When a loved one is living with dementia, families may suddenly find themselves responsible for important financial and medical decisions. One of the biggest sources of confusion is assuming that one legal document gives someone authority to handle everything.

In this episode, Lisa Skinner explains the difference between a Power of Attorney and a Medical Decision Maker, why these roles are often separate, and why both can be important when planning for dementia.

The difference between financial and healthcare decision-making authority

Why a financial Power of Attorney does not usually provide medical decision-making authority

Why a Medical Decision Maker generally cannot manage finances

Why planning should happen while the person with dementia still has the capacity to participate

The importance of naming backup decision makers

How advance directives and conversations about personal wishes can reduce confusion

What can happen when these documents are not in place before a crisis

Planning ahead can help families avoid delays, reduce uncertainty, and make sure the right person has the proper authority when important decisions need to be made.

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Laws and terminology vary by state, so families should consult an appropriate legal professional regarding their individual circumstances.

#MindingDementia #TruthLiesAndAlzheimers #LisaSkinner #DementiaCare #DementiaCaregiver #AlzheimersCare #CaregiverSupport #DementiaPlanning #PowerOfAttorney #MedicalDecisionMaker #AdvanceDirective #FamilyCaregiver #PersonCenteredCare

Season 5 of The Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s Show begins with an important conversation about dementia, communication, compassion, and better understanding the experience of those living with cognitive changes.

In this episode, Lisa Skinner welcomes guest Kandiee Campbell for a thoughtful discussion about people living with dementia and the importance of meeting them where they are.

Lisa and Kandiee explore how dementia can affect behavior, communication, emotions, and everyday interactions. They discuss why caregivers and family members may need to adjust their expectations, look beyond the behavior they are seeing, and respond with greater patience and understanding.

The conversation also highlights the importance of preserving dignity and recognizing the person behind the diagnosis. Rather than focusing only on what someone can no longer do, this episode encourages listeners to consider what the person may be feeling, experiencing, or trying to communicate.

• Understanding how dementia can affect behavior and communication
• Looking beyond difficult or confusing behaviors
• Meeting a person living with dementia where they are
• Responding with patience, compassion, and understanding
• Recognizing emotional needs even when communication becomes difficult
• Preserving dignity and personhood throughout the dementia journey
• Supporting caregivers and families as they navigate changing needs

This episode offers practical perspective and an important reminder that compassionate dementia care begins with understanding the person, not simply managing the diagnosis.

Email: kandiee@kandieecampbell.com

Website: www.theawakenhopeshow.com

Instagram: @awakenhopeshow

Linktree: www.linktr.ee/awakenhopeshow

#TruthLiesAndAlzheimers #MindingDementia #DementiaCare #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersAwareness #CaregiverSupport #DementiaSupport #PersonCenteredCare #DementiaEducation #FamilyCaregivers #LivingWithDementia #CompassionateCare #AwakenHopeShow #KandieeCampbell #LisaSkinner

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa explores the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, adults who are caring for aging parents while also supporting children, managing careers, relationships, finances, and their own well-being.

When dementia becomes part of that caregiving picture, the responsibilities can become even more complicated and unpredictable. Lisa discusses the emotional, financial, and practical pressures caregivers may face, along with ways to better prepare for changing care needs.

You’ll learn about planning ahead, creating a support network, navigating unexpected dementia-related situations, communicating with employers, using available resources, and recognizing when it is time to ask for help. Most importantly, Lisa shares practical ways caregivers can protect their own well-being while continuing to care for the people who depend on them.

Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/

About the Host:

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.

Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.

So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many older adults want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, but aging in place requires more than simply choosing to stay home. It takes planning, reliable support, ongoing safety assessments, and a realistic understanding of changing care needs.

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner explains what aging in place really means and how families can evaluate whether home care, assisted living, or memory care is the safest and most appropriate option.

In This Episode:

• What aging in place looks like in everyday life
• Home safety changes that may reduce falls and other risks
• The importance of medication, transportation, and emergency planning
• How dementia can affect safety at home
• The differences between aging in place, assisted living, and memory care
• Why caregiver capacity, nighttime needs, and backup support matter
• Financial, legal, and long-term care considerations
• Warning signs that additional support or a move may be needed

Key Takeaway:

Aging in place is not about willpower or avoiding change. It is about whether the person’s physical, medical, cognitive, and emotional needs can be met safely and consistently at home.

Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/

About the Host:

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.

Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.

So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Dehydration is common in people living with dementia and can quickly make confusion, agitation, weakness, and other symptoms appear worse. A person may forget to drink, no longer recognize thirst, have difficulty asking for fluids, or struggle with mobility or swallowing.

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner explains why dehydration can be difficult to recognize and shares practical ways caregivers can encourage safe, consistent fluid intake.

In This Episode:

• Why dementia increases the risk of dehydration
• Common physical and behavioral warning signs
• How medications, illness, pain, and swallowing problems affect hydration
• Simple ways to make drinking part of the daily routine
• How preferred cups, flavors, temperatures, and smaller servings may help
• What to consider when someone refuses food or fluids
• When changes in confusion, urination, alertness, or swallowing require medical attention

Key Takeaway:

Sudden changes in confusion or behavior should not automatically be blamed on dementia. Dehydration may be an underlying cause, and early attention can help prevent more serious complications.

Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/

About the Host:

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.

Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.

So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Restlessness is common in people living with dementia and may include pacing, fidgeting, repeatedly standing up, or trying to leave home. While these behaviors can be worrying for caregivers, they are often a sign of an unmet physical or emotional need.

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner explores possible causes of restlessness, including hunger, thirst, pain, discomfort, boredom, anxiety, bladder or bowel needs, and changes in the person’s environment. She also shares practical ways caregivers can respond with greater understanding, reassurance, and safety.

In This Episode:

• Common reasons a person with dementia may become restless
• How pain, temperature, hunger, thirst, and toileting needs may affect behavior
• Ways meaningful activities and familiar surroundings can reduce anxiety
• Why pacing may be calming or purposeful
• How to respond when someone repeatedly wants to leave home
• Simple safety measures caregivers can put in place

Key Takeaway:

Restlessness is often a form of communication. Looking beyond the behavior and identifying the person’s underlying need can help reduce distress while preserving dignity and independence.

Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/

About the Host:

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.

Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.

So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Communication often becomes more difficult as dementia progresses. A person may struggle to find words, understand instructions, interpret tone, or express basic needs.

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner shares practical ways caregivers can reduce confusion, frustration, and agitation while helping their loved one feel heard and respected.

Lisa explains the 90-second rule, which encourages caregivers to allow 60 to 90 seconds for a person living with dementia to process information and respond. She also discusses how tone, body language, repetition, visual cues, and simple choices can improve communication.

In This Episode:

• Why extra processing time matters
• How to respond to repeated questions
• Ways to simplify instructions and daily tasks
• How tone and body language affect cooperation
• Strategies for communicating during agitation
• How patience and validation help preserve dignity

Key Takeaway

Effective dementia communication begins with slowing down, using simple language, allowing time for a response, and focusing on the need or emotion behind the behavior.

Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/

About the Host:

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.

Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.

So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.