The Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast

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The Hardest Transition: Moving a Loved One to Memory Care
In this heartfelt and emotional episode, the host reflects on the difficult decision to move his wife, Shanna, to a memory care facility 18 months ago.

I will tell the story of the hardest thing I've ever done. That is moving my best friend and wife to a Memory Care Facility. I discuss the anxious week before this happened, the actual moving day and how we were able to move her without any problems. I also talked about the weeks that followed and how I dealt with all the emotions that came up as we began this new chapter of our life together, living apart for the first time in over 40 years.

I discuss some of the things that I was inspired to do during this very emotional time that I believe were instrumental in allowing us to survive this experience and eventually learn to thrive in this new chapter of our lives. I will discuss how important it was to have family support and faith in my conviction that this was the right thing for us to do at this time.

00:00 Introduction to the Hardest Decision
01:47 Reader's Heartfelt Comment
03:05 Preparing for the Move
03:45 Emotional Reflections and Journal Entries
06:58 Final Preparations and Family Support
08:07 The Last Weekend Together
11:02 Easter Sunday: The Last Day at Home
13:01 The Day of the Move
16:56 Family Support and Initial Adjustments
18:05 Navigating Memory Care Facilities
19:31 Emotional Challenges and Coping
21:05 First Visit and Emotional Reunion
24:07 Ongoing Struggles and Reflections
25:56 Adapting and Finding Joy
29:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

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Reconnecting with a Loved One: A Caregiver's Journey
Ken shares his deeply personal journey of staying connected with his wife, Shanna, who is battling Alzheimer's disease.
Ken recounts the emotional challenges, key realizations, and profound experiences that have helped him see beyond the disease and reconnect with Shanna's true spirit.
Through this narrative, Ken offers hope and inspiration to other caregivers facing similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of faith, perspective, and love in navigating the difficult journey of Alzheimer's.
00:00 Introduction: Reflecting on Loved Ones
00:44 Welcome to the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
01:29 A Personal Journey: Struggles and Decisions
03:10 Facing Emotional Challenges
04:59 Journal Snippets: A Glimpse into the Past
09:57 Understanding the Spirit and the Body
16:32 Realizations and Healing
20:22 Reconnecting with Shanna
25:02 Cherished Moments and Reflections
31:45 Encouragement and Conclusion

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Healing our Triggers: The Parable of the Pool
Ken Cardita shares a heartfelt story called 'The Parable of the Pool.' Ken recounts his journey of caring for his wife, Shanna, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2017. Despite initial resistance, Ken decides to build a pool for Shanna, honoring a promise he made 30 years ago.
Throughout the episode, he illustrates how untreated triggers can cause emotional damage and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a loved one’s desires over personal fears and logic. Ken also discusses the emotional ups and downs they faced, how the pool became a source of joy and connection, and the lessons he learned about addressing triggers and reprogramming negative emotions. He concludes by announcing upcoming training materials and coaching opportunities to help others in similar situations find peace and healing.
00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Emotional Triggers
00:36 Welcome to the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
02:46 Listener Comment: A Shared Journey
03:49 Background: The Parable of the Pool
09:02 The Pool Dilemma: A Source of Frustration
13:39 Decision to Build the Pool
17:51 Building the Pool: A Gift of Love
19:25 Cherished Memories and Lessons Learned
25:50 The Pool After Shanna's Move to Memory Care
28:20 Final Reflections and Moving Forward
31:12 Upcoming Resources and Closing Remarks

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Facing Fear as a Dementia Caregiver: Overcoming Anxiety and Finding Peace
Ken delves into the different types of fear experienced by caregivers of loved ones with dementia. Using his 12-year journey with his wife Shanna as an example, he discusses the common sources and reactions to fear, including fight, freeze, faint, and flight responses.
Ken shares personal anecdotes of Shanna wandering off and the proactive steps he took to ensure her safety. He also reflects on the broader fears experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers insights on reframing perspectives and finding peace by managing fears effectively.
Ken emphasizes the importance of living in the present and not letting fear steal joy. The episode aims to educate and inspire caregivers to face their fears head on.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Joy Amidst Fear
00:33 Welcome to the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
01:10 Exploring Different Types of Fear
01:51 Listener's Comment and Personal Reflections
03:26 Understanding Fear: Definitions and Types
04:08 Fight and Freezing Fear
05:34 Faint and Flight Fear
07:11 Personal Stories: Dealing with Wandering
19:31 The Impact of COVID-19 on Caregiving
23:45 Overcoming Fear and Finding Peace
27:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Overcoming Caregiver Burnout: Accepting Help and Finding Peace
Ken discusses the challenges of caregiving, the myth of doing it all alone, and the importance of accepting help to avoid caregiver burnout.
He recounts his own experiences of stubbornness and guilt, and how finally accepting assistance from family, friends, and professional caregivers transformed his ability to care for Shanna and himself. Ken also provides practical resources, such as support groups and helpful websites, for caregivers feeling trapped by their circumstances. The episode aims to inspire caregivers to find joy and peace despite the hardships of dementia care.
00:00 Introduction: The Caregiver's Dilemma
00:46 Welcome to the Surviving Alzheimer's Podcast
01:23 Episode Overview and Listener Feedback
04:06 A Personal Story of Stubbornness and Acceptance
07:34 The Realization: Caregiving Requires a Team
09:03 Stages of Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Journey
11:13 Seeking Help: Overcoming Stubbornness
12:38 Transitioning to Memory Care
18:39 Lessons Learned and Gratitude
24:58 Free Resources and Support
26:57 The Importance of Community and Connection
30:20 Closing Thoughts and Appreciation

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