#survivingalzheimers with Dayna Steele

Author Darlene Fuchs shares her journey in Get in the Boat: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Dance with Dementia, reflecting on the emotional challenges of caregiving and offering practical strategies for navigating its ups and downs.Watch: https://youtu.be/Tpn0FrJyTDo#dementia #podcast #caregivers Darlene’s LinksGet in the Boat book: https://amzn.to/3LK2pznWebsite: GetInTheBoatBook.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092701665994LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-fuchsDayna’s LinksSurviving Alzheimer’s book: https://amzn.to/4hrdtMGWebsite: https://www.daynasteele.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daynasteeleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/daynasteele/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynasteele/

Rick Henkin, the creator of Caregiver Mastery, talks about mastering the art of caregiving and reaching what he calls Heaven Island - all learned first hand when his wife Sonya was daignosed with Alzheimer’s at age 65. Watch: https://youtu.be/hSN2OM8oQNk#dementia #podcast #caregivers Rick’s Links:Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forfamilycaregiversYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForFamilyCaregiversLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forfamilycaregivers/

On the new episode of #survivingalzheimers …Marian Heemskerk talks about her new book The Crow Jacket: Navigating the Challenges of Dementia - and - where the name came from. YouTube: https://youtu.be/TtDhkXrUaqgAll episodes here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcastBook: https://amzn.to/3X1KWoqWebsite: https://marianheemskerk.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marian-heemskerkOther resources: https://www.daynasteele.com/#resourcesAdventures of Livvy and the Snail: https://amzn.to/3X104T2#dementia #podcast #caregivers 

Richard Elbein, CEO of Houston & Southeast Texas Alzheimer’s Association, tells us about the US Pointer Study -  the first-of-Its-kind, groundbreaking Alzheimer's prevention study. Simple lifestyle changes that can prolong your life and brain in so many ways.YouTube: https://youtu.be/BQQzSDtWXRISpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uCHTVSX1AejPhl9v0hNJx?si=jxgBaZ-ZRwGV14vUYnOWKw All episodes here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcast#speaker #podcast #play #book US Pointer Study: https://www.alz.org/us-pointer/home.aspFree Resources: https://www.daynasteele.com/#resourcesBook: https://amzn.to/4hrdtMGDonate to the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org

Josh Pettit and I became friends when his mom Betty went viral with her conversation with “the woman in the mirror.” Now we help others and each other #survivingalzheimers. Find out more about Josh’s journey here.Watch or listen here: https://youtu.be/v1ZEVfw3mlcAll episodes here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcast#speaker #podcast #play #book Book: https://amzn.to/4ooVUAi Website: https://www.facebook.com/joshuapettitFree Resources: https://www.daynasteele.com/#resources

Lisa Feiner, creator of SharpAgain.org talks about her new book Minding Your Memory: what you can do now to prevent dementia and stay sharp for life. Watch or listen: https://youtu.be/YmpGXuNAwEAAll episodes here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcast#speaker #podcast #play #book Book: https://amzn.to/4nbaN97Website: http://sharpagain.orgFree Resources: https://www.daynasteele.com/#resources

Janice Justiz is a leading pediatric physical therapist located in Naples, Florida. When she’s not working with her young patients, she advises her mom and her sister-in-law (me) on stretches we can do every morning before we even get out of bed. It’s a great way to wake up AND keep your body in motion - which can slow cognitive decline. Gotta keep it moving!Watch or listen: https://youtu.be/oOdQiJ7ZqIsAll episodes here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcastTrailer: https://youtu.be/dzQhEFAv9eM#survivingalzheimers #alzheimers #caregivers #dementia #speaker #podcast #play #book 

When Tony Stewart’s wife, Lynn, receives a sudden and devastating diagnosis, they sit together at their small kitchen table, holding hands and wondering how much time they have left – and what they can do to get more of it. His book, Carrying the Tiger, is both a love letter and a guide for anyone walking beside illness or loss. Listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/15OLfjZ0nqFyFd1AKtKVTs?si=JIqPk3UlSHGlVB2XW0dyvwWatch: https://youtu.be/ObCsLCU2EFoTrailer: https://youtu.be/ch9q5EWahEsCarrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving https://amzn.to/4ldvRtL#alzheimers #caregivers #dementia #speaker #podcast #play #book All episodes here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcast

Betsy Grubbs, our go-to attorney, revisits Powers of Attorney with us. The standards and the new ones. And, why you need all of them. Now. Watch: https://youtu.be/ykZ7CRT4nHA#survivingalzheimers #alzheimers #caregivers #dementia #speaker #podcast #play #book Listen to all #survivingalzheimers episodes here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcastHave questions? Need more? Contact Betsy here: https://tlaw.us/contact-usFor more information, visit www.daynasteele.com or email [email protected].

