Planet Alzheimer’s: Film, Poetry, and the Human Spirit with Mary Crescenzo

Welcome to the fourth film discussion in AlzAuthors' 10th Anniversary Film Festival. This powerful episode features a deep-dive into the documentary "Wine, Women & Dementia,” and offers community, validation, practical wisdom, and a celebration of caregivers. Meet Kitty Norton, creator and director of "Wine, Women & Dementia." After leaving her television career in Los Angeles, Kitty returned to Portland, Oregon to care for her mother with dementia. From her experience she later crafted this touching film to honor family caregivers and raise authentic awareness of dementia’s impact. Kitty’s film has won awards and is used by medical organizations for staff training. It’s a must-watch for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the realities of dementia care. Learn about her journey, the healing power of humor, and the importance of support networks for caregivers everywhere. Why This Episode Matters Dementia Caregiving Resources: Gain firsthand advice and inspiration from those who’ve traveled the road of dementia caregiving.Film Festival Celebration: Discover why film is a powerful medium for sharing caregiving wisdom and breaking the stigma around dementia.Empowering Community: Learn how blogging, filmmaking, and online support groups are changing the landscape for caregivers.Real Talk: The podcast doesn’t shy away from tough topics—money dilemmas, family dynamics, humor in adversity, and finding community. Key Takeaways Validation & Connection: As shared by Kitty Norton, "Wine, Women & Dementia" helps caregivers feel seen, heard, and supported. Audience feedback shows viewers finally feel understood and less alone.Community Building: The episode highlights how caregivers form lasting friendships and essential support systems—online, through art, and in local groups.The Power of Humor: Humor is a key theme. Listeners will find real stories of finding laughter and lightness, even amidst difficult caregiving situations.Practical Advice: From navigating support groups to honoring the dignity of people with dementia, the conversation offers lots of tips for caregivers. Connect & Learn More Find and follow Kitty Norton on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTokVisit WWD to learn more about the film and how to schedule a screening event Connect with AlzAuthors: Subscribe to the PodcastJoin the NewsletterFollow on YouTube Learn about the Moderators Marianne Sciucco  Christy Byrne Yates  About the Podcast  AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our mission is to lift the silence and stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia Podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know    We've got merch! Shop our Store

In this special film festival episode celebrating the 10th anniversary of AlzAuthors, hosts Marianne Sciucco and Christy Byrne Yates welcome filmmaker Frank Silverstein for an intimate discussion about his documentary, “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia.” Frank shares his journey capturing the realities of caring for both parents with dementia, offering raw insight, practical wisdom, and hope for caregivers and families living with this disease. Featured Guest: Frank Silverstein – Veteran TV producer, author, and filmmaker. Creator of “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia”, a deeply personal iPhone-shot documentary chronicling his parents’ decline and the challenges of caregiving. Key Discussion Topics: Behind the Film: Frank reveals how his career in news documentaries shaped his approach to filming, and why he began documenting the “real” moments with his parents as their dementia progressed. Caregiving Realities: The episode explores the confusion, unpredictability, and emotional complexity of caring for loved ones with dementia—including dealing with repeated questions, behavioral changes, and sibling dynamics. Honoring the Person: Frank shares poignant memories of his parents’ lives before dementia, and discusses how core personality traits can persist even as the disease changes so much else. Sibling Care Teams: An honest look at family caregiving logistics, relationships, and the value of supporting one another—not just the person with dementia, but also fellow caregivers. Film Festival Details: For those registered for the AlzAuthors Film Festival, they can watch “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia” and other festival films through the end of the year. Memorable Quote: “It’s very isolating when you’re taking care of your parents. There’s nobody really that’s going to help you... you have to figure out your path out of there.” —Frank Silverstein Resources: Contact Frank Silverstein: www.franksilverstein.com AlzAuthors Podcast, “Caring for Two Parents with Dementia at the Same Time” Next Up: Join the next film festival discussion on Wine, Women, & Dementia by Kitty Norton — details and links on the AlzAuthors website Learn about the Moderators Marianne Sciucco  Christy Byrne Yates About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know    We've got merch! Shop our Store

