WOOP is a very practical technique for anything from emotions to something on your to-do list — it can be used for many different kinds of wishes." — Donna Fedus

How many times have you been told that taking care of yourself is really important — and felt overwhelmed just thinking about it? You are not alone in this struggle, and there is a simple, evidence-based process that can help.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how hard it can be to find time — and energy — for your own wellbeing. We are sharing insights from Donna Fedus, gerontologist and founder of Borrow My Glasses, about an evidence-based process called WOOP — yes, WOOP — and how it can help caregivers turn their wishes into reality.

Donna has been a gerontologist for 35 years and a dementia educator for nearly 20. She founded Borrow My Glasses in 2013 and has been instrumental in bringing WOOP to dementia family caregivers through a nationally funded study conducted with Yale University.

Let's explore three essential tips for putting WOOP to work in your caregiving life.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Donna Fedus at BorrowMyGlasses https://borrowmyglasses.com/
• The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.

Takeaways

We shared 3 tips:

Tip 1: WOOP it up

Tip 2: Hone in on your wish

Tip 3: Make it work!

Read More in This Blog

"While we can't reverse aging, regular mental activity — these exercises, regular cognitive engagement — helps keep cognitive skills stronger for longer. It's like exercising your body." — Dr. Daniel Fenton

What if you could make small changes and have more intentional conversations with your loved one that actively stimulate their brain? You're not doing one more thing — you're simply being more deliberate about conversations you're already having and sneaking in more benefits along the way.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how meaningful it is to find ways to help our loved ones function at their best for longer. We're sharing insights about cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) from Dr. Daniel Fenton, head of neuropsychological services at New Days, a virtual clinic specializing in care for people with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia.

Let's explore three essential tips for bringing cognitive stimulation therapy into your everyday conversations at home.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/60-use-cognitive-simulation-therapy-at-home-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• https://www.newdays.ai/
• The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.

Takeaways

We shared 3 tips:

Tip 1: Create A Simple Structure

Tip 2: Leverage These Types Of Activities

Tip 3: Don’t Forget To Wrap Up And Reflect

Read More in This Blog

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/60-three-tips-for-using-cognitive-stimulation-therapy-at-home/

As a family caregiver, you spend so much time worrying about your loved one's brain health. But what about your own? The good news is that there are real, evidence-backed steps you can take to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of cognitive decline — even in the midst of a demanding caregiving journey.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we know how easy it is to put yourself last. That's why we're sharing insights from Shelby Roberts, Senior Director of Public Health for the Alzheimer's Association, about protecting your brain health and reducing your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. We're sharing three tips.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/59-protect-your-brain-health-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800–272–3900. Masters-level counselors can help with crisis intervention, finding resources including support groups, and they offer interpretation in over 200 languages.
• Alzheimer’s Association Brian Health Habit Builder: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/brain-health-habit-builder
• Alzheimer's Association Brain Health Resources: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health
• The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.

Takeaways

We shared 3 tips:

Tip 1: Learn about the 10 health habits for your brain

Tip 2: Know yourself

Tip 3: Pick a place to start

Read More in This Blog

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/59-protecting-your-brain-health-three-essential-tips-for-dementia-caregivers/

Have you ever heard of a certified senior advisor? Would you even know what you needed or how to find one? You're not alone if the answer is no — and there are clear steps you can take to get the right help at the right time.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how overwhelming it can be to recognize when something has changed and know where to turn next. We're sharing insights from Cynthia Perthuis, principal owner of Senior Care Authority in Southwest Florida and a certified senior advisor, about finding, evaluating, and implementing solutions along the caregiving journey.

If you're following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, this aligns with Step Eight. You can find the roadmap as a downloadable digital guide on the guides page of our website, and we've also created it as an interactive page where you can click directly into each step.

Let's explore three essential tips for navigating this process — from recognizing when something is wrong, to finding the right help, to building a strategy that works for your whole family.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/58-what-is-a-certified-senior-advisor-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Society of Senior Care Advisors: https://www.csa.us/
• Cynthia Perthuis: https://www.seniorcare-nyfl.com/eldercare-consultants-in-new-york-city-and-southwest-florida.html#about
• The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.

Takeaways

We shared 3 tips:

Tip 1: Evaluate your situation

Tip 2: Reach out for help

Tip 3: Create a strategy

Read More in This Blog

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/58-what-is-a-certified-senior-advisor-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/

"One of the hardest parts in spousal caregiving is accepting that we're no longer just partners. We're now caregiver and care receiver. The loss of our emotional and physical partner and the emotional responsibilities we're taking on can really take an enormous toll."

Are you struggling to find balance between being a spouse and being a caregiver? Do you find yourself wondering when the shift happened—when your partner became your patient? Have you noticed yourself "forgetting to be a spouse" because you're so focused on getting the caregiving right?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've experienced firsthand the complex role transition that happens when your spouse becomes your care receiver. This journey isn't a sudden switch that flips on diagnosis day—it's a slow, gradual transition that unfolds over years.

There's a moment when you realize your relationship has fundamentally changed. Your spouse, your partner, your companion—they're still there. But the person you used to bounce ideas off of can't be that person for you anymore. This transition brings unique challenges, from managing new responsibilities to redefining intimacy to letting go of promises made years ago.

Let's explore four essential tips for navigating the changing role from spouse to caregiver while preserving your relationship and your own wellbeing.

Connect with us and share your tips:

Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/

Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/

Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/56-when-your-spouse-becomes-your-patient-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

We shared 4 tips:

1. Find the balance in your changing role

2. Give yourself permission to get help

3. Keep connection while intimacy is redefined

4. Give yourself permission to let go of promises you made years ago.

Read More in This Blog

https://sueryansolutions.medium.com/the-changing-role-navigating-the-transition-from-spouse-to-caregiver-90acd5fde819?postPublishedType=repub

“An accurate early dementia diagnosis is essential. It can make a significant difference in how families navigate the diagnosis.” Esther Kane, MSN, RN

Your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia… but do you ever wonder if they’ve been diagnosed with the correct type? Do you find yourself thinking: “This diagnosis doesn’t quite fit what I’m seeing.” You’re not alone. Getting the correct diagnosis opens the right doors to support, care, and community that you might not have known existed.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned firsthand that not all dementias are the same. Understanding the specific type of dementia your loved one has ensures they’re receiving the correct medical care and helps you connect with the education, targeted support groups, and research opportunities tailored to your loved one’s specific needs.

In this post, we’re sharing insights from Esther Kane, a registered nurse and the Director of Support and Education for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). As a director of nursing in multiple memory care facilities, Esther’s entire career has been supporting and caring for individuals living with all types of dementia. In her role at AFTD, Esther works to advance early, accurate FTD diagnoses in order to improve the quality of life for those impacted by the disease.

We’re exploring five essential tips for ensuring your loved one receives the correct dementia diagnosis and how to leverage this knowledge for better care.

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/54-why-the-right-dementia-diagnosis-matters-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Alzheimer’s Association 10 signs of dementia: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
• Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap guide: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/guides/
• Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD): https://www.theaftd.org/
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: Learn More About Dementia and Push to Dig Deeper

Tip 2: Find Your Specific Diagnosis Community, Resources, and Support

Tip 3: Monitor Disease Progression and Prepare

Tip 4: Investigate Clinical Trials

Tip 5: Understand the Genetic Risk Associated with This Diagnosis

Read More in This Blog https://sueryansolutions.medium.com/53-why-the-right-dementia-diagnosis-matters-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-b6afe1179898?postPublishedType=repub