On the new episode of #survivingalzheimers, homecare expert and advocate Aaron Marcum talks about the future of the industry and what comes next for families looking for care for a loved one.Watch: https://youtu.be/qWeyhnJdDtAAaron’s Website: https://www.aaronmarcum.comBreakaway 365: https://www.breakaway365.comBest of Home Care Awards: https://awards.activatedinsights.comAaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-marcum/For more information, https://www.daynasteele.com

You can’t be a caregiver alone, and this program in Clear Lake TX will provide relief for so many. Others could start the same thing! Listen here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcast#survivingalzheimers #alzheimers #caregivers #dementia #speaker #podcast #play #book Apollo Respite Program: https://sttaec.org/respite/About Sean: https://sttaec.org/about-us/clergy-and-staff/

Shasta and Greg Nelson discuss his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, their current lives, and what they are doing to help others as they take this unexpected journey. Listen here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcastGreg’s website: https://www.gregorypnelson.comShasta’s website: https://www.shastanelson.comSeth and Lauren Rogen film: https://www.takingcarefilm.com

Mary Beth Wighton is an advocate, writer, and inspirational speaker who was diagnosed in 2012 with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) at the age of 45. Since then, she has become an advocate for people living with dementia. Listen here: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcastDignity & Dementia: Carpe Diem: My journals of living with dementia https://amzn.to/4iYa2gERIA 2024 Trailblazers for Culture Change Award#survivingalzheimers #alzheimers #caregivers #dementia #speaker #podcast #play #book 

Shari Haber joins the #survivingalzheimers podcast to discuss advance planning to die better and be remembered best. As we say in the play, “The Woman in the Mirror,” have these things done so your loved ones can celebrate, not litigate you!Listen or watch here: https://youtu.be/HKNnrXzviLU#survivingalzheimers #alzheimers #caregivers #dementia #speaker #podcast #play #book Website: https://www.mygreatgoodbye.com

I wish Geri-Gadgets had been around for Mom. She wasn’t much of one for a doll or stuffed animal, but she did love things she could do with her hands. I talk to the inventor Angela Fairhurst about these perfect activity boxes for Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients on the latest podcast episode #survivingalzheimers. GeriGadgets: https://www.geri-gadgets.comGeri-Gadgets® delivers innovative, sensory-based tools designed for adults with cognitive challenges, fostering dignity, engagement, and well-being. Inspired by personal experience, our products feature vibrant, easy-to-see colors and are made from non-toxic, dishwasher-safe silicone—the material closest to human touch.

Steeleworker and former Houstonian Kyle Henry is traveling the country promoting his award-winning documentary Time Passages. Kyle and I talk about KLOL and his amazing piece of work on the latest podcast episode of #survivingalzheimers.Time Passages Film: https://www.timepassagesfilm.com

Joining me on this episode of #survivingalzheimers is Kim Elliott, founder of Gray Monster, the newsletter to help you help your parents age better.  Newsletter:https://www.graymonster.co#survivingalzheimers #book #play #podcast #speaker 

Joining me on the new episode of #survivingalzheimers is writer Beth Copeland, who went through this experience with both parents. We talk about how cathartic writing is and her words of advice for #survivingalzheimers. "We do the best we can."Blue Honey: https://www.quailridgebooks.com/book/9781940120768

Leading Naples, FL, neurologist and Alzheimer's researcher Dr. William Justiz has joined us at the beginning of every season. We are starting our third season with the first podcast we did with Dr. Willie about five years ago. We talk about what to do when there are family members or friends who refuse to accept what is happening. Not much has changed since the first interview I did with Willie - there are better drugs now, but there is still no cause and no cure. So we continue the conversation until then...Learn more about Dr. Justiz here: Aqualane Clinical ResearchLearn more about Dayna Steele here: The Woman in the Mirror

Joining me on the new episode of #survivingalzheimers is Lavonne Pelsy. She and her husband met later in life and were looking forward to their future. A future that they did not realize would include memory care for him so soon. 