Celebrate a decade of AlzAuthors with this replay of a film discussion from our first film festival! Marianne Sciucco and the AlzAuthors community gathered to discuss Susie Singer Carter's documentary series No Country for Old People, inspired by her painful but illuminating journey alongside her mother in a five-star Los Angeles nursing facility. Key Topics Behind the Film: Susie shares what drove her to make No Country for Old People, highlighting the persistent systemic crises in long-term care and her struggle to advocate for her mom within a broken system.She discusses both personal and policy challenges—from underfunding and understaffing to navigating Medicaid and family caregiver roles.Caregiving Realities: Multiple audience members and guests brought their own lived experiences—from those who have placed loved ones in care homes to those doing the daily grind at their side.Honest input covers the isolation and exhaustion of caregiving, the guilt and judgments faced, and the varied trajectories and needs of those with dementia.Systemic and Cultural Barriers: The episode reveals the complexities behind facility care: understaffing, high turnover, the business model of elder care, and how profit-driven motives can lead to neglect, overmedication, and a lack of dignity for residents.Advocacy and Taking Action: Susie announced the ROAR initiative—Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, and Reform for Long Term Care. She stresses the urgent need for grassroots collective action and oversight to drive meaningful change for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Standout Quotes from Susie Singer Carter “Love is super powerful. I think it’s our greatest tool.”“Documentaries are not money makers. They are changemakers at best.”“We have a broken system... But it’s so important to know what’s out there and what’s really happening.” Takeaways Caregiver stories are unique—what works (or doesn’t) varies case by case.The importance of advocacy and family involvement doesn’t end with placement in a facility; sometimes, it increases.Systemic reforms are desperately needed, and community effort can move the needle.Connection, creativity, and compassion remain vital tools in the caregiving journey. Next Up Tune in to the upcoming episode with Frank Silverstein as he discusses his short film, Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia, and continue engaging with films that capture the real, raw, and sometimes uplifting world of dementia caregiving. Join the film festival Resources Mentioned Listen & Watch: Find film festival films, replays, and podcast episodes on alzauthors.comListen to Susie's Love Conquers Alz PodcastWatch My Mom and the Girl (short film)Watch No Country for Old People (docu-series)Get Involved with ROARSubscribe to the AlzAuthors newsletter and follow us on social media (@alzauthors on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Bluesky). Learn about the Moderators Marianne Sciucco Christy Byrne Yates About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store

Welcome to a special episode of the AlzAuthors podcast, part of our first-ever Film Festival! Celebrating our 10th anniversary, host Marianne Sciucco sits down with acclaimed arts educator, author, and filmmaker Mary Crescenzo to explore the transformative role of the arts in dementia care. In this heartfelt conversation, Mary shares her journey from early experiences in nursing homes to the creation of her poetic play-turned-film, "Planet A." We discuss her innovative, age-blind casting, the real-life stories inspiring her work, and practical strategies caregivers can use to bring arts engagement into dementia care—at home or in care facilities. Whether you’re navigating Alzheimer’s in your family, working in dementia care, or seeking creative approaches to foster dignity and connection, this episode is filled with inspiring insights and actionable tips. Key Topics Covered: Dementia Care & the Arts: Mary describes how music, visual art, dance, storytelling, and poetry can spark joy, communication, and connection for people living with dementia.How the Arts Can Reduce Isolation: Real examples showing that engaging in the arts can counteract boredom, boost mood, and foster community in care settings.Art Activities for Caregivers: Practical advice and encouragement for caregivers to use arts engagement at home—even if you don’t see yourself as an artist!Readings from the Film: Moving excerpts from Mary’s poetry, capturing the emotional landscape of people living with dementia and their caregivers. Quotes: “Everyone should be engaged in the arts to whatever level, because it’s so beneficial to heart and mind and life.” – Mary Crescenzo“Boredom is huge. People decline when they’re bored. But you give them something creative, they light up.” – Marianne Sciucco“You don’t have to be an artist to make a difference – just pick up a pencil, sing together, or sway to music.” - Mary Crescenzo Takeaways: Try simple creative activities—drawing, music, singing, storytelling—regularly, not just once.Don’t let fear or “not being an artist” stop you. The benefits are in doing, not perfection.Engaging in the arts brings meaning, dignity, and even joy to those living with dementia.The arts can transform not only the person with dementia but also relieve and uplift caregivers.Seek out support, community, and inspiration—you are not alone!   Resources and Links: Watch "Planet A" – available until year-end on YouTube. Register at AlzAuthors.com to receive linkBuy Mary Crescenzo’s Book: "The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide – 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own" on AmazonVisit AlzAuthors Website for a wealth of caregiver resourcesLearn about Creative Writing Workshops for Caregivers: Contact Mary CrescenzoSubscribe to our Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio and more.Follow AlzAuthors on Social: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter/X and Blue Sky for daily support, book recommendations, and community stories. Don’t miss our continuing film festival—visit our website for upcoming screenings, panel discussions, and more creative resources for the dementia journey. If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, share, and leave us a review! For more stories and support, visit alzauthors.com. Meet the Moderators Marianne Sciucco Christy Byrne Yates About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. Proud to be a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know Shop our Store

