JENNIFER FINK - Founder and Host of Fading Memories Podcast: The Battle of the Bath (A candid conversation about personal hygiene.)

In Episode 44,  Don and I had a candid conversation with Jennifer Fink -   Founder and Host of Fading Memories Podcast - about a topic that doesn't  seem to get as much attention as it should. Personal hygiene and our loved ones. As Alzheimer's progresses, poor hygiene can become an issue: people living with dementia (PLWD) often refuse to bathe and even change their clothes.  It can even lead to medical problem such as urinary tract infections. Because Alzheimer’s causes a slow decline of cognitive functions, a PLWD will begin to get confused about seemingly simple things, like how to wash their hair.  A PLWD may be overwhelmed and confused by all the products on the bathroom counter, perhaps mistaking a tube of lotion for toothpaste. Sometimes they don't recognize their loved ones or even themselves, so the images they see in the mirror may be confused as strangers!Sensory perception, especially vision, touch and smell, also changes. This can make a tub of water seem scary as depth perception changes.  The water spray from the shower can feel like sharp needles.  A smelly shirt may be more comforting than a freshly laundered – but unfamiliar – replacement. Room or water temperature may feel different to the PLWD than it does to us. Jennifer shares some of the best tips for overcoming the challenges associated with PLWD's and their personal hygiene.  Jennifer spent the first half of her adult life as a portrait photographer, retired from in early 2020. Listening to podcasts became a favorite way to learn new things while walking the dogsor doing household chores. After the death of her father in March 2017, dealing with and caring for her Mother became a much bigger part of her life. Looking to her favorite media in search of answers and not finding what she was looking for, Jennifer decided she would create a supportive podcast that caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients need and deserve. Jennifer is the daughter, grand daughter & great grand daughter of women who suffered from Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairment. Looking for answers on how not to become the fourth generation with this problem  has led her on this interesting journey with her new passion, podcasting.Connect with Jennifer: FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN APPLE PODCAST SPOTIFYSend us Fan MailIf someone you love experienced neglect in a nursing home…Then you know how desperately the system needs to change.  History has shown us that It takes people power to change anything worthwhile. That’s why we we’re launching something that’s never been done before. On September 27, communities across the country are coming together for the first-ever National Long-Term Care Reform Day.This is a peaceful national walk for dignity, accountability, and change in long-term care.We’rSupport the showNo Country For Old People; a Nursing Home Exposé is STREAMING NOW on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F7D1RR5X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r) Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.Please watch. Review. Share.Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform) for quality long term care! Visit the ROAR 4 LTC Website for more information and consider participating in the inaugural National National Long-Term Care Day, Sunday, September 27th The 1st ever ROAR 2026 National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform! Found out more here: https://www.roar4ltc.org/roar-2026-walkFollow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok 💜 Listen on your favorite platform 💜 If you like what you hear leave us some love.  💜