Dementia Caregivers Community

Thank you…for instilling Hope.     

Take a few moments and join us as we have a wonderful conversation with Sallie Gentry, LCSW.  During her tenure as a licensed clinical social worker, Sallie has worked with a wide variety of populations; however, her passion has always been supporting caregivers. For the last decade she has been providing counseling, guidance, and education for those who care for someone with a neurological disorder (dementia, MS, ALS, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, etc).    Marketta, Tracey, and Sallie will be discussing some emotional facets of caregiving and what may help along the journey.  One size of support does not fit all.  It is important to know what options are available in the community in order for us to thrive in caregiving, not just survive. Sallie offers counseling services in Knoxville and telehealth for anyone residing in the State of Tennessee.  Feel free to reach out to Sallie directly by calling 865.213.2770 or [email protected]. 

Kent and His Mother Phyllis had a life-long, special bond.  Join us as Kent shares the avenue he chose to chronicle and honor his Mother’s LIFE, not focusing on the disease but the richness of her personhood.    You can find Kent's videos here.

Many caregivers ultimately make the decision to move their loved one into another environment, outside of the home.  This transition comes with many feelings and can lead to a sense of loss, guilt, and grief.  Join as we delve in to some tips we hope you can use to make the journey a little less painful.    If you would like to have a conversation, please feel free to reach out to Alzheimer’s Tennessee 888.326.9888.  You are not alone!

This letter is written by a loving musician and son who cared for his Mother living with Alzheimer’s.  Charlie and his family experienced a roller coaster of emotions while on their caregiving journey.  These deep thoughts eventually led to a song being recorded to release some of their emotions.  His message is one of encouragement and comfort.  Reach out for help, you are not alone! To see Charlie perform his song go to alzTennessee.org/Podcast. 

Join Marketta and Tracey as they discuss some of the major dementia subtypes.  We hope having a better understanding of symptoms and behavioral expressions exhibited by your loved one can provide talking points as you seek accurate diagnosis, treatment options, and the best way to approach caregiving, including communication with your loved one and others.

This episode reflects on processing the ambiguity, gains and losses, and stresses that accompany caregiving. Marketta shares an important lesson she learned caring for two loved ones living with dementia: Some things change and some things stay the same, and you might have no control over either.  

Join us  for an educational and inspirational conversation with Neal Bowes, Certified Senior Advisor and Local Senior Living Specialist with Oasis Senior Advisors.   Neal and Tracey will be discuss all things assisted living and memory care including reasons to consider senior living, when is the right time, as well as barriers a family may face when making the decision.  These experts take on issues like finances, feelings of guilt and the common promise to "not put me in a home." You can also reach out to Neal directly by calling 423.896.2747, [email protected] or www.oasissenioradvisors.com. And as always, reach out to Alzheimer’s Tennessee after listening, if you have follow up questions, concerns, or would like more information. 

In Part 1, Sandra shared how she and her husband John walked "The Lewy Road" after his diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia and Atypical Parkinsonism in 2018. If part 2, Sandra has advice for care partners on a similar path, including the importance of giving yourself the same grace you give your loved one.  Sandra writes a blog, "Lewy, Dewey, and Me" with thoughts on caring for someone with Lewy Body dementia. You can find her blog here.

Sandra and John built a beautiful life together.  Lewy Body dementia tried to derail that after John was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Atypical Parkinsonism in January, 2018. They walked the Lewy Road together.  According to Sandra, their journey was messy, frustrating, sweet, tender, heartbreaking, funny; all the things that life is. Sandra shares thoughts she had while on her active care partner journey and in the hopes it would be a help to those who are also caring for a loved one with LBD. Empathy is powerful! Sandra writes a blog, "Lewy, Dewey, and Me" with thoughts on living with Lewy Body dementia. You can find her blog here.

Many times individuals and families believe a dementia diagnosis immediately means a person should retire the car keys. As a primary caregiver or care partner, it is our job to address safety issues like this.  When can we expect wandering as a behavioral expression to begin? Will driving challenges and wandering behavioral expressions occur in every journey?  Join us as we discuss seeking physician’s help, Silver Alert, tracking technology, and other community resources. For more information on Tennessee's Silver Alert System go to www.alzTennessee.org/SilverAlert

Sincerely:  a letter from a former family caregiver and 25 year dementia care professional and supporter. Tracey Wilson, Regional Director with Alzheimer’s Tennessee shares one voice with a collective message from supported caregivers who attend Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s support groups. They would like to deliver a message to others who are perhaps a little uncertain about reaching out for assistance or encouragement... It's not what you think. To find a support group, virtual or in person, go to alzTennessee.org/SupportGroups , or call our 24/7 Helpline.      

Communicating with a person living with dementia subtypes can be challenging and difficult to understand at times. Memory is only one factor in terms of cognitive decline.  Introducing yourself and gaining a better understanding of all of the A’s can help you overcome some of the challenges and try to formulate a game plan. This video from Alzheimer's Tennessee's Caregiver Academy offers more on on how to engage with someone with dementia at any point on their journey.

Marketta shares what she learned about caregiving by facing her own fears and watching a small child do the same at North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge. As Marketta tells us, fear can affect our decisions as a caregiver. It's also easier to face your fears when you are not alone. Alzheimer's Tennessee's Caring and Coping Caregiver Workshops are a great way to see how others face the challenges dementia care puts in our way. Learn more and sign up for a free Workshop near you at alzTennessee.org/Workshop.     