Join AlzAuthors Film Fest 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of Dementia & Alzheimer’s Awareness Experience powerful films on dementia, Alzheimer’s, and caregiving—stories of hope, love, and resilience. Register now at AlzAuthors.com to receive streaming links and watch from the comfort of your home, anytime. Each month, meet a featured filmmaker in a live Q&A event at 2 PM ET, and explore their journey as storytellers and dementia care advocates. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Sept 8: Mary Crescenzo, “Planet A” Find out more about Mary Crescenzo https://alzauthors.com/alzheimers/mary-crescenzo-planet-alzheimers-guide/ Sept 22: Susie Singer Carter, “No Country For Old People” Find out more about Susie Singer Carter https://alzauthors.com/alzheimers/behind-the-scenes-of-nursing-homes-one-filmmakers-crusade-for-change-with-susie-singer-carter/ Oct. 6: Frank Silverstein, “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia” Find out more about Frank Silverstein https://alzauthors.com/dementia/frank-silverstein-lousy-love-in-the-time-of-dementia/ Nov 10: Kitty Norton., “Wine, Women and Dementia” Find out more about Kitty Norton https://alzauthors.com/alzheimers/please-join-us-next-month-at-the-2024-dementia-arts-festival-in-new-york-city/ Dec 8: C. Nathaniel Brown and his film, “The Present” Find out more about C. Nathan Brown  www.ExposeDementia.org Join the Newsletter:  https://sendfox.com/alzauthors Learn about the Moderators Marianne Sciucco https://alzauthors.com/alzheimers/meet-marianne-sciucco-alzauthors-admin-and-author-of-blue-hydrangeas-an-alzheimers-love-story/ Christy Byrne Yates https://alzauthors.com/books-chit-chat/christy-byrne-yates-on-raising-kids-while-caring-for-parents-with-dementia/ About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.To sustain our efforts please donate here: https://alzauthors.com/donate Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know:    We’ve got merch! Shop our Store 

