Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers

By: Podcast Playground
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  • Summary

  • Navigating the insidious illness of Alzheimer’s is something nobody asks for. The disease sneaks up on you and your loved one, and it feels like you’ve been sucker-punched in the gut when you get the diagnosis from a doctor. So many things race through your mind: why us? What do we do? We worked so hard to get to this point in life. We just moved here after we both worked for 30 years, sold our house up North, and retired to Florida to enjoy our “golden years”. It’s not fair! Who’s going to take care of her/him? I don’t know a thing about this illness. She’s always done the cooking; I don’t even know how to boil water. He's always taken care of me and everything else like Finances. I don’t even drive! And it goes on and on. Facing this disease will bring you to your knees. Once you get over the initial shock (GUT PUNCHED), the questions and fears take hold. Where do we turn for help? Who do I call? What do I do? How do you take care of someone with Alzheimer's? Are there support groups? And questions like these just keep coming. I am a caregiver. I wasn’t before. Well, not this kind of caregiver. My wife was officially diagnosed in January of 2018. I had a sneaking suspicion that she might have something like this about 2 years earlier. So, when I brought it to my Neurologist, he sent us to a very nice Psychologist who specializes in testing patients to determine more accurately what is going on. It was a question-and-answer session, followed by a very detailed testing procedure that usually takes 3 or more hours. The patient has to complete the test comprising of questions, simple actions, and memory tests, then give them a couple of numbers or words then move on, going back to the numbers or words a short time later.

    So moving forward, I asked all the same questions as mentioned earlier. What are my options? So I “sucked it up”-Manned up so to speak. It's part of the deal for better or worse, right? So began my quest for information on support groups, doctors, anything I could get my hands on. It's been 6 years, and I am still looking for everything and anything that will help me crawl through this unchartered path to enlightenment. I was very fortunate to live in a city that has numerous resources to tap into. Most importantly, it's a place named after someone who suffered from Alzheimer’s. His wife provided the money to start the Alvin Dubin Center: The Dubin Center for short. Their mission is to achieve caregiver health, strength, and resilience by providing education, information, hope, and compassion. And boy do they. I leaned on them for everything I could find. Took all kinds of classes to learn what I needed to do to be the caregiver I have to be. Their caregiver class took about 6 weeks. The material we learned from, and the instructors, were top-notch. I still go back to the notes I took, and the books we used: both as refreshers and inspiration. Hopefully, no matter where you are listening to this, there will be a place like the Dubin Center. If not, don’t despair. The info is out there. That’s what this podcast is about. We’d like to share our resources, our experiences, our heartbreak, and our little victories. From time to time, we’d like to bring in Physicians, Nurses, Experts, and people like you and me, who are going through this disease with our loved ones who are willing to share their journey. The first thing that really stuck with me, and hopefully it will be with you. If you are a caregiver, you must first take care of yourself. Because this is not a sprint, but a marathon. And if you are run down, get sick, or worse.... Who’s going to take care of your spouse, mother, father, or child? Think about that for a few seconds. It’s you, the Caregiver. It’s me the Caregiver. That’s why we’re here. Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers! Thanks for joining us...now let's get going.
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Episodes
  • Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 25

    Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 25
    Sep 16 2024

    GUT PUNCHED: ALZHEIMER’S AND CAREGIVERS EPISODE 25

    “There’s a New Leader at The Dubin Center”

    In Episode 25 of "GutPunched: Alzheimer's & Caregivers," hosted by Jeff Edwards, the conversation delves deeply into the emotional and practical complexities faced by those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.

    Jeff Edwards, with his trademark sincerity, guides the discussion with empathy and insight, providing a platform for caregivers to share their stories and connect with listeners who may be navigating similar challenges. The episode offers a blend of personal anecdotes, expert advice, and community resources, aiming to offer comfort and practical support.

    The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of caregivers, while also highlighting the importance of seeking support and understanding in the journey through Alzheimer's.

    Jeff Edwards and his guest, Christine LoConte, the new executive director of the Dubin Center in Fort Myers, Florida talk about her vision and plans for the center. Christine brings a breath of fresh air and a visionary outlook to the center’s future. Jeffs conversation with her reveals exciting new directions and initiatives aimed at enhancing support for those affected by Alzheimer’s. They strive to foster a sense of solidarity and hope, reaffirming that even in the face of daunting challenges, there is a community ready to support and uplift one another.

