S1E6: Dementia

This month’s Caregiver-2-Go podcast theme is Partners in Care, a topic so important to the overall mental and physical health of both the caregiver and Veteran. We are talking about a successful and engaged partnership with your Veteran’s health care team. The resources and guidance discussed will lead to peace of mind for caregivers and better outcomes for the Veteran they love and care for.  

This month’s Caregiver-2-Go podcast theme is caregiving for Veterans with Dementia. This disease affects how a person functions and communicates – the Veteran’s daily needs, abilities and behavior will change over time. Consequently, caregivers will experience a wide range of emotions from anger to sadness, and even fear. We have your back and will work through this topic with professional guidance, love, and compassion.

This month’s Caregiver-2-Go podcast theme is so important: health and well-being coaching for caregivers. Caregivers tend to put their own needs last, leading to burnout and depression. This coaching puts them back in the center and teaches them to re-evaluate what’s important to them and how to find joy again. We'll hear from a caregiver who almost lost her life not listening to her body and her own needs. Please join us as we explore this topic, its impact and its message of hope.

 This month’s Caregiver-2-Go podcast focuses on Caregiver loneliness and Isolation. This time of year, can be challenging with expectations and the added pressures of the holiday season. Feelings of grief and loss, and thoughts of the way things used to be can be overwhelming. Please know there are resources for caregivers. We talk with two VA social workers who’s mission is to ensure caregivers feel heard and supported.

This month’s Caregiver-2-Go podcast focuses on the Virtual Psychotherapy Program for caregivers. Caregivers know of the physical toll it can take on their bodies, but they may forget about their spiritual and emotional needs. Caregiving can be mentally draining too as caregivers continue to just “tough it out” because they believe they have no other options. VPPC has become a lifeline for these caregivers offering an ear, professional support and resources for caregivers committed to around the clock care for their Veterans. We talk with two of those VA lifelines, who are deeply passionate about their work, and this program.

This month’s Caregiver-2-Go podcast theme, "Refresh and Renew," celebrates National Family Caregiver Month. We explore resources and offer support for caregivers committed to around the clock care for their Veterans.  Two Caregiver Support Program Managers, deeply passionate about their work, share valuable insights and advice for those caring for loved ones full-time.

In this first ever episode of the Caregiver-2- Go Podcast, Dr. Colleen Richardson, the program’s Executive Director gives us a passionate overview of the resources and support that goes into making sure our Veteran caregivers are ok. We also hear from a caregiver dedicated to taking care of her Veteran husband fulltime. Together the two women speak candidly about their journeys to this point and the profound impact the CSP program has had on their lives.