Joining me on the new episode of #survivingalzheimers is neurologist, caregiver, and daughter Dona Kim Murphey. We discuss where she is at the beginning of her journey with her Dad and whether she approaches it differently as a trained doctor. We find we all go through the same things. #caregivers #alzheimers #dementia #podcast #book #play Her fund to support other Asian caregivers: http://spot.fund/6f8g6sc

Joining me on this episode of #survivingalzheimers is Susie Singer Carter, a multi-award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, and caregiver advocate. She is currently producing a documentary, No Country For Old People, which centers on nursing home neglect.

Joining me on the new episode of #survivingalzheimers is Dr. Sandeep Jauhar, author of “My Father’s Brain: Life in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s.” Find the book here: https://amzn.to/3X0EO0O

Joining me on the new episode of #survivingalzheimers is Dr. Macie P. Smith, one of the country’s leading dementia and aging experts. We talk about how it feels to have dementia or Alzheimer’s. And, we discuss the stigma that still exists in some communities. 

Joining me on this episode #survivingalzheimers is Veronica Watts, telling us what to look for in assisted living and hospice for a loved one. The good facilities and caregivers and the ones to avoid.

Joining me on this episode of #survivingalzheimers is Sherea Cary, a daughter, and caregiver to her mom in the beginning stages of dementia. She shares what she has learned so far.Link in bio or #caregivers #alzheimers #dementia #podcast #book #play 

Joining me on #survivingalzheimers - John Gartner - psychologist, psychotherapist, author, and founder of Duty to Warn, an organization of mental health professionals and laypersons who consider it their duty to warn patients, clients, and the community at large when aware of potential danger when a leader or potential leader shows signs of brain deterioration.Duty To Warn on Twitter#caregivers #alzheimers #dementia #podcast #book #play 

Joining me on #survivingalzheimers - Marcus Gurske - a dear friend who had to experience Alzheimer’s with a parent from a long-distance perspective.More resources: https://surviving-alzheimers.com/

Joining me on #survivingalzheimers is Joe Pogge, a longtime Houston radio marketing legend, host of Smokin’ Joe’s Driving Range, and husband of a beloved wife he is losing to dementia. #caregiver#survivingalzheimers #caregivers #alzheimers #dementia #podcast #book #play #theatre #theater #actor Hear Joe on the Houston Radio Platinum app.

Steve Wessler is a world-renowned human rights activist, writer, lecturer, facilitator, and speaker. He is also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Steve and I talk about how he wishes people would treat him and talk to him. We talk about his future plans and his sons. And, I realize I am asking Steve questions I wish I could have asked my mother. Website: http://www.stevewessler.comBoston Globe article: https://www.coa.edu/live/news/2007-i-have-alzheimers-disease-this-is-what-i-need-fromThe Family Questions: https://surviving-alzheimers.com/resources

Elizabeth Justiz is an organizing and decluttering expert (as well as the best daughter-in-law ever.) She joins me on the #survivingalzheimers podcast to talk about what a burden your stuff is to others and how to start getting rid of it! The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning10 Steps for Downsizing and Decluttering

Corabell Arps helps family caregivers thrive, experience joy, and succeed at managing personal, family, business, and care challenges.Website: https://www.scissortailhealthcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corabell-arps-md-nbc-hwc-27a75b230/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corabell.arps

Robert Egelstaff was one of four adventurers who followed in the footsteps of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Egelstaff and his crew used an open boat to trace his journey from Elephant Island to South Georgia in the Antarctic summer of 1993-1994. I met Rob on an expedition to Antarctica in December 2023. Just like everyone else I meet, Rob has a story about Alzheimer’s and a loved one.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-egelstaff-17388241/?originalSubdomain=uk

Leading neurologist and clinical researcher Dr. William Justiz from Aqualane Clinical Research joins us to kick off the new season with the latest findings in Alzheimer's research, new testing information, and words of wisdom.https://www.instagram.com/aqualaneclinicalresearch/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076314073332Surviving Alzheimer’s book: https://amzn.to/2X6byTRDonate to the play: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/the-woman-in-the-mirror-play