    We’ll also take a moment to spotlight World Alzheimer’s Day, coming up on September 21st. It’s a day to raise awareness and deepen our understanding of this challenging disease.

    As always, we emphasize our three core rules on GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers:

    1. Take Care of Yourself: Remember, your well-being is crucial. If you’re not healthy, who will care for your loved one?

    2. Seek Help: Caregiving is not a solo journey. Connect with support groups, friends, and family.

    3. Make a List:: Create a list of people who’ve offered help and another list of tasks you need assistance with. Use these lists to delegate and lighten your load.

    So, settle in as we dive into this heartfelt discussion. Christine LoConte’s insights and our focus on World Alzheimer’s Day are sure to inspire and inform. Let’s get started!

    Available on the Podcast Playground and all major platforms. Visit the newly designed website: GUTPUNCHED.COM for more information and resources.
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    27 mins
  • Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 24

    Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 24
    Sep 9 2024

    GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers Podcast - Episode 24

    In today’s poignant episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer's and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards takes us on a journey through the challenges and triumphs of caregiving. We are honored to feature a conversation with Jen Caroluzzi of the ReUnite Program, an inspiring initiative in collaboration with United Way and the Lee County Sheriff's Department in Lee County, Florida. Jen’s insights shed light on innovative approaches to caregiving and community support.

    We also share a moving poem from a Men’s Group in Ft. Myers, Florida, which beautifully captures the emotional landscape of those affected by Alzheimer's and the caregivers who stand by them.

    Additionally, we discuss the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a vital event that brings together individuals and communities in the fight against this relentless disease. Jeff will offer advice on how to address the heart-wrenching question many caregivers face: “I want to go home?”—providing practical and compassionate responses.

    At GutPunched, we uphold three essential rules to guide and support caregivers:

    1. Self-Care is Crucial: Your well-being is paramount. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, who will care for your loved one?

    2. You Can’t Do It Alone: Seek out caregiver groups, network with friends, and lean on relatives. It takes a village to navigate the complexities of caregiving.

    3. Organize Your Support System: Create a list of people who have offered to help and identify tasks that you can’t manage alone. This preparation ensures you have a plan in place when caregiving becomes overwhelming.

    Join us as we explore these themes and more. Practical advice, and community connections to support those on the caregiving journey.

    GutPunched: Alzheimer’s *& Caregivers on The Podcast Playground, and on all major platforms. Like and subscribe! Check out GUTPUNCHED.COM for more information
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    26 mins
  • Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 23

    Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers EP 23
    Sep 3 2024

    Episode 23: "Driving with Dementia: Navigating the Roads of Change"

    In this powerful episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards addresses a highly sensitive and crucial topic: driving with dementia. Joining Jeff is Steve Emerson, a former law enforcement officer and the owner of a driving school with nearly 20 years of experience in assessing drivers with cognitive impairments.

    Steve shares his expertise on how individuals with brain changes are evaluated for their ability to drive safely. He explains the comprehensive process of testing, what individuals can expect during their assessment, and the criteria used to judge their driving capabilities. The conversation dives into the delicate balance between ensuring road safety for both the individual with dementia and the general public.

    Throughout the episode, Jeff and Steve explore the emotional and practical aspects of this issue, including when it’s time to get tested, key signs that may indicate a driver is struggling, and the potential outcomes of the assessment. They address the tough conversations that caregivers and families may face when a loved one’s driving skills are in question, offering insights on how to handle these situations with empathy and care.

    Steve's experience and Jeff's thoughtful questioning provide listeners with a clear understanding of this challenging subject, offering guidance on how to navigate the complexities of driving with dementia. Tune in to GutPunched Episode 23 for a poignant and informative discussion that sheds light on making informed, safety-focused decisions in the face of cognitive decline.

    GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers on The Podcast Playground, and all major platforms. Like, subscribe, and check out GUTPUNCHED.COM for more information
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    38 mins
Psychology Hygiene & Healthy Living
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