The Caregiver's Journey

Have you ever heard of a certified senior advisor? Would you even know what you needed or how to find one? You're not alone if the answer is no — and there are clear steps you can take to get the right help at the right time.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how overwhelming it can be to recognize when something has changed and know where to turn next. We're sharing insights from Cynthia Perthuis, principal owner of Senior Care Authority in Southwest Florida and a certified senior advisor, about finding, evaluating, and implementing solutions along the caregiving journey.

If you're following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, this aligns with Step Eight. You can find the roadmap as a downloadable digital guide on the guides page of our website, and we've also created it as an interactive page where you can click directly into each step.

Let's explore three essential tips for navigating this process — from recognizing when something is wrong, to finding the right help, to building a strategy that works for your whole family.

Connect with us and share your tips:

Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/58-what-is-a-certified-senior-advisor-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
Society of Senior Care Advisors:  https://www.csa.us/
Cynthia Perthuis: https://www.seniorcare-nyfl.com/eldercare-consultants-in-new-york-city-and-southwest-florida.html#about
The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.

Takeaways

We shared 3 tips:

Tip 1: Evaluate your situation

Tip 2: Reach out for help

Tip 3: Create a strategy

Read More in This Blog

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/58-what-is-a-certified-senior-advisor-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-2/

“Support groups are like lifelines — we’re around other people who are going through the same thing we are, and we know we’re not alone.” Kim Franklin

Do you wonder if support groups are right for you? Do you know how to find one that fits your needs? Are you feeling overwhelmed and isolated in your caregiving role?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned that support groups can be transformative resources on this journey. In this post, we’re sharing insights from Kim Franklin, Senior Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, about how to find the right support group for you.

Support groups offer more than just information — they provide therapeutic spaces where caregivers can come together, share their frustrations, breathe, and hear from others in similar situations. Yet many caregivers resist joining groups, thinking they don’t have time, don’t need help, or feel caregiving is a private family matter that should be handled alone.

If you’re following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, this post supports Step Four, Find a support group. Let’s explore four essential tips for finding the right support group for your caregiving journey.

Connect with us and share your tips:

Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/57-find-the-right-support-group-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800–272–3900. Masters-level counselors can help with crisis intervention, finding resources including support groups, and they offer interpretation in over 200 languages.
Community Resource Finder: https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/ Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website and enter your zip code to find support groups and other services in your community.
The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.

Takeaways

We shared 4 tips:

Start with what you need right now
Choose the best format for you
Explore groups that match your situation
Don't settle, but don’t give up either

Take Action: Support Groups as Self-Care

If you haven’t yet tried a support group, consider committing this month to looking for one. Keep in mind that attending a support group isn’t just about learning how to care for your loved one — it’s also a form of self-care. You’re taking care of yourself while learning valuable information and building connections with others who understand.

Resources to Get Started:

Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 800–272–3900. Masters-level counselors can help with crisis intervention, finding resources including support groups, and they offer interpretation in over 200 languages.
Community Resource Finder: Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website and enter your zip code to find support groups and other services in your community.
The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.

"One of the hardest parts in spousal caregiving is accepting that we're no longer just partners. We're now caregiver and care receiver. The loss of our emotional and physical partner and the emotional responsibilities we're taking on can really take an enormous toll."

Are you struggling to find balance between being a spouse and being a caregiver? Do you find yourself wondering when the shift happened—when your partner became your patient? Have you noticed yourself "forgetting to be a spouse" because you're so focused on getting the caregiving right?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've experienced firsthand the complex role transition that happens when your spouse becomes your care receiver. This journey isn't a sudden switch that flips on diagnosis day—it's a slow, gradual transition that unfolds over years.

There's a moment when you realize your relationship has fundamentally changed. Your spouse, your partner, your companion—they're still there. But the person you used to bounce ideas off of can't be that person for you anymore. This transition brings unique challenges, from managing new responsibilities to redefining intimacy to letting go of promises made years ago.

