Join me in my conversation with Ann Campanella, author of the book Motherhood: Lost and Found. Ann’s’ book is an autobiography tracing her life after marriage, through several miscarriages, aging parents, and her mother’s decline with Alzheimer's disease.

Ready to start a family, Ann was used to setting goals and accomplishing them. After being plunged into an emotional journey Ann finds herself with a challenge to tackle. Reading her book allows us to follow her on this journey; a journey that leads to a deeper understanding of her and what it means to love.

During our conversation Ann and I share our collective advice, our bond as dementia daughters and our shared journey. Hearing this conversation will certainly help any caregiver dealing with dementia. Both of us have found that conversations can have positive effects on those who are participating or listening. Ann is a firm believer that good conversations can change the world.

What better way to change a caregiver’s world than to share a good conversation with them? I hope you enjoy this episode and that it changes your world in some positive way. If you are raising children while caring for a parent you will love reading about Ann’s journey. You can also listen to the audiobook if you lack the time for meaningful reading.
About AlzAuthors
Following the publication of her book Ann found the group AlzAuthors. AlzAuthors.comis a community of bestselling, award-winning authors who have never shaken hands or shared a cup of coffee. These authors come together because Alzheimer’s and dementia have impacted their lives.  Together, all AlzAuthors strive to eliminate the stigma surrounding the most important disease of our generation, estimated to affect 47 million people worldwide.

The AlzAuthors collection of books includes memoirs, novels, nonfiction, children’s books, and blogs – and the poignant real-life stories behind these works. They hope to make your life a bit easier. AlzAuthors is an excellent resource put together by people who have walked in your shoes.

Link to Ann's book (favorite things page)

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Jennifer is also available for speaking engagements.

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A shared episode with Psychology in Seattle podcast. We joined episodes to discuss how to talk to children about a family member who is suffering from memory loss. However, this episode contains a lot of other really helpful conversation.

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Presenting part two of my advice conversation with Hailey and her Mom. We discussed the challenges associated with caring for a loved one with memory loss. Sharing advice is the best way caregivers can help each other and that's what you'll get in this episode. Listen to part 1 first because this episode picks up in the middle of our conversation.

What I shared, at least some of it;

Don't invite their Dad/Grandpa to “our” reality. Also known as “fiblets”. Their reality is different and trying to bring them into ours causes frustration for everyone. This was especially helpful since they did not bring James to Hailey's 8th-grade graduation and he frequently asked when it was happening.
Coping strategies that please both parties.  My Mom loves to take a walk in nature or watch children play in the park. While she's happy, I can relax or possibly do a little bit of work. Allowing her the time to do something that she enjoys makes both of our lives better. I suggested they taking Granddad out for sunshine, visits with Navy personnel both of which may alleviate some of his challenging behaviors.
Understanding that Alzheimer's disease is a daily challenge and that doing the best that they can is all that can be expected.

Working with the individual where they are at right now is important. Their reality is different and attempting to force them into ours is a recipe for frustration. Unfortunately, it's a constant challenge to “meet them” where they're at because the disease causes their perceptions and behaviors to change frequently.
About Dad/Grandad;
James served 30+ years as a Navy chief. Serving in Japan is where some of his fondest memories come from. Growing up Haileys' grandfather loved to teach her how to cook. Making lunch together before going to the park or playing board games is how they spent their time until her mom got off work. About 5 months ago (April 2018) he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The stories he still tells are from the time he spent in the Navy, even if his words seem distorted.

Enjoy Part 2 of Soup on a Plate and stay tuned for more stories from other families.

We're looking for other families who would like to share their stories or discuss their challenges on the podcast. Sharing our journey is the best way to help others who are in this boat with us. Contact us via the website if you'd like to be featured in an episode.

 

Haileys' Story

Great Video on Managing Behaviors

Link to Part 1 of Soup on a Plate

 

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Also, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. There you can see me in “action” and watch the bonus videos I share.

Jennifer is also available for speaking engagements.

 

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The other day my grandpa took everything out of the cabinet he isn't supposed to eat. A bunch of bread, crackers, and peanut butter. Then he saw some soup that caught his attention. He grabbed a plate and poured the soup on the plate.

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Is there a connection between obesity and Alzheimer's?  There's been a lot of research lately on lifestyle choices and our risk of Alzheimer's. Seems like there may be a link

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