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Dementia Caregivers Academy
United States
Приєднався 19 вер 2020
If you're a family member or care partner feeling overwhelmed, confused, and isolated on your dementia caregiving journey, you're in the right place. I am dedicated to transforming your caregiving experience, helping you become confident, connected, and calm.
Here, you'll find practical tips, strategies, and information to support you in caring for a loved one with dementia, whether it's Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, or frontotemporal dementia.
I’m Laura Wilkerson, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in geriatrics. My journey spans from emergency medicine to founding a geriatric house call practice, and my passion lies in supporting families like yours. With my extensive background, I provide insights and advice to make your caregiving role more manageable and less isolating.
You are not alone in this journey!
Subscribe to stay informed and supported every step of the way!
Here, you'll find practical tips, strategies, and information to support you in caring for a loved one with dementia, whether it's Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, or frontotemporal dementia.
I’m Laura Wilkerson, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in geriatrics. My journey spans from emergency medicine to founding a geriatric house call practice, and my passion lies in supporting families like yours. With my extensive background, I provide insights and advice to make your caregiving role more manageable and less isolating.
You are not alone in this journey!
Subscribe to stay informed and supported every step of the way!
Sundowning in Dementia: 9 Strategies to Reduce Anxiety & Restlessness
Why Does Sundowning Happen in Dementia & How to Manage It?
As the day fades, does your loved one with dementia become more anxious, restless, or confused? You’re not alone. Sundowning affects nearly 20% of people with dementia, leading to increased agitation, wandering, and sleep disturbances.
In this video, I’ll break down:
✅ Why sundowning happens & the brain’s role 🧠
✅ 9 practical strategies to create a calmer, more predictable evening
✅ How to step into their reality & reduce anxiety
🌟 Download Your FREE Dementia Symptoms Tracking Log to document behaviors & triggers: 👉 dementiacaregiversacademy.com/resources
💜 Join our Dementia Caregivers Academy Facebook Community for support & connection: 👉 groups/dementiacaregiveracademy
📚 Check out our self-guided Dementia Caregivers Course: 👉 dementiacaregiversacademy.com/dca-course
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 so you never miss our caregiver support videos!
👇 Have you experienced sundowning behaviors? Share your experiences in the comments. Let’s support each other!
#DementiaCare #Sundowning #CaregiverSupport #DementiaBehaviors #AlzheimersCare #DementiaTips #CompassionateCare
As the day fades, does your loved one with dementia become more anxious, restless, or confused? You’re not alone. Sundowning affects nearly 20% of people with dementia, leading to increased agitation, wandering, and sleep disturbances.
In this video, I’ll break down:
✅ Why sundowning happens & the brain’s role 🧠
✅ 9 practical strategies to create a calmer, more predictable evening
✅ How to step into their reality & reduce anxiety
🌟 Download Your FREE Dementia Symptoms Tracking Log to document behaviors & triggers: 👉 dementiacaregiversacademy.com/resources
💜 Join our Dementia Caregivers Academy Facebook Community for support & connection: 👉 groups/dementiacaregiveracademy
📚 Check out our self-guided Dementia Caregivers Course: 👉 dementiacaregiversacademy.com/dca-course
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 so you never miss our caregiver support videos!
👇 Have you experienced sundowning behaviors? Share your experiences in the comments. Let’s support each other!
#DementiaCare #Sundowning #CaregiverSupport #DementiaBehaviors #AlzheimersCare #DementiaTips #CompassionateCare
Переглядів: 14
Відео
5 Strategies to Handle Paranoia and False Accusations in Dementia
Переглядів 75День тому
💜 “You stole my wallet!” 💜 “You’re keeping me prisoner!” 💜 “You hate me!” Hearing accusations like these from a loved one with dementia can be heartbreaking. But these words aren't personal-they're a reflection of a brain struggling to make sense of its reality. 🧠 In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ Why paranoia and false accusations occur in dementia. ✅ 5 practical strategies to respond with calm a...
The Seven Stages of Dementia Explained
Переглядів 9314 днів тому
In this video, we dive into the stages of dementia, focusing primarily on Alzheimer's. Understanding each stage-from mild cognitive changes to severe mental decline-can help you better prepare, support, and care for your loved one. About Dementia Caregivers Academy: 💙 Check out our free resources (like our Dementia Behavior Checklist mentioned) dementiacaregiversacademy.com/resources 💙 If you'r...
Managing Hallucinations in Dementia Care
Переглядів 5021 день тому
Hallucinations can be one of the most unsettling behaviors for caregivers to manage in dementia care. As a nurse practitioner, Laura explains what hallucinations are, why they happen, and offers compassionate strategies for supporting a loved one experiencing them. In this video, you’ll learn: - How to respond calmly to hallucinations - When to seek medical advice - Why understanding your loved...
Navigating the Holidays with Dementia - Tips For a Calm and Inclusive Celebration
Переглядів 452 місяці тому
The holiday season can be a joyful yet challenging time, especially for caregivers supporting loved ones with dementia. In this video, Laura shares seven practical tips to help you create a calm and inclusive holiday environment while managing the unique needs of someone with dementia. Learn how to: - Keep traditions simple and comforting - Prepare your loved one and your guests for gatherings ...
Managing Aggressive Behaviors in Dementia - Practical Steps for Calmer Caregiving
Переглядів 3122 місяці тому
Dealing with aggressive behavior in dementia caregiving can be incredibly challenging and, at times, frightening. But remember, you’re not alone, and these behaviors are often the result of unexpressed needs or emotions. In today’s video, Laura, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, shares three simple yet effective steps to help you manage aggressive behaviors in your loved one with dem...
