Visual Storytelling can help make complex stories easier to understand. It can deliver more impactful messages. It can make stories as relevant for readers as possible.

Why would someone choose to document visually such a difficult subject as dementia? There are as many answers to this as there are caregivers. For some, it's a way to process what they're going through. Whether this is the caregiver's journey or how to process grief, visual Storytelling is a therapeutic process for many.

In this episode, I talk to Gina Martin. She is the founder and CEO of The Bob & Diane Fund. She has been with National Geographic for 21 years. It was a long-held desire to help financially support photographers and their personal projects. Short of winning the lottery, it seemed as if this dream would never happen.

It did happen, and they have now awarded five major grants. Gina tells us all about the origin of the Bob & Diane Fund, the grants and, why it's essential to tell the story of Alzheimer's and dementia. If you've ever longed for a significant way to show someone what your caregiving days are like, this episode will give you that option.

Be sure to head over to their website to see all the images from this year's winner, Jalal Shamsazaran, and his project, The loss of Oral History.

The Bob & Diane Fund
Transcript
Help Support Fading Memories
We have partnered with Caregiver Chronicles to bring you a comprehensive 8-week course. This course covers diagnosis to transition. To learn more or to sign up go HERE

 

Some details about the course.

Payment options include: PayPal or Venmo @dryvette-jackson
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  You'll find us on social media at the following links.

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

Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at fadingmemoriespodcast@gmail.com

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When Caregiving Calls, are we going to be prepared?

Caregiving doesn't usually call; for most of us, caregiving demands our immediate attention. Can we be prepared when that call comes? We're not a society that, in general, plans for or likes to discuss the end of our lives. However, with a little planning, conversation, and thoughtful consideration, we can help everyone when caregiving becomes necessary.

Seventy percent of us will need care before our life is over. Unfortunately, most of us seem to think we'll be in the other thirty percent. Understanding that it's likely, we'll need care in the end; we'll be prepared for this necessity.

In this episode, I talk to Aaron Blight, Ed.D. He is the author of the brand new book When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative. Rooted in his personal experiences, Aaron's passion for supporting caregivers is vast. Aaron was a caregiver, the owner of a large home care company, and a leader at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This passion and experience guided him to get his doctorate in the study of caregiving as a phenomenon of social science. He has excellent advice on handling caregiving demands on our lives.

Order When Caregiving Calls Here!
Related Episodes
It Takes A Village – (Senior Social Program with Kids)

Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation

Transcript
Help Support Fading Memories
We have partnered with Caregiver Chronicles to bring you a comprehensive 8-week course. This course covers diagnosis to transition. To learn more or to sign up go HERE

 

Some details about the course.

Payment options include: PayPal or Venmo @dryvette-jackson
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

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

Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at fadingmemoriespodcast@gmail.com

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Is there a way to keep our brain smart as we age?  Our brains continue to grow when we challenge them. What exactly should we be looking at in terms of strenuous brain exercise?

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Creativity is a lifeline for me. Does having a creative mind help you avoid Alzheimer's? Some research has shown that musicians' brains are more resilient because of the additional neural networks formed while learning their craft.

Are there other art forms that may provide this same resilience for those who are not musically inclined? Thankfully, there may be. Writing, painting, drawing, sculpting, and dancing are options that may improve our cognitive health.

An art kit, specially designed for people living with Alzheimer's, may give caregivers some peace while also allowing your loved one to express themselves creatively. Lola's Art Kit has the supplies and prompts to facilitate drawing, sculpting, and writing.

Spending time on a creative passion, no matter your age is an excellent investment in your cognitive health. The bonus is, you and your loved one can participate together!

Lola's Art Kits
Related Episodes:
Connecting Through Art

Activities for People Living With Alzheimer's

Transcript
Help Support Fading Memories
We have partnered with Caregiver Chronicles to bring you a comprehensive 8-week course. This course covers diagnosis to transition. To learn more or to sign up go HERE

 

Some details about the course.

Payment options include: PayPal or Venmo @dryvette-jackson
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  With this in mind, find us on social media platforms at the following links.

Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

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

Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at fadingmemoriespodcast@gmail.com

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In the first place, is it even possible to find a way to achieve cruising through caregiving? We all know that being a family caregiver is no vacation. Together with my guest on this podcast episode, we talk about reducing the challenges we face, even if only slightly.

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Self-care is more than bubble baths & wine.

Self-care is more than a bubble bath or a glass of wine. Caregivers frequently hear, “you have to take care of yourself,” but they seldom hear how to make that happen. They're also rarely offered the assistance they need that would allow them time for self-care.

