Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Sam and Susan Simon for an inspiring conversation about what it means to live well after a dementia diagnosis. Together, they share how purpose, creativity, advocacy, and connection continue to shape their lives and relationship as they navigate dementia as a couple.

Years before Sam’s own diagnosis with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, he cared for Susan through Stage 3 breast cancer. Now, their roles are evolving as Susan supports Sam while they proactively plan for the future together.

Sam also discusses how he transformed his experience into his one-man play, Dementia Man, An Existential Journey, using storytelling and advocacy to help others better understand life after diagnosis and hold on to a sense of identity and purpose.

Episode highlights include:

-Experiencing caregiving from both sides

-Living well after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis

-Finding purpose through advocacy, creativity, and storytelling

-Supporting independence while navigating dementia together

-Planning proactively for the future with hope and intention

Helpful links from the episode:

-Dementia Man: An Existential Journey: Choosing Life and Finding Meaning with Alzheimer’s: dementiaman.com

-Washington Post article: “In a one-man play, an 80-year-old chronicles his own dementia”

-Facebook: facebook.com/dementiaman

-Instagram: @thedementiaman

-YouTube: youtube.com/@dementiaman_

To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.

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