PODCAST · society
Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act
by Kelly A Bertenshaw, MA CCC SLP ECDCS
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, family members can feel completely overwhelmed. You're now trying to juggle managing your loved one's increasing need for care while also tending to your own family, career and life. It can truly feel like a balancing act. I'm Kelly Bertenshaw, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and certified Dementia Care Specialist. I have worked with those affected by dementia and their families for more than 20 years. I started this podcast to help you, the family members, as you navigate this journey. My goal is to provide you with proven strategies, relevant information and research, as well as actionable steps you can take today . Together, we'll find the answers. Because no one should walk this journey alone. RSSVERIFY
Episodes
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Dementia And Shifting Roles
When dementia enters a family, it doesn't just affect memory. It reshapes the roles and responsibilities that have defined relationships for decades. In this episode, Kelly explores how taking on a loved one's responsibilities can lead to "competence fatigue," why losing familiar roles can feel...
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Encore Episode: "Should I Lie To My Love One With Dementia?"
In this episode, Kelly addresses the moral dilemma caregivers face: whether to lie or tell the truth to loved ones with dementia. Traditionally, reality orientation,(telling the truth) was seen as a matter of principle. But from the 1990s, therapeutic fibbing, small, compassionate lies, gained...
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Dementia and Broken Filters: "How Can They Say That?"
Why can dementia cause someone to suddenly say things that seem rude, offensive or completely out of character? In this episode, Kelly discusses how dementia can affect the brain’s social filter, why these behaviors may be worse at certain times, and how understanding what’s happening can help...
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Dementia and Eating Safely: When Swallowing Changes
In this episode, Kelly explains how dementia affects swallowing and increases the risk for pneumonia. She simplifies the process involved for listeners by breaking it into three phases, and offers guidance on balancing safety, nutrition, and a loved one's dignity when facing feeding refusals or...
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The Dementia Whiplash: Good Day, or Bad One?
This episode of A Balancing Act tackles the "whiplash" of sudden ups and downs in dementia caregiving. Why abilities seem to flicker day to day, when a sudden change warrants a call to the doctor, and how to become a detective when there's no clear medical cause. Kelly offers practical ways to...
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Keeping The Brain Connected: Hearing Aids, Glasses and Dementia
Could untreated hearing or vision loss be putting the brain at greater risk? In this episode, Kelly discusses how sensory loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, and why glasses and hearing aids may play an important role in keeping the brain working and connected. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please...
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Dementia & Family Reunions: When Remembering Becomes A Test
Family reunions can be overwhelming for a loved one with dementia. The noise, the chaos, and everpresent fear of the question: "Do you remember?'. In this episode, Kelly explains why this can happen, ways to lower your loved one's stress and simple conversational techniques that meet your loved…
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"My Memory Has Changed. Now What?"
Your memory feels different, but your cognitive tests are normal. So now what? In this episode, Kelly explores what Subjective Cognitive Decline really means, why it happens and how it's different from Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Finally, she explains why normal cognitive test results...
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Dementia and Decoding Repetitive Behaviors
In this episode, Kelly explores why repetition develops in a brain affected by dementia, what it reveals about your loved one's inner experience, and how shifting your perspective can transform frustration into insight. Because understanding the why behind these behaviors is the first step to...
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When Dementia Care Need Change Fast
Don't wait for a crisis. If someone you love is showing early signs of memory loss, the time to plan is now. In this episode, Kelly walks you through how to build a simple, realistic three-year care roadmap before urgency makes the decisions for you. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for…
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Dementia and Hoarding: Fear of the Void
This episode explores dementia-related hoarding, why it happens, what it means, and how families can respond with compassion. Kelly reframes hoarding not as stubbornness or manipulation, but as the brain's way of coping with memory loss. As dementia progresses, people anchor their sense of...
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Weight Loss and Dementia
This episode explores why people with dementia often experience significant weight loss and changes in eating and drinking habits. Kelly explains how aging can affect eat and drinking, as well as how dementia can disrupt hunger and thirst signals, sensory processing, and the brain's ability to...
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Dementia and Refusing Medications
When a loved one with dementia refuses their medications, it can feel like an emergency. The risks are real, the pressure is immediate, and the instinct to push for compliance is strong. But in many cases, that resistance is not about defiance—it’s communication. In this episode, Kelly breaks…
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Beyond Puzzles: Dementia and Brain Games
In this episode, Kelly challenges the idea that cognitive activities like puzzles and card games are always beneficial for loved ones with dementia. She explains that as the disease progresses, these activities can create feelings of being tested rather than included, leading to withdrawal and...
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A Dementia Turning Point: Crisis and Safety
In this episode, Kelly explores how a medical crisis, such as a fall or infection, often becomes the unexpected turning point when families first recognize the true extent of a loved one's dementia. From cognitive screening in the hospital to rehabilitation settings where the challenges become…
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Dementia: Balancing Dignity and Safety
In this episode, Kelly tackles the ethical tension caregivers face between keeping loved ones with dementia safe and preserving their independence and sense of self. Through real-life stories, she introduces the concept of the "right to risk" — the idea that autonomy and uncertainty are...