Diabetes and Dementia: What’s the Connection?
Переглядів 282 місяці тому
Managing diabetes isn’t just about physical health-it’s closely linked to brain health too. In this video, I explain the connection between diabetes and dementia, exploring how blood sugar levels can impact cognitive function and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Download our FREE Diabetes Management Checklist for Caregivers to help you recognize and respond to bloo...
Creative Activities for Dementia Care | Engage Your Loved One with Sensory & Meaningful Experiences
Переглядів 373 місяці тому
Are you a caregiver looking for ways to make your loved one’s day more meaningful? In this video, I’ll walk you through engaging activities that go beyond the usual-from sensory boxes and music reminiscing to virtual travel experiences. These activities aim to connect with your loved one’s memories and provide comfort and joy through all their senses. ✨ Join the Dementia Caregivers Academy comm...
Subtle Signs of Dementia
Переглядів 423 місяці тому
The holidays are a time for family and connection, but they can also reveal subtle signs of dementia in our loved ones. In this video, Laura Wilkerson, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, walks you through the early indicators of dementia you may notice during your holiday visits. From changes in hygiene to difficulties with routine tasks, these signs can help you recognize potential c...
Unspoken Emotions of Dementia Caregivers
Переглядів 713 місяці тому
Caregiving is often filled with a range of emotions that we don’t always talk about-resentment, guilt, and even anger. In this video, I’m diving deep into these feelings, normalizing them, and offering support for caregivers who feel overwhelmed. You're not alone in this journey, and it’s okay to acknowledge your emotions. Let’s find peace and support together.
🌟 MCI vs. Alzheimer's vs. Dementia: Understanding the Differences 🌟
Переглядів 225 місяців тому
If you’re caring for a loved one with memory issues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by medical jargon. Terms like Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s, and Dementia are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different stages of cognitive decline-and knowing the difference can make a world of difference in your caregiving journey. MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment): This is an early s...
Is Memory Loss a Normal Part of Aging
Переглядів 295 місяців тому
Ever wonder if it's normal for an aging parent to forget recent events or keep asking the same questions repeatedly? Or why they can recall memories from long ago but struggle with recent ones? Let's explore this! Today, we're tackling a big question: Is short-term memory loss just a part of getting older? Contrary to popular belief, short-term memory loss isn't a normal part of aging, even if ...
Future-Proofing Your Affairs: Why a Durable Power of Attorney is Crucial
Переглядів 236 місяців тому
In this video, we'll discuss the importance of a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) and how it ensures your affairs are managed even if you become incapacitated. Learn why it's essential for older adults and how it can prevent legal and financial issues down the road. Hope for the best, but plan for the likely and possible. #dementiacare #DurablePowerOfAttorney #ElderCare #EstatePlanning #LegalAd...
My brother is mentally ill, and now also has memory loss - most likely due to small strokes he has had. What is frustrating for me is that he won't do a medical or financial POA. I've had several doctors tell him how important they are, but he says he "doesn't need them yet". I know his reality is different from mine. How can I help him to understand?
I think the best thing to do is see if he will just go listen to an attorney. A great attorney will be able to help you explain this and why it is important. Takes the pressure off of you.
@@DementiaCaregiversAcademy1 Yes, I think you're right. I'm going to make an appt. Thank you! 🤞
Hi I am a Care giver in Brazil thanks for your video i am still studying How to handle people with Dementia
@@kevincambell8305 thank you for joining us Kevin! We have a great group on FB for caregivers just like you! We host live Q & A and the next one is coming up soon! Check it out at Dementia Caregivers Academy Community. Sign up for our Newsletter at dementiacaregiversacademy.com for information and updates! We have a course coming out VERY soon and I think you will find it helpful!
Thank you! All great ideas! My father is one of two men in his memory care cottage. Most of the activities are catered to the majority. Do you have any suggestions on how I can encourage the activity director to incorporate activities that my dad would enjoy? I know it’s hard and a lot of male things would not interest the women but my dad spends a lot of time alone in his room.
@@heidijudd8697 FOR SURE!!! There are many activities that are low or no cost such as building birdhouses and tinker stations with bolts and bits and tools that can easily be made by maintenance. What are some activities that he enjoyed before? Chess, checkers and cards (if able) are easy as well. What stage of memory loss is he?
@ I’m thinking he is nearing Stage 6 (is starting the incontinence journey) but he surprises us with good, lucid days (vascular dementia). He loved to work in his yard, all day everyday! Loves cars, played golf and is a “project man”, always tinkering
You can find the links to all free experiences I've mentioned here: dementiacaregiversacademy.com/blog/b/blog-003 Enjoy!
This helps so much by simply your putting into words what we feel and saying it is ok to feel this way. Thanks Laura!
You are most welcome and thank you for tuning in.
Thank you , this is exactly the video I need to watch now. Its a challenge for the caregivers to keep the dignity of the dementia patient while guiding them to the safe choices. For example, offer Pepto bismol for diarrhea symptoms ,as opposed to the patients insistence for stool softener liquid meds. 😮 it seems like a nobrainer, but the argument continues . Apologies for the blunt details, but it's frustrating. Prayers 🙏 for all experiencing the winter of their years. In Jesus Christ Holy Name Amen 🙏😇❤️🩹💯🫂😘💜
I am glad that you found this helpful video. Yes it is a struggle for caregivers. It does not have to be that way though! We need to normalize providing education to caregivers that way there is less chaos and more calm ❤
I am so glad that we can help. I hope that we can bring some calm to the confusion of caregiving!
❤❤
Thank you for tuning in!