Personal History, Present Care: Insights from Tami Anastasia

"I will say nine times out of 10, there is a personal history link to a behavior or sometimes what's being said. And so, I just started pursuing it. And I can usually find something, and once that light bulb goes off, like, oh my gosh, that makes so much sense. We can personalize the care. We often dismiss dementia behaviors as, Oh, it's just dementia." ~ Tami AnastasiaTitle: Personal History, Present Care: Insights from Tami AnastasiaWelcome to this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, where we dive into the transformative journey of dementia care with returning guest, Tami Anastasia. Tami joins Kim Hegwood to discuss the central theme of her new book—how understanding a loved one’s personal history can fundamentally change the way we approach dementia caregiving. Drawing on real-life stories and her counseling expertise, Tami Anastasia shares how past traumas, lifelong patterns, and family dynamics resurface with dementia, and how these insights can lead to deeper connections and healing for both caregivers and those living with dementia.In this heartfelt conversation, Kim Hegwood and Tami Anastasia explore practical tools for coping, reframing expectations, and setting boundaries—empowering caregivers to move beyond simply managing symptoms and truly connect with the person behind the disease. Whether you’re a family member, a professional in memory care, or simply interested in honoring personal stories, this episode is packed with wisdom on how honoring history, emotions, and relationships can transform the caregiving experience.Tune in as we navigate the complexities and unexpected blessings of dementia care, and discover why embracing personal history is key to supporting both loved ones and caregivers through this challenging journey.How to Contact Website: www.tamianastasia.com Email: [email protected] Phone: (408) 377-4716 Facebook: / tamianastasiadementiasupport TikTok: / tamianastasia Twitter: / tamianastasia1 LinkedIn: / tami-anastasia-b3924337 LinkedIn (Business): / tami-anastasia-dementia-support YouTube: @tamianastasia Instagram: / tamianastasia1Bio:Tami Anastasia is an Alzheimer’s and dementia counselor and educator, providing one-on-one caregiver support, guidance, and strategies to help make the dementia journey easier for the caregiver. Tami holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and has Certificates in Gerontology and End-of-Life. She is the author of Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to PACE Yourself.In addition to her work as a dementia counselor and consultant, Tami facilitates dementia caregiver support groups and conducts educational workshops and personalized one-on-one educational sessions. She also works with people with dementia and provides cognitive and physical stimulation. She is a frequent speaker at professional and community organizations, senior retirement communities, memory care and assisted living communities, health and wellness conferences, local colleges, and public health libraries. Tami has been a guest on local television and radio shows and has published several articles on health and wellness.Books or Other Products that would interest viewers:Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to PACE Yourself.Dementia, Caregiving, and Personal History: How to Help, Cope, Connect, and Heal_______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://www.yourlegacylegalcare.com/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@YourLegacyLegalCareInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/