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Dementia and Radical Acceptance: Overcoming Your Own Denial
In this episode, Kelly explores how families often fall into denial when a loved one begins to show signs of dementia. And sometimes, even after the formal diagnosis. Kelly emphasizes this isn't about shame, but understanding the causes of denial and the risks associated with postponing…
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The Built-In Dementia Caregiver: Home
Today's focus is on ways to capitalize on and modify the home environment to support a loved one with Dementia. Kelly walks listeners through thoughtful home modifications that can act as an additional caregiver by reducing cognitive demands on people living with dementia. The results show…
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Dementia And Resisting Outside Help
For someone living with dementia, life already feels less predictable. Control is slipping in quiet ways. And home may be the last place that still feels familiar. The last place where they feel like themselves. So when help enters the conversation, it can feel less like support and more like...
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ENCORE EPISODE: "Is It Alzheimer's?"
Today, Kelly shares our most listened-to episode, "Is It Alzheimer's?". Aside from cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease is often regarded as one of the greatest fears for many individuals. In fact, when people begin to experience memory lapses, they often jump to the conclusion that it might be…
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Dementia and Denial: When A Loved One Struggles With Reality
Today’s episode explores one of the most tender, and often misunderstood, parts of dementia care: denial. Kelly will talk about why denial shows up, why it isn’t always stubbornness, and how fear, identity, and self-protection play a role. She'll also offer ways to start compassionate...
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A HOLIDAY MESSAGE
As this year comes to a close, I just want to take a moment to thank you for being here. Whether you’re listening while driving, folding laundry, sitting quietly after a long day, or taking a much-needed pause—you matter, and I’m really glad you found your way to this space. The holidays can…
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Holidays and Caring Across Distances
The holidays bring joy, memories, and for long-distance caregivers, a mix of love and guilt. In this episode of A Balancing Act, Kelly offers loving, practical ways to stay connected with your loved one living with dementia, even from miles away. Learn how to make every call and visit more...
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Thanksgiving And Caring For A Love One With Dementia
Thanksgiving is here, and while the holidays can be full of joy and tradition, they can also be challenging when someone you love is living with dementia, In this episode, Kelly explores how to adjust expectations with compassion, how to support your loved one at their level of ability, and how…
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When Time Slips: Dementia and Calendar Confusion
In this episode, we talk about what happens when a loved one with dementia begins losing their sense of time — mixing up days, seasons, appointments, or believing events are happening “right now” when they aren’t. These time slips can be confusing and emotional for everyone involved. We’ll…
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Dementia And Driving: When To Take The Keys
Taking away the car keys is one of the hardest moments in dementia care. It’s not just about safety. It’s about love, dignity, and protection. In this week’s episode, Kelly will guide you through the signs it’s time, how to talk about it, what to do if your loved one refuses, and how to plan for...
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Avoiding Diagnosis: The Stigma of Dementia
Many families delay a dementia diagnosis because they’re afraid of what it means—losing independence, disrupting family life, or facing an uncertain future. But silence only makes the journey harder. In this episode, Kelly explores where stigma comes from, why it keeps people from seeking help…
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Dementia and Refusing Your Help
One of the hardest challenges in caregiving is when a loved one with dementia refuses help. You see the risks — missed meals, cluttered spaces, unpaid bills — but every offer is met with “I don’t need help” or “I can do it myself.” It’s frustrating, even heartbreaking. In this episode, Kelly...
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Dementia Caregiving Tech: Tools, Tips and Comfort
Caregiving is rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming—like you’re carrying the weight of a thousand little tasks. In this episode, Kelly explores the best tech tools designed to lighten the caregiver’s load. From medication reminder apps and “Find My” trackers to simple video calling…
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Dementia and Visiting A Loved One In Memory Care
In this episode, Kelly provides essential guidance for families visiting loved ones in memory care communities. Kelly addresses common challenges families face, such as improving the quality of visits and setting realistic expectations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the stages of...
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"How Can I Improve MY Memory?"
In this episode, Kelly talks about how normal it is to expect occasional forgetfulness as we age and clarifies that it's not the same as dementia. She explains how memory works through three stages and provides strategies and tips to boost memory. Kelly also provides practical exercises to keep…
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Dementia and Family Relationships
In this podcast episode, Kelly discusses the many ways dementia affects family relationships, offering practical advice for spouses, adult children, and grandchildren. She emphasizes the importance of understanding dementia, open communication, dividing caregiving tasks, and supporting each…
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Dementia and Self-Isolation
In this episode, Kelly shares personal experiences and discusses how communicative and cognitive changes due to dementia affect seniors' abilities to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Kelly emphasizes the importance of adapting social activities to match the abilities of those with dementia...
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Encore Episode: "Should I Lie To My Loved One With Dementia?"
In this episode, Kelly addresses the moral dilemma caregivers face: whether to lie or tell the truth to loved ones with dementia. Traditionally, reality orientation, telling the truth, was seen as a matter of principle. But from the 1990s, therapeutic fibbing, small, compassionate lies, gained...
