Living Options: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

    · 34 min · S2 E28

    As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we often face the challenging question: "Is it time to change my care receiver's living situation?" We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, and…

  47. The Realities of Caregiver Self-Care: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 24 min · S2 E27

    When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or other type of dementia, you’ve probably heard countless times: “Don’t forget to take care of yourself.” While well-intentioned, this advice can feel…

  48. Are You Ready for an Emergency? Get a Plan!: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 27 min · S2 E26

    When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, worries can keep you up at night — but they don’t help you. Through our conversation with Denise Brown, we’ve learned having a solid…

  49. Supporting Your Parent Through Their Caregiving Journey: Six Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 28 min · S1 E25

    When a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia and the other parent begins their caregiving journey, the dynamic between the caregiving parent and child shifts dramatically. Through our…

  50. Dental Care Update: Three New Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    · 23 min · S1 E24

    "I discovered a growth on his gum that was only slightly smaller than a marble. That's when I learned dental care involves much more than just brushing teeth." As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and…

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