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 simple tasks are becoming increasingly challenging for them, yet they resist your help? You’re not alone! You’ve entered what we call the “messy middle” stage of your caregiving journey. We created for you the comprehensive, 20-step caregiving journey roadmap guide, Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: [email protected], [email protected] Full Show Notes Additional Resources Mentioned Messy Middle First Steps - You recognize it’s time to assert more control  11. Focus on safety.  Listen to these podcasts or read these blogs.Home Alone - Hear about the deal breakers for living home alone:21 minute TCJ podcast: 6. Home AloneTCJ blog: 6. Home Alone.Medication - Understand strategies to safely manage medication:20 minute TCJ podcast: 20. Medication ManagementTCJ blog: 20. Medication Management.Home Safety - Find approaches to the basics of home safety:25 minute TCJ podcast: 7. Home Safety TCJ blog: 7. Home SafetyWandering - Learn ways to manage three types of wandering: outside, inside and during the night.20 minute TCJ podcast: 4. Wandering TCJ blog: 4. Wandering. 12. Continue to prioritize your self-care.  Understand how to approach the realities of self-care:23 minute TCJ podcast: 27. The Realities of Caregiver Self-CareTCJ blog: 27. The Reality of Caregiver Self-Care. 13. Educate yourself on activities of daily living (ADLs). Prepare for changes in your loved ones ability to manage their ADLs.Listen to these podcasts or read these blogs on activities of daily living:26 minute TCJ podcast: 9. Preparing for Incontinence TCJ blog: 9. Preparing for Incontinence21 minute TCJ podcast: 14. Bathing and DressingTCJ blog: 14. Bathing and Dressing21 minute TCJ podcast: 15. Personal Care e.g. brushing teeth, trimming hair TCJ blog: 15. Personal Care21 minute TCJ podcast: 16. Eating and Drinking TCJ blog: 16. Eating and Drinking. 14.Create a Care Plan - at minimum a Family Emergency Plan. 25 minute TCJ podcast: 33. How to Create a Care Plan TCJ blog: 33. Creating a Care Plan. Messy Middle - Continued Second Steps - It’s time for more support 15. Start or increase leveraging dementia/adult day programs.  Community resource finder: Select Community Services and choose Adult Day Centers for your search. 16. Start thinking about professional help. Educate yourself: Evaluate continuing care communities (even if you never plan to use one) just in case.33 minute TCJ podcast: 28. Home and Community Living Options TCJ blog: 28. Home and Community Living Options.Understand the types of paid caregivers:26 minute TCJ podcast: 32. Hiring a Paid Caregiver TCJ blog: 32. Hiring a Paid Caregiver.Find an organization to help. Search online: ‘Senior Care Advisor’ + ‘your area’.Look for options yourself. Go to the Community Resource Finder sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP. 17. Continue your education. Take the Savvy Caregiver Advanced training (this can be taken in-person or virtually).Delusions:38 minute TCJ podcast: 23. DelusionsTCJ blog: 23. Delusions.Incontinence:26 minute TCJ podcast: 10. Incontinence Begins TCJ blog: 10. Incontinence Begins. Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

DNP Elena Prendergast is empowering people with serious illness to find their voices, and advocate for their best quality of life. Working with patients who are dealing with end of life issues showed her how much extra support is needed, even when there’s a healthcare team providing care. Elena helps clients navigate the confusing maze of the US healthcare system. She listens to what they think is important, and equips them with the tools to make their needs and wishes known. Her education as a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with extensive experience in palliative care, additional training in trauma/resilience, and the sacred work of an end-of-life doula provides a unique perspective of the needs of clients with serious-illness.  If you’re a patient, a caregiver or loved one, or a long-distance caregiver, you can work with Elena at Tree of Life Health Consultant by visiting treeoflifehealthconsultant.com.  Connect with Elena Prendergast, DNP on social media: Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn You can find the Approaching Death Support Kit at bkbooks.com. Find all of Barbara Karnes’ products and resources at bkbooks.com. Read Barbara’s blog at bkbooks.com. Connect with Barbara Karnes on Facebook IG LinkedIn Twitter (X)  YouTube Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible. And we believe you deserve to get good hospice care. If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help. Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95. If you need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, we’re here to answer your questions. A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. Book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Social media: Facebook  Twitter  Instagram LinkedIn Email: [email protected] More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast Podcast host Helen Bauer is a great addition to your event or conference! For speaking inquiries, send an email to [email protected].