Welcome to the last episode of #survivingalzheimers for this year. The team is taking a break for the next couple of weeks, and then we will be back with new episodes the second week of January.Over the last year or so, I’ve interviewed my brother-in-law several times about different subjects. Known to many as Tio Willie, he is actually leading neurologist and Alzheimer's researcher Dr. William Justiz. We start with a big question for me - why did Mom forget my name, her caregiver, her best friend, the one closest to her? And what do you do and say when someone you love says, "What’s your name?" We also talk about the last thing you forget.Tickets go on sale for The Woman in the Mirror at Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs on January 4th. The show runs in March - I hope you can make it!Thanks again for listening to #survivingalzheimers. It’s a labor of love honoring my late mother Fran Nicholson, and a love letter to caregivers. Please know you are not alone. We are here with you.LINKSNeed to find a support group where you live? Google the name of your town and “Alzheimer’s support group” - I guarantee you’ll find somethingDr. William Justiz at Aqualane ResearchAlzheimer’s AssociationAlzheimer’s FoundationHFC from Lauren and Seth Rogen

I had a speaking event almost 15 years ago, and the speaker before me was Honey Leveen, a Long Term Care Insurance Specialist. I am so glad I arrived early that day and heard her presentation. At the time, I had no idea long-term care was not covered by my existing insurance plan and future Medicare. Not long after that meeting, Wonder Husband and I purchased a long-term care insurance policy from Honey. I was 47 years old, and it's one of the best things I've ever done. Money was tight, but we cut back on other things with our future in mind. We don't have a large amount of savings now. We do have care waiting for us when we need it for the rest of our lives. Ask friends and family if they have long-term care Insurance and who they used to navigate the plans and pricing. There is also a link to contact Honey in this episode's description. She tells us a lot about this special insurance in the first part of this interview. The second half is a conversation we had when we stopped to grab coffee with Honey and her husband near a retirement community they have moved to in Florida - to hear more about senior living options. More and more senior living companies are finding ways to make the last years of life happy, social, comfortable, and safe. Honey Leveen educates us on how these places work on a Starbucks patio in sunny Ft Myers, Florida. We will all get older, so we might as well have as much info as possible. Bottom line - have a plan - not only where and how you will live as you age but who and how you will pay for it. Don't burden your family because of your lack of planning. Yes, long-term care, any plan, will cost you some money. And the older you get, the more expensive it will get. But odds are you will need something - your plan should not be to burden your family with your care. Surprisingly, a third of my podcast audience is in their 20s, so I'm talking to you now. Start putting a few dollars away now for your retirement and elder care. If you do it now, you will have incredible peace of mind and quality of life later.It's up to you. Start talking about this with your family and friends. We need a much better system in the US and worldwide to care for our aging population, but until someone comes up with that plan. Last, we're just coming off Thanksgiving and heading into the holidays. If there is a caregiver you need to shop for, here are some ideas - maid service, lawn service, grocery delivery, premade meals for their freezer, or a meal service, take over for a few hours so they can get something done or have time to themselves. Send them to a nice hotel for a few nights off, and you take over the care or hire a home health service. Most importantly, say thank you, "I see you and see what you are doing and everything you are sacrificing." A little acknowledgment goes a long way,HONEY LEVEEN, LUTCF, CLTC, LTCPwww.honeyleveen.comWork: 713-988-4671Cell: 713-447-6197

Chris Alan is a longtime radio personality in the Houston/Galveston, Texas area. He also runs a very successful restaurant chain in the area - Christian's Tailgate with the best onion rings, burgers, and tacos. And he and his brother are currently losing their beloved mother to Alzheimer’s. It's not always easy for anyone to tell me their story but seems to be especially harder on men. Because Chris and I are so close, he agreed to sit down and talk to me about his current journey with his mom and his own fears. You'll also hear some scenes from the play. There are links to everything we discuss below.  Please subscribe to #survivingalzheimers wherever you listen to your podcasts. It is especially helpful for us if you subscribe to us on Spotify. Thanks! Early Signs of Alzheimer’s/Dr. William Justiz https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/survivingalzheimers/episodes/Early-Signs-of-Alzheimers-e2aojn7Houston Radio Platinum https://houstonradioplatinum.com MOCA Test https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62aa2cf3b606f524a5f66129/t/6499aafcab8a203c2c905192/1687792380994/MOCA+test.pdfChristian’s Tailgate/Houston https://www.christianstailgate.comMostly Chocolate https://mostlyhtx.comBook https://amzn.to/2X6byTRDonate https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/the-woman-in-the-mirror-playPlay https://surviving-alzheimers.com/home#playRecord a message https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/survivingalzheimers/messageMy website https://surviving-alzheimers.com/

