In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston speaks with Anne Farley, an expert in dementia care, about the complexities of navigating a dementia diagnosis. They discuss the importance of understanding what dementia is, the initial steps families should take after a diagnosis, and the critical role of building a supportive care team. The conversation also covers financial and legal considerations, the costs associated with care, safety measures for early-stage dementia, and the value of support groups. Anne emphasizes the need for caregivers to ask for help and the importance of community support in managing the challenges of dementia care.

Takeaways:

- Dementia is a group of syndromes marked by memory loss and cognitive decline.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment options.
- Building a care team is essential for managing dementia.
- Financial and legal planning should be prioritized after diagnosis.
- Costs for memory care can range from $7,000 to $12,000 a month.
- Safety measures and tools can help maintain independence in early stages.
- Support groups provide valuable resources and emotional support for caregivers.
- Asking for help is vital for caregivers to avoid burnout.
- Understanding the specific type of dementia is key to providing appropriate care.
- Community resources can offer additional support and information.

Sound bites:

"It is very expensive."
"People want to help."
"You are not alone."

Products/Books/Resources:

Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care: https://teepasnow.com/
Teresa Youngstrom’s Website and Podcast: https://www.teresayoungstrom.com/
Dementia Care Products: https://www.alzstore.com/
Locked Medication Dispenser: https://herohealth.com/
Aging Care or Geriatric Care Manager Resource: https://www.aginglifecare.org/
The Ganzhorn Suites: https://www.ganzhorn.com/
CapTel Phone: https://captel.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Dementia: An Overview
11:58 Navigating the Diagnosis
24:07 Building Your Support Team
35:42 Financial and Legal Considerations
40:58 Understanding the Financial Aspects of Caregiving
44:50 Navigating Resources and Support for Families
48:18 Safety and Technology for Dementia Care
50:53 The Importance of Teamwork in Caregiving
54:33 Emotional Challenges and Grief in Caregiving
01:00:41 Asking for Help and Building a Support Network

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