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Dementia Agitation, Sundowning and Aggression
In this episode of 'A Balancing Act,' host Kelly explores strategies for managing dementia-related agitation, a common issue affecting about 90% of dementia patients. Kelly shares real-life stories from listeners, explains the different types of agitation, and offers practical advice on how…
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Dementia And Wearing The Same Clothes
"Why Are They Wearing The Same Clothes?" Dressing and bathing can be challenging for people with dementia due to cognitive, physical, and emotional factors. Dementia can impair understanding of how to perform these tasks, remember the purpose of hygiene, and sequence the steps involved. In this...
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Early Dementia and Finding The Right Assisted Living
Episode 19 When a loved one experiencing early dementia requires more assistance than family or friends can offer, it may be time to explore residential (live-in) facilities, like an assisted living community. Selecting a long-term care residence is a significant decision, and it can be…
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Dementia and Dishonesty: Delusions or Denial?
Dishonesty in people with dementia is a frequent and often troubling behavior that poses challenges for both the individual and their family members. By recognizing the different reasons behind this behavior—such as difficulty coping with what’s happening to them, or the inability to process what...
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Dementia Care: The Therapeutic Team
The decline in both physical and cognitive abilities that comes with your loved one’s dementia will significantly impact their safety, well being and quality of life. Occupational therapy, Physical therapy and Speech Language Pathologists play crucial roles in a holistic care plan for your loved...
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Encore Episode: Dementia and Conflict
Enjoy this Encore sharing of our most listened-too episode! Family members may frequently find themselves locking horns with a loved one affected by cognitive decline. Arguments arise from even the simplest of things. Our loved one seems unable to see reason or another way of doing things. We…
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Dementia and Hallucinations: When Things Aren't Real
Hallucinations can often be terrifying, eliciting strong feelings of fear. For individuals with dementia experiencing them, these perceptions feel extremely real. Not only can hallucinations be distressing for the person affected, but they can also impact those who care for them. Understanding…
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Dementia and Moving from Home
Deciding when to transition a loved one with dementia into an assisted living facility is a deeply personal choice that demands thoughtful reflection. By identifying the signs, assembling a team of supportive professionals, and beginning your preparations now, you can make certain that your loved...
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Episode 13: If you could ask one question...
Welcome back, listeners! Thank you for your patience while I have been away. It's good to be back at the microphone, and with a new Facebook page! And, I have an important question for you: If you could ask one question about Memory Loss or Dementia, what would it be? Let's get the conversations...
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Dementia and Behavioral Changes
Behavioral and personality changes related to dementia can challenge families caring for a loved one with dementia. In this episode, Kelly explores the underlying reasons for these behaviors to help families in coping and responding in a way that lowers the stress for everyone involved. By also...
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Dementia and Technology Safety: Scammers
Every day, we hear reports about seniors being scammed out of billions of dollars through their phones and computers. With the rapid pace of technological change, it's challenging for anyone to keep up, especially for a loved one experiencing dementia. In this episode, we discuss strategies to...
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Dementia and Social Situations
We are all aware of the advantages that our social connections provide. Our relationships and social engagements contribute significantly to our health and happiness. However, when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, navigating social situations can become challenging. This creates a genuine...
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Do I Have Alzheimer's Disease?
Aside from cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease is often regarded as one of the greatest fears for many individuals. In fact, when people begin to experience memory lapses, they often jump to the conclusion that it might be Alzheimer’s. However, the disease encompasses much more than just memory problems....
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Dementia And The Holidays: Keeping The Joy
The holidays carry various meanings and traditions for different individuals. But, for those affected by dementia, these moments can be particularly difficult. In this episode, we explore strategies to help you prepare for and celebrate the holidays in a manner that aligns with your loved one’s...
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After A Diagnosis of Dementia
After a dementia diagnosis, families often experience a range of complex emotions while also facing the significant challenge of adjusting to the changing needs of their loved one. In this episode we talk about the importance of learning about their dementia, managing their environment and…
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Dementia & Thanksgiving Gatherings
As you come together with family in the days ahead, it’s important to recognize that situations can become overwhelming for someone experiencing memory loss. In this episode, we discuss methods to alleviate stress for everyone involved, as well as strategies to maintain calmness and connection…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, family members can feel completely overwhelmed. You're now trying to juggle managing your loved one's increasing need for care while also tending to your own family, career and life. It can truly feel like a balancing act.
I'm Kelly Bertenshaw, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and certified Dementia Care Specialist. I have worked with those affected by dementia and their families for more than 20 years. I started this podcast to help you, the family members, as you navigate this journey.
My goal is to provide you with proven strategies, relevant information and research, as well as actionable steps you can take today .
Together, we'll find the answers. Because no one should walk this journey alone.
RSSVERIFY
HOSTED BY
Kelly A Bertenshaw, MA CCC SLP ECDCS
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act have?
Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act about?
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, family members can feel completely overwhelmed. You're now trying to juggle managing your loved one's increasing need for care while also tending to your own family, career and life. It can truly feel like a balancing act. I'm Kelly Bertenshaw, a...
How often does Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act release new episodes?
Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act?
You can listen to Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act?
Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act is created and hosted by Kelly A Bertenshaw, MA CCC SLP ECDCS.
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