Thanks, Ann!

Found this nice little reminder from Harvard Health Publishing (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pouring-from-an-empty-cup-three-ways-to-refill-emotionally-202301262882) Surround yourself with comfort • light a candle • stand still outside and listen to the sounds of nature • curl up in a cozy chair and so much more!

Thank you, Ann! And thanks for the great tips :)

Another podcast I listened to was Parenting UP! Caregiving Adventures with Comedian J Smiles. I listened to the first two episodes of this podcast, and I found it to be entertaining but sometimes hard to listen to because the sound would be quiet in some areas and loud in others. The host discusses their experience when their mom started exhibiting signs of dementia after the death of her husband (the host’s father). I found this podcast to be relatable because the host discusses the trials and tribulations before and after a dementia diagnosis. They talk about the wait time from seeing a provider to getting a scan and everything in between. It’s funny in parts, which helps take the seriousness out of the subject. You can check it out here: https://www.parentingup.com/

Hi everyone--I wanted to share a few other podcasts that may be of interest to some. I only listened to the first three episodes of the Caregiver Dave Podcast (https://caregiverdave.com/), and it was more of a radio talk show. It's very easy to listen to in the car! Dave has people on to discuss their experiences with dementia, tips and tricks, and reading materials that the guests recommended (or wrote!). It has an underlying Christian tone, which some people might find helpful. If you're looking for something to casually listen to, this woudl be a good option.

Even though this was mentioned in last month's CCF, RadioMe is something to keep checking in about! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slTGB6risss

What a good find!

How cute! 😄

The Good Care Group has compiled a list of assistive technology devices for helping people live well with dementia: https://www.thegoodcaregroup.com/live-in-care/dementia-care/assistive-technology-for-dementia/

These phone options might be helpful when deciding to either keep or get rid of the phone line for the person with dementia: https://www.alzstore.com/picture-memory-phone-dementia-s/1843.htm I've never ordered from The Alzheimer's Store, but it has quite a few interesting products!

Hi everyone! My name is Katie S., and my favorite movies of all time are Pride and Prejudice and Inception--I couldn't pick just one!

Shenandoah Conservatory is working on a partnered research project with Anglia Ruskin University in the UK called RadioMe. This radio show mimics a live radio show but makes it more personalized to the listener using artificial intelligence. If interested in learning more, check out the 58-minute YouTube video (https://www.su.edu/blog/2021/03/08/music-therapy-program-launches-radio-listening-research-project-to-help-dementia-patients/) and read more about the research, check here (https://www.aru.ac.uk/cambridge-institute-for-music-therapy-research/our-research/music-and-the-brain/radiome).

Music Therapy may be a good option for some. This website (https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org/blog/how-does-music-therapy-help-dementia-patients) gives a brief overview of what Music Therapy is. If in the Seattle area, Seattle Music Therapy (http://www.seattlemusictherapy.com/) and Life on Music Thearpy (https://www.lifeonmusictherapy.com/seniors) services may be worth checking out. Therapy may be able to be offered in an individiual setting, but please reach out to these resources if interested in learning more.

I'm struggling to pick one, but I think Snoopy would be so much fun! We'd fight the Red Baron, hangout with Woodstock, and nap.

How fun! And at 92? Way to go!

Great idea for a poll! I'm curious to know what people would like more of!

There is an event on 5/10/23 at 10 am in the Seattle Japanese Garden called "Art In The Park: Dementia-Friendly Recreation." It's free, and is lead by an Elderwise facilitator. You can find more details here: https://local.aarp.org/event/art-in-the-park-dementiafriendly-recreation-2023-05-10-seattle-wa.html

Those are wonderful ideas and opportunities! I was just reading about how important it can be to promote the self-esteem of those with dementia. Reminiscing and learning what "moves" the person would've made in wrestling, tennis, or likewise can help engage them mentally, too!

Especially this time of year with everything in bloom! 😀

I've heard Tai Chi is beneficial for people with dementia and helps to improve some of their cognitive functions. One study found, though, Tai Chi has no physical or emotional benefits for the person with dementia. Here's the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35839111/ I think trying a new exercise is important especially when you've already exhausted activities your loved one with dementia used to enjoy. Trying new physical activities is a great way to meet new people, too!