Cathy Arroyo, a friend of mine, was dealing with a mom, a stepdad, and a dad who were all in different stages of dementia in different cities across the country from where she and her brother were. Someone suggested they hire a Geriatric Case Manager (GCM), something I wish I had known about for Mom. Cathy tells us what this case manager does, how you find one, and the interview questions you should ask. You can find these questions and links below.Cathy told me later that they paid anywhere from $700 to $1000 monthly for their case manager’s services. Theirs was one of the best, so there are definitely more affordable rates should you choose to go this route. You can find out more at aginglifecare.org.  And you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for more #survivingalzheimers information. The play⁠⁠The book⁠⁠Make a tax-deductible donationVA Aid & Assistance

During COVID, I started a podcast on no particular subject just to entertain myself. One of the people I talked to during that time was Melissa Stevens, the widow of Mark Stevens. Mark was one half of one of the most famous radio teams ever, Stevens and Pruett, on KLOL in Houston, Texas, the station I was at for so long. Many fans know Mark is no longer with us, but they don’t know why. Melissa joins me to talk about Mark's journey with Alzheimer's, why many fans didn't know, and her journey as a loved one and caregiver. Melissa and I talk about family and friends who stopped coming or never came at all - and the simple things they could have done that would have made a difference.Make a tax-deductible donation to the play hereIf you’d like to learn more about Mark Stevens, see “Runaway Radio,” the documentary about KLOL. It’s doing the film festival circuit right now and then will be available on streaming services. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Yet caregivers still question ourselves during and after. Melissa and I both learned that you do the best you can; there is no manual for #survivingalzheimers The playThe bookMake a tax-deductible donation"Runaway Radio"The clock test Melissa talks aboutTell me your story

Betsy Grubbs practices law in Texas and has helped me countless times with information. She has also helped me put together and update as needed The Family Questions - questions every family should have the questions to at any time. Here are Betsy’s five most important documents to have:- Will- Statutory Durable Power of Attorney (POA)- Medical Power of Attorney (POA)- Advanced Directive (also known as a Living Will) - HIPPA Release *Traveling? Carry printed copies of these with you in case you can’t access the electronic versions!Make a ⁠tax-deductible donation⁠ to the play.Other documents you should have:- Military separation papers - Marriage license - all marriages! - Birth certificates- Death certificates- Appointed guardian document- Funeral wishes documentBuy the book: Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine on Amazon Learn more about the play The Woman in the Mirror here, coming to Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs in March 2024.And, if you would like to leave a voice comment for us to use on the podcast, you can do so here on your phone.

Mike McGuff lost his mother to early-onset Alzheimer's in his 20s. We talk about what that was like for a young man just starting a promising career and how it changed him and his life on the other side of this journey.McGuff is a Houston/Southeast Texas Alzheimer's Association board member and the 7th Congressional District of Texas Alzheimer's Ambassador.  Professionally he is a digital marketer, blogger, and documentary filmmaker whose first film, "Runaway Radio," a documentary about 101 KLOL (the rock radio station I was on), is currently playing film festivals. You can donate to our Alzheimer's Walk team here. Check out the Randy Pausch book and The Last Lecture that Mike and I mentioned. Both are life-changing. And, you can tell me your story or leave a message for me here or reach out to me using the contact form on our website, ⁠survivingalzheimerspodcast.com⁠.

Are you starting to notice things that have you concerned about a loved one and memory loss? Is it normal forgetfulness as they age, or is it something else? Neurologist Dr. William Justiz of Aqualane Clinical Research talks to us about the difference and a plan of action if needed. Find the MOCA Test sample on our website. And leave us a recorded voice message for a future podcast here.

Welcome to the introduction to #survivingalzheimers with Dayna Steele, a weekly conversation by and for caregivers.Links:Tell Dayna your story or leave a comment to be used on the podcast - you can record it on your phone hereBe featured in an episode as a guest - contact Dayna hereBuy the book - Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of WineLearn more - visit the websiteEverything else ...Join Dayna:TikTokInstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedIn