We know that caregiving is difficult.  We know caregivers often feel overwhelmed by their tasks- both in their daily lives and caregiving.  When people become caregivers, their obligations in the rest of the lives don’t stop, so caregiving often falls “on top of” other responsibilities.  If they were consumed with obligations before caregiving, the caregiving role can be the straw that broke the camel’s back.  We know that regular breaks are important to allow caregivers to reset and re-establish the priorities in their lives. We also know that efforts to schedule b ..read more

What are the most effective tips you find helpful when dealing with a loved one living with dementia?  We hear that it can be challenging to deal with changing behaviours, or unknowns.  We have put together a list of the common challenges we hear, and a tip for each.  We hope that these will offer a fresh perspective for consideration.  It can be difficult in the moment to step back and consider these tips, but we hope that a simple reminder is helpful.  We’ve complied another set of tips to deal with common challenges.  We’d love to hear from you in the comments ..read more

Photo:  John Moeses, Unsplash What are the most effective tips you find helpful when dealing with a loved one living with dementia?  We hear that it can be challenging to deal with changing behaviours, or unknowns.  We have put together a list of the common challenges we hear, and a tip for each.  We hope that these will offer a fresh perspective for consideration.  It can be difficult in the moment to step back and consider these tips, but we hope that a simple reminder is helpful.  We’d love to hear from you in the comments below about what tips have resonated ..read more

Photo:  Bruno Martins, Unsplash Background The prevalence of persons living with dementia is increasing.  The chances these individuals go missing is also rising.  Researchers have recently reported their findings of a study conducted in three Canadian provinces about an alert system known as “Community ASAP”.  Community ASAP is a mobile alert system that engages community citizens, as volunteers to look for people with dementia reported missing.  The study was conducted in connection with caregivers of people living with dementia, local police services, search and re ..read more

Photo: Gus Moretta, Unsplash People don’t like to consider the finality of their death.  That’s just the reality.  This is one of the leading reasons why people procrastinate against end of life planning.  Once you receive a dementia diagnosis, is it too late?  This is a question we’re often asked, and the stress of a diagnosis adds to the worry that people have when they feel that they’ve waited too long.  Don’t worry- there is still planning that can be done. Wills and powers of attorney are among the most important documents you will ever sign.  They grant pow ..read more

Photo:  Gerog Arthur, Unsplash Informal caregivers often ask how to know that a caregiver that they’ve hired to provide care for their loved one is qualified.  When they do succeed in obtaining some respite relief through an in-home care provider, they’ve commented on the differing quality of caregiver.  How do you know how to screen potential caregivers who will spend time with your loved one? This is a common question and we hear it from our caregivers often.  Many have experienced uneven quality of care, or frustrations with the reliability of the paid caregiver. We kno ..read more

Photo:  Cristofer Maximilian One of the most awkward and stress-inducing conversations that loved ones have while caring for a person living with dementia is the question of whether the person living with dementia should continue to operate a motor vehicle. The loss of a driver’s license is symbolic of the loss of independence, and many loved ones are unsure of how to navigate this awkward discussion, if they become concerned about safe driving of a person living with dementia. As cognitive abilities are clouded and decline through the progression of the disease, when is the right time t ..read more

Photo: Paul Stickman, Unsplash Caregivers of individuals living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia often report feeling stressed.  What does that mean?  How much stress is too much?  What strategies can be used to lessen the feelings of stress?  Why do some people feel it more than others? Caregiver burden is the stress that is perceived by caregivers.  Because everyone is different, the amount of stress that you feel in a situation can differ from what someone else feels in the same situation.  Peoples’ ability to cope with different stressors is a ..read more

  If you’re someone who worries about getting Alzheimer’s or dementia someday, you’ll want to hear how science, and specifically the work of Dr. Rob Sutherland, is proving that we can fight back against genetic predispositions of dementia. Life With Dementia is here to share practical tips, personal stories and relevant research that can help us all understand dementia better; and how to support people living with it. This episode’s guest is Dr. Rob Sutherland, of the University of Lethbridge. His current research investigates the neurobiology of learning, memory, and amnesia ..read more

This is a special episode, relevant to the current COVID-19 health crisis and social isolation we are experiencing all over the world right now. It’s been challenging for every one, but certainly for those of us at home supporting friends or family with an illness, disability, or aging related needs. Which just so happens to be the mission of Caregivers Alberta, the non-profit organization that I work for daily. Caregivers Alberta exists to empower caregivers and promote their well-being through support, information, education, and leadership. Find out about the ongoing programs and ..read more