Let's explore four essential tips for navigating the changing role from spouse to caregiver while preserving your relationship and your own wellbeing.

Connect with us and share your tips:

Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/

Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/56-when-your-spouse-becomes-your-patient-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

We shared 4 tips:

1. Find the balance in your changing role

2. Give yourself permission to get help

3. Keep connection while intimacy is redefined

4. Give yourself permission to let go of promises you made years ago.

Read More in This Blog

https://sueryansolutions.medium.com/the-changing-role-navigating-the-transition-from-spouse-to-caregiver-90acd5fde819?postPublishedType=repub

“What really helps is grounding yourself in three things: what change you’re noticing, how different it is from who this person has always been, and whether it’s getting worse over time.” — Dr. Anna Chodos

Are you concerned that your loved one is showing early signs of dementia? Do you find yourself noticing changes but unsure whether they’re significant? You’re not alone in this uncertainty, and there are clear steps you can take to address your concerns.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we understand how challenging it can be to recognize early signs of dementia and know what to do next. We’re sharing insights about practical guidance for managing through those early signs of dementia from Dr. Anna Chodos, professor of medicine in geriatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, and executive director of Dementia Care Aware, and Dr. Barry Jacobs, clinical psychologist, family therapist, and co-author of the AARP Caregiver Answer Book.

Let’s explore three essential tips for recognizing early dementia signs — starting difficult conversations with your loved one and communicating effectively with healthcare providers.

Connect with us and share your tips:

Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/55-is-it-an-early-sign-of-dementia-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

Alzheimer’s Association 10 signs of dementia: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
Dementia Care Aware: https://www.dementiacareaware.org/
Barry’s website www.caregiveranswerbook.com
Buy the Caregiver Answer Book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4i9V9ZL
Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: Know What Signs to Look For — They’re More Than Just Memory

Tip 2: Start Early and Normalize Health Conversations

Tip 3: Plan Ahead for the Doctor’s Appointment

Read More in This Blog

https://sueryansolutions.medium.com/55-is-it-an-early-sign-of-dementia-three-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-5a1278aa1c2f

“An accurate early dementia diagnosis is essential. It can make a significant difference in how families navigate the diagnosis.” Esther Kane, MSN, RN

Your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia… but do you ever wonder if they’ve been diagnosed with the correct type? Do you find yourself thinking: “This diagnosis doesn’t quite fit what I’m seeing.” You’re not alone. Getting the correct diagnosis opens the right doors to support, care, and community that you might not have known existed.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned firsthand that not all dementias are the same. Understanding the specific type of dementia your loved one has ensures they’re receiving the correct medical care and helps you connect with the education, targeted support groups, and research opportunities tailored to your loved one’s specific needs.

In this post, we’re sharing insights from Esther Kane, a registered nurse and the Director of Support and Education for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). As a director of nursing in multiple memory care facilities, Esther’s entire career has been supporting and caring for individuals living with all types of dementia. In her role at AFTD, Esther works to advance early, accurate FTD diagnoses in order to improve the quality of life for those impacted by the disease.

We’re exploring five essential tips for ensuring your loved one receives the correct dementia diagnosis and how to leverage this knowledge for better care.

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/54-why-the-right-dementia-diagnosis-matters-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

Alzheimer’s Association 10 signs of dementia: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap guide: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/guides/
Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD): https://www.theaftd.org/
Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: Learn More About Dementia and Push to Dig Deeper

Tip 2: Find Your Specific Diagnosis Community, Resources, and Support

Tip 3: Monitor Disease Progression and Prepare

Tip 4: Investigate Clinical Trials

Tip 5: Understand the Genetic Risk Associated with This Diagnosis

Read More in This Blog https://sueryansolutions.medium.com/53-why-the-right-dementia-diagnosis-matters-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias-b6afe1179898?postPublishedType=repub