Life Happens Podcast with Kim Hegwood

Dementia Friendly Cruises – Should You Take One?

In the latest episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, Kim talks to Kathy Shoaf, a registered nurse, and the mind behind dementia-friendly cruises at Elite Cruises and Vacation Travel. Kathy shares her passion for creating travel opportunities for people with cognitive and physical challenges, ensuring they can enjoy life with their families. This thought-provoking episode delves into the safety and logistics of dementia-friendly cruises, supporting not only the loved ones but also caregivers. We also touch on the unique programs offered for former caregivers, emphasizing the importance of self-care even after the primary caregiving role has ended. Tune-in to explore how Kathy’s empathetic approach brings joy to families and individuals facing challenging circumstances.

Tackling Dementia Challenges: Teepa Snow’s Insights on Managing Personality Changes

Join Kim Hegwood in this insightful episode of Life Happens as she engages in a candid conversation with Teepa Snow about a topic that touches the lives of countless families: dementia and the associated personality changes. Teepa delves into the harsh realities of witnessing loved ones transform into unfamiliar versions of themselves, offering invaluable insights into the diverse patterns of personality alterations seen in individuals grappling with dementia. Discover practical advice for effectively communicating with and caring for those affected by these changes, as Teepa provides a compassionate and knowledgeable perspective. Stay tuned as Kim and Teepa navigate the complexities of this challenging aspect of life, exploring strategies for support and understanding along the way.

Changing Your Brain Can Be as Simple as Child’s Play

Join us as we embark on a journey filled with stories, insights, and a sprinkle of humor, exploring the twists and turns of life’s adventure. Today, we are thrilled to welcome Denise Medved, the visionary behind Ageless Grace, a groundbreaking program revolutionizing our approach to brain health and physical vitality as we age. Denise shares a deeply personal narrative, reflecting on her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, which ignited her exploration into the profound link between body and brain wellness. Diving into the marvels of neuroplasticity, Denise illuminates how our brains are dynamic entities capable of reshaping through physical movement and diverse activities. It’s not just about Sudoku puzzles anymore! We’ll explore how strategic planning, memory, recall, and physical exercises converge to maintain peak cognitive function. Discover the essence of the Ageless Grace program, emphasizing the significance of brief, diverse, brain-stimulating exercises—conveniently performed while seated and accompanied by music, making them enjoyable for all ages. So, grab your headphones, perhaps a chair for some movement, and let’s awaken those neurons! Join Denise Medved as we uncover the simple yet profound methods to keep our minds sharp and resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

Should You Hire a Nurse to Navigate the Senior Care Industry?

Join Kim Hegwood in this episode of Life Happens as she dives into the complexities of the senior care industry with guest Jo Alch, a care manager from Joy Care Management. Discover the challenges families encounter when making decisions for their elderly loved ones, the significance of future planning, and the invaluable role of nurse navigators in delivering comprehensive care. Gain invaluable insights into crisis management and the prioritization of quality of life in decision-making processes. For expert advice on senior care and navigating healthcare systems, don’t miss this enlightening conversation between Kim Hegwood and Jo Alch.

Coping With Caregiver Grief When Caring for Someone With Dementia

In this episode of “Life Happens with Kim Hegwood,” Kim Hegwood explores the profound topic of caregivers grappling with grief while tending to individuals with dementia. Joined by our guest, Elaine Messarra, they offer invaluable insights and expertise on this poignant subject. Together, they examine the commonplace experience of caregivers encountering grief even prior to the loss of their loved ones, identifying telltale signs of grieving caregivers, and scrutinizing the role of guilt in the grieving process. Moreover, they provide practical strategies to assist caregivers in navigating their grief, interspersed with personal anecdotes and illustrative examples that shed light on this intricate and emotional journey. Tune in for a profound exploration of dementia caregiving and strategies for effectively supporting those undergoing this challenging experience!

Helping Aging Adults Cope with Life Changes

In this episode of “Life Happens with Kim Hegwood,” Kim sits down with the insightful Rachel Golfeiz to discuss how aging adults cope with life changes. They dive into the common occurrences of depression among the elderly and the impact of loss, loss of independence, and transitioning to new living arrangements. Rachel shares her expertise as a therapist, shedding light on the benefits of therapy and reminiscence therapy for older adults and individuals with dementia. They also explore narrative therapy and how it shapes the positive identity of seniors. Finally, they offer practical advice for children transitioning their parents into care facilities and navigating the hurdle of getting seniors to seek therapy. Tune in to gain valuable insights and wisdom on navigating the complexities of aging and transitions with grace and empathy.

The Challenges and Gratification of Being a Male Caregiver: A Son’s Journey with His Mom

In our latest podcast episode, your host Kim Hegwood is joined by Bill Cohen, the visionary behind Cohen Caregiving Support Consultants. Bill graciously shares his personal caregiving journey for his mother, providing profound insights into the challenges and responsibilities inherent in the role of a caregiver. The conversation jumps into the significance of support groups, explores the legal and financial considerations that caregivers face, and emphasizes the necessity of open communication within families navigating caregiving decisions. Listeners are in for valuable advice on proactive planning and finding support when taking on the role of a caregiver. Join Kim Hegwood and Bill Cohen as they expertly navigate the intricate landscape of caregiving in this enlightening and informative episode.

Expert Insights on Dementia Care: Brittany Bain Shares Strategies for Families

This week on Life Happens, we ventured into the realm of psychotherapy for individuals with dementia and their families, featuring our guest Brittany Bain from Mesquite Psychotherapy and Consulting. Together, we dig into the significance of person-centered care, the creation of a stimulating environment, and the assistance provided to families during the challenging transition of relocating a loved one to a care facility. Brittany’s strategies and compassionate approach shine through, leaving a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by dementia. For a comprehensive exploration of these valuable insights, make sure to tune in to the complete episode!

Tools for the 9 Most Common Forms of Dementia

In this episode, we are honored to host Dr. Tam Cummings, a special guest who illuminates the intricacies of dementia and emphasizes the crucial necessity of early detection and behavior observation. Dr. Cummings dives into the diverse stages of dementia, exploring common forms such as toxic dementias. She underscores the significance of identifying the specific type of dementia to tailor appropriate care. Join us as we navigate the realm of dementia diagnosis and treatment, gaining insights into the observational and staging tools utilized to assess behaviors in individuals with dementia. Tune in as we unravel the complexities of dementia, providing valuable perspectives for both individuals and families grappling with these challenges!

Benefits to Rehab Therapy & Caregiver Support

Join Kim Hegwood in this episode of Life Happens as she delves into the world of occupational therapy’s holistic approach with Ashley Ballou, the insightful founder of Manifest My Potential Occupational Therapy and Wellness. Together, they explore the benefits of rehab therapy and caregiver support, shedding light on the differences between physical and occupational therapy and how each addresses individual needs. Ashley provides valuable insights into the impact of therapy on individuals with dementia, offering guidance on recognizing signs and the therapeutic benefits. The spotlight then turns to caregiver support, where Ashley discusses holistic wellness models and attends to various caregiver needs, sharing valuable resources and programs. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion, offering unique perspectives and practical advice for navigating the complexities of rehab therapy and caregiving!

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