If you want to demolish the feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and bitterness, you need to learn how to become a Warrior of Light. That is the title of my guest's book. Eileen Silverberg is a caregiver, author, and teacher of self-care. She emphasizes meditation and Hawaiian practices, and after listening to this episode, you will have new tools that will help you find peace and happiness and form a stronger bond with your loved one.

Through A Warrior of Light, Eileen guides all types of caregivers as they face challenges. She helps them relinquish self-sabotage, forgive themselves, deepen their spiritual practice, engage in self-care, and ultimately, find their own Inner Warrior. As you read her journey, you will repair your connection with yourself and become the best you.
So choose today to get rid of those judgments and limiting beliefs surrounding Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

Eileen will help you redefine how you view self-care to help you overcome burnouts and anxiety. She will advise you on how to think with a more positive mindset about who you are, how you perceive others and the world.

TRANSCRIPT
Related Episodes
Giving a Caregiver Help

Creating Breathing Spaces for Family Caregivers

 
Help Support Fading Memories
We have partnered with Caregiver Chronicles to bring you a comprehensive 8-week course. This course covers diagnosis to transition. To learn more or to sign up go HERE

 

Some details about the course.

Payment options include: PayPal or Venmo @dryvette-jackson

 
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

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

Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at fadingmemoriespodcast@gmail.com

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Most of us don't sign up for caregiving. It happens because of a crisis or slowly takes over more of our day-to-day lives. Eventually, much of our caregiving comes to an end, and then what? When caregiving has been your primary life purpose for years, what do you do when that's gone?

Moving on isn't always easy. Even when we think we're ready for the change, we can feel lost when it happens. During this unique time in our world, moving on is even more challenging. How do we move on in a world that is nearly standing still?

As my guest says; Where you are now is a test, but not your destination. Start where the opportunity is because you are in transition. The process is a preparation for the small things that lead to mighty things!

2020 has been a challenge for me; moving, changing careers, and losing my Mom, all in the first three months. But I'm not the only one facing a similar challenge; how do we move on after our loved one is gone? In today's episode, I have motivational speaker Michael Arterberry and another caregiver in the transition to discuss moving on after caregiving.

TRANSCRIPT
Related Episodes
Talking with Psychology In Seattle Podcast

Our Golden Years & End of Life Options

 

Michael Arterberry

Joni's Instagram for Caregivers

 
Help Support Fading Memories
We have partnered with Caregiver Chronicles to bring you a comprehensive 8-week course. This course covers diagnosis to transition. To learn more or to sign up go HERE

 

Some details about the course.

Payment options include: PayPal or Venmo @dryvette-jackson

 
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

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

Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at fadingmemoriespodcast@gmail.com

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Your brain has a superpower – do you know how to activate it?

Do you want to take charge of your brain? Keep your mind healthy and strong for the remainder of your life? Are you aware of how things and people in your life influence your neurological health? There are ways to take charge of the meaning of your life and tune in to an extraordinary life.

My guest for this episode is Dr. Phillipe Douyon. He is a neurologist, an author, an app designer, and a course developer. He's here to teach us about neuroplasticity, which is our brain's superpower.

His theory is that we can have a different relationship with our brains. Instead of succumbing to whatever age-related disease, dysfunction, or degeneration, we can precisely give our minds what they need to adapt, heal, and thrive.

When more than 100 million Americans live with a neurological disease, it's crucial to find ways to avoid going down the same path—neurological conditions like Alzheimer's effect every facet of our lives. They rob us of our lives and families in a way that diseases of other organs can't. Often it seems that we are helpless to do anything about it. But, what if that wasn't true?

Your brain has a superpower-do you know how to activate it?

TRANSCRIPT
Related Episodes:
Why Are You Sick, Fat & Tired? Healthier Lifestyles

Food As Medicine? Dawn Renee’s Caregiving Experiences

 
Connect with Dr. Douyon
Book

Take Charge of Your Brain Course

 
Help Support Fading Memories
We have partnered with Caregiver Chronicles to bring you a comprehensive 8-week course. This course covers diagnosis to transition. To learn more or to sign up go HERE

 

Some details about the course.

Payment options include: PayPal or Venmo @dryvette-jackson

 
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

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

Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at fadingmemoriespodcast@gmail.com

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Stress & anxiety relief through music therapy is definitely something you can do at home. There is abundant research that proves listening to music helps to reduce our levels of anxiety.  Anxiety, one of the most common, and most devastating, of all mental conditions, has become somewhat of an epidemic in modern-day society.