Dan Contreras is a U.S. Army veteran, proud husband, and devoted caregiver to his wife, Teresa. After years of service and leadership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans)—including his role as National Commander—Dan has become a strong advocate for both caregivers and care receivers. Like many military spouses and family members, Dan didn’t initially see himself as a “caregiver.” That changed when, as a DAV leader, he sought to better understand the DAV’s Caregiver Support Program by completing the onboarding process. Now, he’s on a mission to raise awareness and provide resources for the 70% of veterans who are caring for loved ones. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Dan shares: The resources DAV offers to support veterans who are also caregiversHow his perspective on self-care has shifted as Teresa’s cancer journey has progressedThe creative outlets he and Teresa enjoy together, including Legos, crafts, and hobbies that bring them joyHow something as simple as a karaoke app helps him relieve stress and recharge Show notes with product and resource links: http://bit.ly/HHCPOD216 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode of AgingGayfully®, hosts Chris and Josh discuss health updates, personal growth, and the importance of stepping into one's comfort zone. Chris shares his recent experiences with artistic expression and how it has helped him rediscover himself. The conversation reflects on life lessons, regrets, and the significance of using one's talents and skills. Takeaways Life does not stop when we get sick.Stepping into your comfort zone can lead to personal growth.Artistic expression can help rediscover oneself.It's important to use your talents and skills.Reflecting on life can help identify what truly makes you happy.There are no regrets, only lessons learned.Finding the right environment can foster growth.Everyone has a story worth sharing.Engaging with the community can lead to meaningful connections.Happiness often comes from using your innate talents. Share your story or drop a line: [email protected] Like, subscribe, and ring our bell (figuratively or otherwise). Let’s AgeGayfully® together, with intention, humor, and each other. A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don’t Say Gay?… Say AgingGayfully®! AgingGayfully® is about living life with dignity in an age-friendly society regardless of orientation or economic status because longevity is a justice issue. AgingGayfully® is about finding your voice as we age. We are all part of the aging process and have real connections in diversity. AgingGayfully® is a modern type of activism that supports the concept of belonging. AgingGayfully® is about Adventure, Leisure, Travel, being a citizen of the world, traveling to destinations, and being part of the global community as we age and prosper in body, mind, and spirit.

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 find yourself wanting to learn faster and more easily than trying to figure everything out on your own? If you answered ‘Yes’, you’re in the right place for the next phase of the dementia “In the Beginning” journey. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned that building knowledge, and preparing for progression, are crucial for sustainable caregiving. We recently talked with Jenny Gay, licensed clinical social worker with Emory Integrated Memory Care, about our comprehensive 20-step caregiving journey roadmap guide: Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap. In this podcast, we’re sharing steps 7–10. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: [email protected], [email protected] Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.org/44-navigating-dementia-caregiving-roadmap-in-the-beginning-steps-7-10-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap Guide In the Beginning - continued Next Steps - You are ready for more  7. Continue your education: Take the Savvy Caregiver course in person or online.Read this magazine:  Mayo Clinic Living with dementia: A guide to caregiving and support. Find and take a virtual dementia tour near you. In the United States, in your search engine, type ‘virtual dementia tour’ + ’your state’. For example: ‘virtual dementia tour Florida’ or, outside the US, replace your state with your country. 8. Start planning for the next stage of care. Build your personal support network:21 minute TCJ podcast: 40. Create Your Personal Support NetworkTCJ blog: 40. Create Your Personal Support Network.Find and try a memory cafe (Caregivers and care receivers go together).Investigate dementia day centers (also known as adult day centers that include dementia care programs) for your care receiver. Community resource finder: Select Community Services and choose Adult Day Centers for your search.Ask your loved one’s medical team for a home safety assessment.The goal is to have someone evaluate your home for safety and dementia care needs. This is usually available through palliative care, GUIDE program, or an order from a physician.You can get a free assessment from social services with this order, or you can pay for an independent assessment from a private organization. 9. Investigate your local government community support:  In the US, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Search for yours at Eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116.Call and set up a screening for eligibility:They will point you to any free government services where you are eligible. Be sure to find out if you are eligible to get paid to be a caregiver.  10. Evaluate driving risks.  Some US states have specific requirements for individuals with dementia to report their diagnosis and potentially undergo driving evaluations. Listen to this podcast or read this blog:21 minute TCJ podcast: 5. Taking Away the KeysTCJ blog: 5. Taking Away the Keys.  Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Takeaways The Three Stages of the Dementia Caregiving Journey 1. In the Beginning - Your loved one receives a diagnosis.  2. The Messy Middle - You begin asserting control; this is when it gets messy! 3. Later On - You are managing all aspects of their care.