Hello Alzheimer’s

Colleen Fritsch: The Beauty of Becoming a 'Dementia Friend'

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Colleen Fritsch, the Volunteer Dementia Friends Champion Coordinator. If we've lost you with Colleen's title or even the name of this program, then my goodness... Are you in for a treat!
According to the Dementia Friends Minnesota website: "Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends initiative is in full force in Minnesota. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia."
And there's more... A lot more, but we'll let Colleen cover the highlights in this enlightening conversation. By the way, if YOU are interested in becoming an official "Dementia Friend" or "Dementia Champion," please simply click here. You'll be joining at an AMAZING time, as Minnesota is about to reach 30,000 Dementia Friends (not to mention the thousands of Dementia Friends throughout the world).
Thank you, my friends... Please enjoy... And please know, you're not alone.

Rachel Boucher: The Reasons for Respite Care

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Rachel Boucher, Program Coordinator of The Gathering. The Gathering is one of those beautiful examples in our greater community of resources that do, in fact, offer respite care for all those committed care partners (while also offering enrichment for loved ones living with Alzheimer's or other dementia). By defining what "works" in The Gathering, Rachel also shines a light on what to look for when choosing your own respite care options and WHY we should seek out and accept this support.
Full disclosure: Karla approaches this conversation with a full heart for all that The Gathering offers families, as this is the program that walked alongside her family -- and, especially, her dad -- early in his Alzheimer's marathon. 
The Gathering is just one outreach offered by Lyngblomsten, and we encourage you to learn more about this beautiful organization. Please also follow Karla and "So Many Goodbyes" on social media for details about her upcoming workshop at a Lyngblomsten community. 
You can also find respite care options near you or your loved one through the National Respite Locator Service. If you prefer calls, you can call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline, at: 1-800-272-3900. Those in Minnesota, can call the Senior LinkAge Line, at: 1-800-333-2433. And of course, you're always welcome to reach out to Karla, at: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.
 

Voices of Dementia: Shirley Heine Rowe Freckmann and Jenn Rowe Glass

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult shares the beautiful bond between a mother and daughter, Shirley Heine Rowe Freckmann and Jenn Rowe Glass. And these two women are quite the dynamic duo: After graduating from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor's Degree in Theology, Shirley began a "life of service to others." She advocated for and taught others, while also managing to raise three children. For her part, Jenn has had a successful career in corporate communications, while raising a family of her own.
But despite their academic, professional and personal accomplishments, both Shirley and Jenn may be facing their greatest challenge yet: Shirley was diagnosed with Lewy body and Vascular dementia in 2021. 
In a touching conversation, mom and daughter discuss Shirley's current reality and devotion to each other. And Jenn delivers her own insights and gratitude for her village, including a brother and sister who continue to champion for their mother's care.
This is the second conversation in an occasional series, Voices of Dementia. As the title suggests, we'll be highlighting the courageous voices of people touched by Alzheimer's or other dementia, so that we can all listen to and learn from each other. With each conversation, please remember... You are not alone.

"People in the Squeeze" - Bookended by Babies and Dementia

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Jayne Dow Larkin, co-creator, People in the Squeeze and co-author of “Thriving in Chaos: Navigating the Challenges of Aging Parents." In a concise and captivating conversation, they reflect on the challenges adult children experience when caring for their own children AND their aging parents. Karla calls it being "bookended by babies and dementia;" Jayne and Heather Durenberger call it People in the Squeeze.
Jayne shares more about how she and Heather delved into developmental psychology to help "put a name" to the issues that arise as we, and our loved ones, age. And she shares the wisdom and advice that can help all of us desperately trying to strike the right balance.
Once again, the conversation reminds all of us... none of us is alone. 
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or if you need support: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.
 