This episode is the second of a two part conversation with Brady about his Caregiver's Journey. Marketta and Tracey pick up the discussion as Brady is faced with a tough decision about his father's care and living situation. Like many family caregivers, Brady realized his father could no longer live in his own home. Tracey, Marketta and Brady discuss the emotional, practical and financial issues that come with this milestone on the Caregiver's Journey. Those facing a similar milestone in the Caregiver's Journey may benefit from a Alzheimer's Tennessee Caregiver's Workshop.  These half day events take place across Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to help in Caring and Coping with all the issues caregivers face. Go to alzTennessee.org/Workshops to learn more.

This episode is the first of two following the journey of Brady as he cares for his father with dementia.  In Part 1, he shares the difficulty he faced when the roles reverse and the son finds himself forced to make decisions for the father. Plus, hear how finding the right Support Group made all the difference. Learn more about Alzheimer's Tennessee support groups at www.alzTennessee.org/SupportGroups .

As the disease progresses in a person with dementia, their behavioral expression often change. These changes may be alarming or even embarrassing for a family caregiver. While every person and every disease is different, some expressions are very common. Tracey and Marketta share a far reaching discussion that will help caregivers to be ready for whatever happens along their own journey.  To learn more about behavioral expressions go to the Alzheimer's Tennessee Caregiver Academy at alzTennessee.org/Academy.   And please know you are not alone. To speak to someone go to Alzheimer's Tennessee's 24/7 Helpline.

This letter is written by a former family caregiver.  Her husband received a diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer's the same year her father passed away from complications due to Alzheimer's. Her caregiver's journey as a daughter and wife lasted almost 15 years. A feeling of deep admiration for the consistent kindness her husband and father displayed compelled her to write a letter from their voice of influence over her life. She conveys their message as if written by them to all caregivers. To find help along your caregiver's journey go to alzTennessee.org or call Alzheimer's Tennessee's Helpline:

When we learn of a family in need we want to butter up a baking dish and make them a casserole. But for caregivers of those living with dementia the need for help goes far beyond what a hot dish can provide. In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Community hosts Marketta Puckett and Tracey Kendall Wilson discuss the best ways to offer help. Perhaps more importantly, they help families to get comfortable with accepting and even asking for help. 

The Holidays are full of joy, but they can be stressful. Caregivers may be doubly stressed trying to make the season bright for their loved one with dementia and for the rest their family and friends. Two of Alzheimer's Tennessee's dementia care experts, Tracey Kendall Wilson and Cheryl Blanchard, have wrapped up a big box full of practical advice to help you ADAPT your celebration to a new reality. Plus, some bonus tips from people actually living with the disease. For even more resources to help you have a Merry Christmas, go to www.alzTennessee.org/Holidays .

Ducks thrive in almost any situation. They swim in freezing water, fly in the air and walk on the ground. These ordinary looking water birds use their diverse traits to cope with whatever the environment requires. What can dementia caregivers learn from that? Host Marketta Puckett explains how you can use your own varied traits and skills to deal with what ever comes your way.    

Al first saw Ellen beautifully playing a piano with no white keys. For more than 40 years they were husband and wife as well as best friends. Today, Al is caring for Ellen who is living with dementia.  From the first signs "something was wrong" to the tough decisions dementia forces on families, Al bravely shares his "Caregiver's Journey." Our hope is to bring a sense of community and togetherness for those on their own journey.  We hope through these stories you will feel empowered and know you are not alone.

Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia affect the caregiver as well as the person with the disease. The beginning of the dementia journey begins before getting a diagnosis. Marketta and Tracey discuss how a caregiver might know when it's time to see a medical professional. Go to the Alzheimer's Tennessee website for more information. www.alzTennessee.org  Contact Tracey at [email protected].  

The Dementia Caregiver Community brings you a letter from a family caregiver, Carol to her sister Sandy, who passed away with Alzheimer’s disease. We hope this letter and others like it will help you connect with each other and find comfort and inspiration from the community of caregivers.   If you have a letter to share or want to learn more about this podcast and Alzheimer’s Tennessee, please go to alzTennessee.org/Podcast.  

Research shows that two out of three people in the United State believe dementia is a normal part of aging. It is not. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia is a medical condition. In this episode, Tracey Kendall Wilson with Alzheimer's Tennessee and experienced family caregiver, Marketta Puckett discuss the differences between Alzheimer's and normal aging. Listen and learn when to know when to get help.  

Our second episode is the first of "Marketta's Musings." Co-host Marketta shares the "heart blisters" earned on her journey as a caregiver. As Marketta's father was passing from complications due to Alzheimer's disease, her husband had just been diagnosed. In this episode, she looks back at her expectations of being a caregiver of two loved ones at the same time.   

Our desire with this podcast is to create a welcome listening space for you…the caregiver.  Welcome to our community! You will meet our hosts in this first episode. Tracey Kendall Wilson has more than two decades of experience as a professional working with individuals living with dementia, their families and their caregivers. In addition to her work with Alzheimer's Tennessee, Tracey has also traveled along with five members of her own family on their dementia journeys. For Marketta Puckett, this podcast is a labor of love. Both her father and her husband had Alzheimer's disease. Marketta sincerely hopes to educate and inspire family caregivers by sharing what she discovered while caring for her loved ones for 15 years.  Marketta and Tracey share a common bond in this community. They are caregivers just like you.