A Counselor's Advice on Managing Caregiving Emotions with Amy Luba, LISW | The Care Table Ep. 17

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Luba, a licensed independent social worker with extensive experience in dementia care, discusses tools and insights for caregivers and those diagnosed with dementia. Topics include emotional support, mindfulness, communication strategies, and resources for navigating the dementia journey.Takeaways:- Practice deep breathing exercises daily- Encourage caregivers to maintain hobbies and social activities- Use specific offers of help instead of generic 'let me know' statements- Join local or online support groups for caregivers- Seek counseling from licensed social workers with LISW credentialsSound Bites:"There is so much that remains.""Listen, just listen, and don't judge."Products/Books/Resources:Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/usFinding Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey: https://amzn.to/4r4ErOkTravelers to Unimaginable Lands by Dasha Kipper: https://amzn.to/3OIEYYOI'm Still Here by Dr. John Zeisel: https://amzn.to/40zU6ua36-Hour Day: https://amzn.to/4r8rvXUDementia Careblazers podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DementiaCareblazersAmy Luba, LISW’s Compassionate Counseling: https://cc4seniors.com/Some of the links provided are affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:25 Amy Luba's Background and Path into Dementia Care01:03 Amy's Work with Ohio Health and Dementia Challenges03:34 Long-term Needs and Gaps in Dementia Care04:44 Impact of Pandemic on Dementia Support Services06:37 Starting Compassionate Counseling for Seniors and Caregivers09:07 Client Demographics and Types of Support Provided10:48 Emotional Impact of Dementia Diagnosis12:36 Person-First Language and Maintaining Identity13:06 The Role of Mindfulness and Stress Management15:41 Finding Moments of Joy in Dementia Care17:21 Understanding the Disease and Communication Strategies18:56 Tools for Processing Grief and Emotional Support21:32 Breathing Exercises and Mindfulness Techniques24:39 Self-Care for Caregivers and Maintaining Normalcy27:45 Supporting Family Members and Navigating Family Dynamics32:12 Understanding Anticipatory and Ambiguous Loss39:37 Helping Families Navigate Heavy Emotions42:32 Avoiding Unhelpful Recommendations and Judgments45:53 Supporting Families with Financial and Care Decisions49:57 The Power of Listening and Specific Support54:20 Recognizing and Validating Caregiver Emotions59:20 Support Groups and Their Role in Caregiver Well-being01:03:12 Understanding Dementia and Communication Challenges01:08:51 Entering the World of Loved Ones with Dementia01:11:01 Recommended Books and Resources for Caregivers01:13:17 Importance of Licensed Social Workers and Insurance Coverage01:17:18 Expanding Support Beyond Ohio and Future Goals01:20:35 Closing Remarks and Future ConversationsSupport The Care Table Podcast:Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTableFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/Email us: [email protected] rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!