What is the leading cause of anxiety?  The enormous amounts of stress in our lives.  This is because stress builds up and up and, if left untreated or unaddressed, results in us becoming anxious about certain situations.

Living with cognitive failure has to be one of the most anxiety-producing situations any of us may face.  Confusion and fear definitely cause a high level of stress.  However, by lowering our stress levels through listening to music, we can ultimately reduce the anxiety we suffer in our everyday lives. And you can do this anywhere.

Both caregivers and their loved ones can easily incorporate at-home music ‘therapy’ to improve their daily lives.  Listening to music can have the same positive effects as mood-altering medication without the negative side effects.  It can have a powerful effect on both our emotions and body.  Music is something that almost anybody can access which makes it an easy stress reduction tool.

Determining what type of music has the biggest benefit isn’t terribly difficult. First, it has to be music you like. The best way to determine the style of music you find most effective is to take a “sound bath”. “Bathe” your brain in different types of music to see what resonates best with you and your loved one.
First, a bit of research to guide you.  
Music that is around 60 beats per minute allows the brain to sync up with the beat inducing Alpha brain waves. Alpha brainwaves are present when we are relaxed and conscious.  If you’re looking for music to help induce sleep you’ll want something with approximately 20-25 beats per minute. You may have to devote up to 45 minutes in a reclined and relaxed position to achieve sleep.  It is important to remember that quieting your mind does not mean you will automatically feel sleepy. It means your brain and body are relaxed, and with your new calm self, you can then function at your best in many activities.

Some find it surprising that Native American, Celtic, Indian stringed-instruments, drums, and flutes are very effective at relaxing the mind even when played moderately loud. Sounds of rain, thunder, and nature sounds may also be relaxing particularly when mixed with other music, such as light jazz, classical, and easy listening music.

Finding music that fits the beats-per-minute recommendation is easier with online streaming. Most streaming services (I use iTunes) have playlists based on mood. For example, iTunes has playlists for feel good, focus, chill, and sleep.

The sleep playlists offered include one called Classical Sleep. It has 49 songs and over 4 hours of music. Within just the sleep section there are thousands of hours of music & sounds. You are certain to find many options that you like.
How To Use Music for Stress Relief
You’ve discovered what styles of music you resonate with, now it’s time to put your personal music therapy into action.  Music can help you wake up while keeping you calm and focused. If you have a big, busy day ahead that requires extra energy, try something that's upbeat and makes you want to dance and smile.  

Playing upbeat music while doing chores, cooking, even eating can enhance your daily well being. Get creative! Make different playlists for all the different daily activities you do.

Short dancing clip

Bill Protzman

TRANSCRIPT
Help Support Fading Memories
We have partnered with Caregiver Chronicles to bring you a comprehensive 8-week course. This course covers diagnosis to transition. To learn more or to sign up go HERE

Some details about the course.

Payment options include: PayPal paypal.me/caregiverchronicles or Venmo @dryvette-jackson
…

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One of 5 authors of the books “365 Caregiving Tips”

Not all tips will fit every caregiver, but every caregiver will find tips that fit. Those are the wise words you find when visiting the website, www.365caregivingtips.com. Joining me, again, is a favorite guest, Gincy Heins. She was so delightful I knew I had to have her back.

Caregiving is a marathon of a journey. The more advice we have to help us navigate this responsibility, the better off everyone will be. With their fourth book, Gincy and four other authors have given us enough caregiving tips to get us through just about any situation. 

In addition to four books, Gincy also shares a positive life tip on her Instagram page every day. If you're looking for a one-minute, positive thought for the day, you need to look her up!

Gincy is the caregiver and advocate for her husband who was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment when he was 55-years-old. She is also a mom, teacher, speaker, city commissioner, and volunteer with AlzAuthors, the public library, spcaLA, and Alzheimer’s Orange County.

365 Caregiving Tips on Instagram
Related Episodes
Gincy's Other Episode

Caregivers-Lots of Self-Care Strategies Here!

Caregiver Stress Reduction Techniques
Transcript
Help Support Fading Memories
We have partnered with Caregiver Chronicles to bring you a comprehensive 8-week course. This course covers diagnosis to transition. To learn more or to sign up go HERE

 

Some details about the course.

Payment options include: PayPal or Venmo @dryvette-jackson

 
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

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

Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at fadingmemoriespodcast@gmail.com

 

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