Hold the Moment

When Millie Rogers first discovered her dad, Jim Rogers (co-host of Hold the Moment), had received a diagnosis of younger onset dementia, she felt like a rug had been pulled from beneath her feet.   “I just froze. I just couldn’t believe what he was saying.”  In this candid episode, Millie and her sister Daisy open up to journalist Hamish Macdonald about the initial shock of the diagnosis, Jim’s role as a grandfather to their young children, and how it can be hard to be vulnerable when everyone wants to put on a brave face.  Then, Jim Rogers interviews Hamish Macdonald about his experience with his own father’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Hamish explains why giving his father dignity is crucial and why you need to advocate for your family member.  “People living with dementia need love and they need support, but they need advocates as well…You know, just actually getting your head around the really fine detail of what someone’s needs are and being able to advocate on their behalf.”  +++  Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald.    For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.    For more information, explore our support resources for family, friends, and carers or learn more about staying connected with loved ones.  Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website.  This episode was produced by Madeleine Hawcroft, with sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman.  Thank you to Millie, Daisy and Maggie for being part of the episode.  Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.  Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative. 

If you’re looking for new ways to get around town or travel further afield with a dementia diagnosis, this episode is full of tips and resources on how you can do just that.   If you’d like tailored support on travelling with dementia, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day or request a callback, start a webchat or send an email with whatever is on your mind. You can also find some information here.  In this episode you'll hear about a Dementia Australia webinar on driving and dementia – you can watch it here.    If you want to learn more on getting around with dementia, listen to this episode of Hold the Moment. +++  Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios.   Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram and find support resources online.  This episode was hosted by Jim Rogers and Kristin, a National Dementia Helpline Advisor. This episode was produced by Luci McAfee. The executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan.   The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.  Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative. 

Jim Rogers was once ‘captain organised’ when planning overseas trips with his husband Tyler. But after his diagnosis of younger onset dementia, he’s learnt to get Tyler to assist with online check-in, packing and itinerary planning.   And it’s not just setting off overseas that’s changed. Getting around town has become trickier now that Jim’s lost his driver’s licence.   Like Jim, Juanita wishes she could zip over to the shops to do her weekly groceries. But since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a trip like this needs a bit more planning.  After losing her driver’s licence, Juanita has relied on public transport and taxis to get around town – but she’s figured out some handy ways to maintain her independence.   Discover the tips and tricks you need to get out and about.  +++  Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald.    For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.    Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website.  In this episode Juanita discusses how the sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities has helped her travel independently. You can also watch this Dementia Australia webinar about driving and dementia.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan. Sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman.  Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.  Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative. 

Getting a restful night’s sleep when you’re living with dementia can be an elusive task. This episode contains tips on managing your changing sleep patterns. If you’d like tailored support to tackle sleep issues, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day or request a callback, start a webchat or send an email. Dementia Australia has plenty of resources relating to sleep on its website here. And for more discussion about sleep and dementia, listen to this episode of Hold the Moment. +++ Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios. Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram and find support resources online. This episode was hosted by Jim Rogers and Kristin, a National Dementia Helpline Advisor. It was produced by Luci McAfee. Executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative.