The Alzheimer’s Podcast:
Navigating Rough Terrain with the Dementia Sherpa
Hello and Welcome to Episode 40 of The Alzheimer’s Podcast.
I’m Mike Good of Together in This.
Thank you for joining me for another podcast where my goal is always to empower you to maintain a positive experience, reduce and eliminate the need for medications, and make your time together with those you care for, the best it can be. (show notes below)
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Show Notes:
Christy Turner, the Dementia Sherpa, and I continue our conversation on how to know when it’s time to intervene or get professional help, with a discussion on the signs of physical changes.
This is the 5th episode in this six part series. If you’ve missed the prior episodes, you can catch up by starting with episode 36 where we kicked off the series with an overview of five main areas.
Some of what we discuss includes:
- Why physical changes are often overlooked or not associated with signs of dementia and why we tend to think of physical symptoms as age-related only.
- What the average family member probably isn’t aware of regarding the consequences a fall can have, and some ideas on how to prevent falls.
- Changes in sleep patterns and how to help your loved one have a better sleep routine.
- Why sleep medications should not be used for older adults and people who are cognitively impaired.
- Sudden incontinence and/or Urinary Tract infections and how the symptoms are different in older adults and cognitively impaired people.
Christy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Dementia Care Unit Manager, and Cognitive Stimulation Instructor. She has run award-winning memory care communities in assisted living and skilled nursing levels of care. She has more than 16 years experience in working with over 1,100 people living with dementia and their families.
Be sure to visit Christy’s website at dementiasherpa.com.
I hope you enjoy this episode.
- TinT resources:
- Christy’s resources:
- Christy’s articles on TinT:
Please feel free to ask questions or leave a comment below:
My mom is 84 years old and has Alzheimer’s. My dad, brother and I are with her mostly. Her right arm,leg,and feet are so swollen and hard. That’s been like this for a couple years now. I can’t lift her leg anymore – it’s like dead weight. Which is affecting her in everything. But,she’s in last stages, not drinking much or eating much, sleeping more. She don’t talk much, she is shutting down. That’s getting worse. My dad pushes her to do a couple steps eventually lately she’s collapsing and falling, she’s no help, she’s like 200lbs dead weight. Fire department are called often to get her up off the commode, or her chair. Doesn’t it sound like she should stay in bed and keep her feet up? My brother died last month and I don’t think she understood that. My dad showed her a picture of him and told her. I’m just lost about her. I believe she’s in pain but my dad’s in denial about mom. She’s at home and is on hospice care. They come 2 times a week for maybe 30min. One is a nurse and one bathes her. I don’t know what to do to help. Any advice?
I’m sorry you’re going through this, on top of the loss of your brother, Tracy. I’d definitely advise talking to the hospice team caring for your mom and outlining your specific concerns just as you have here. They’re already in position to help your mom (and you!). Ask for either the nurse or social worker assigned to your mom; both can help. If you need to leave a message, specify that it’s urgent. If you’re dissatisfied with the current hospice service, know that by law, you have a choice of hospice providers and can always switch. Sending you love and virtual hugs, Tracy. <3 -Christy