Joan Palmquist: How (and Why) to Declutter and Downsize During the Dementia Journey

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Joan Palmquist about the practical and personal benefits of decluttering and downsizing during the dementia journey.
Joan's a retired marketing researcher who studied both journalism and law. And while that's impressive, Joan's current LinkedIn profile describes her most brilliant and rewarding work yet: "Volunteer Extraordinaire at Various Nonprofit organizations." Most importantly, Joan brings her own wealth of wisdom and empathy after caring for her beloved mom during her Alzheimer's journey.
Two quick notes: 1., Yes... Decluttering and downsizing related to dementia. We promise this advice benefits everyone but, perhaps especially, those affected by Alzheimer's or other dementia. And 2., Though it's spelled "Joan," it's pronounced Joanne.
Please enjoy the conversation. And please don't hesitate to reach out with questions: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com.

Mental Health First Aid... for Caregivers

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Myrna Marofsky and Kandy Hirsch about the critical need for Mental Health First Aid... for caregivers. The conversation addresses when, why and how to support those primary care partners who simply need the nudge to care... for themselves.
As a reminder, Myrna Marofsky is a fabulous friend, care partner advocate and amazing author of To the Last Dance: A Partner's Story of Living and Loving through Dementia. Kandy Hirsch is a Professional Counselor and certified teacher of Mental Health First Aid through the National Council on Mental Wellbeing. To learn more about Kandy's next Mental Health First Aid class, just click here.

Voices of Dementia: Thor Nystrom

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Thor Nystrom. Thor's a phenomenal college football and NFL Draft analyst for Fantasy Life; but he's an even better son.
Thor talks about his amazing mom, Rachel Reabe Nystrom, also an accomplished journalist and former host for Minnesota Public Radio. And Thor shares how his family -- even after Rachel's diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's -- continues to search for the joy (even, or maybe especially, in a Chipotle burrito bowl). 
To hear Rachel's remarkable reporting -- and her voice -- just click here.
This is the first conversation in an occasional series, Voices of Dementia. As the title suggests, we'll be highlighting the courageous voices of people touched by Alzheimer's or other dementia. 

What do we do now (that our Alzheimer's or other dementia journey has begun)? Part IV, The Legal Aid Answer

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Gordon Solo, the Supervising Attorney of the Senior Law Project at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. Gordon gives insights and advice on what Legal Aid can do -- legally and practically -- to protect every person in our greater community, especially those with fewer resources who are also starting their own dementia journey.
Gordon specifically recommends LawHelpMN.org as a legal resource, including a library of resources directly related to Elder Law. He also suggests people with any coverage- or care-related questions call the Senior LinkAge Line, at: 1-800-333-2433.
NOTE: This is the fourth episode in an ongoing series dedicated to answering the question families or individuals may have when they first suspect they've started the Alzheimer's or other dementia journey: "What do we do now?" Please check out previous conversations -- especially the episode featuring Elder Law Attorney Mary Frances Price -- for more insights and information.

Prof. Joe Gaugler: A 'Dementia Roadshow' and Finding Resources in Rural Communities

Hello Alzheimer's Host Karla Hult talks with Prof. Joe Gaugler, the Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging, School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. Joe discusses his latest outreach -- a "dementia roadshow" -- that allows everyone in Minnesota to hear directly from this health care leader about the latest Alzheimer's research and resources. And Joe also weighs in on a perceived lack of resources and support in rural communities for those touched by any cause of dementia.
To learn more about Prof. Gaugler's outreach, just email his team at: fltc@umn.edu. The Senior LinkAge Line referenced in this conversation is: 1-800-333-2433. Anyone struggling to navigate resources in their community can also reach out to So Many Goodbyes.  

What do we do now (that our Alzheimer's or other dementia journey has begun)? Part III, Elder Law Attorney Mary Frances Price

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Elder Law Attorney Mary Frances Price, a founding member of Bravura Group. Together, the two tackle all those daunting legal and financial questions, documents and overall next steps families and individuals want to address when they believe their Alzheimer's or other dementia journey has begun.
You can learn more about the documents and recommended "next steps" at this Alzheimers.gov website or at the National Institute on Aging website. The Alzheimer's Association also provides several resources -- including a free e-learning workshop -- here. 
NOTE: This is the third episode in an ongoing series dedicated to answering the question families may have when they first suspect they've started the Alzheimer's or other dementia journey: "What do we do now?" Please check out previous conversations for more insights and information. And please reach out if you have any questions or need support: Karla@SoManyGoodbyes.com