Life, Death, and What Matters In-Between

Having a loved one diagnosed with dementia takes a toll on their families, especially those who provide care for them throughout their journey. Family members must carry out their daily routines while simultaneously caring for their loved ones who have dementia. Because you are seeing your loved ones slowly succumb to the disease, it can cause stress, anxiety, and emotional suffering. It exacerbates the pain if you have little knowledge and information about the illness since some medical practitioners are unable to give you guidelines and plans for treatment.

In this podcast, Perry Limes talked with Alice Jo Weaver and Cathleen Rawlings, the caregivers for their loved ones who had Dementia. They shared what they experienced, the challenges, the suffering as well as lessons when taking care of loved ones that had dementia.

Key Takeaways
The Story of Alice Jo and Cathleen as caregivers with their Family member having Dementia
The Challenges They Faced When Dealing with and Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia
Surprising Things They Discovered Regarding the Condition of Dementia
Tips on Coping with Stress and Anxiety while Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia
Alice Jo and Cathleen’s Hospice Care Experience
Takeaways and Lessons from Caring for Individuals with Dementia

Quotes
One thing that surprises me is having a diagnosis, entering the medical system with a diagnosis, and receiving such little advice and information. - Cathleen

The mood swings and massive personality shift that happened as a result of dementia as a whole also surprised me. She was no longer the person she used to be. - Cathleen

We were hopeful since the experts and everyone indicated we may have 10, fifteen, or twenty years because progress was slow. So my husband and I made plans. We had bucket lists. We were going to do what we could and have as rich a life as we could together. And none of that happened because of how quickly he declined. - Alice Jo

I needed some help around the house since I couldn't leave the house without worrying about my husband's safety. So I called the Visiting Angels and arranged for someone to come in a couple of times a week for a couple of hours so I could go out of the home and do some shopping or just go for a walk if I wanted to. - Alice Jo

Featured in this Episode
Alice Jo Weaver
Wife and Caregiver for her Late Husband Diagnosed with Dementia

Cathleen Rawlings
Daughter and Caregiver for her Late Mother Diagnosed with Dementia

Perry Limes
Director, Strategic Partnerships
Hospice of the Chesapeake
Profile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/perry-limes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrylimes

Thanks and Appreciation
We'd like to thank the John and Cathy Belcher Institute for their generous support of our community outreach and education programs.

https://www.alz.org/

https://www.visitingangels.com/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:40The story of Alice Jo’s Husband and his journey with Dementia
02:59 The Challenges Alice Jo faced with his Husband
06:40 Cathleen’s Mother and her Journey with Dementia
10:00 The Challenges Cathleen Faced with her Mother
11:15 Surprising Things about Cathleen’s Mom on her Journey with Dementia
13:03 Surprising Things about Alice Jo’s Husband on her Journey with Dementia
16:19 Tips on Coping with Stress and Anxiety
20:13 The Experience with Hospice Care Services
24:08 Lessons Learned When Taking Care of Dementia Patients
26:20 Thanks and Appreciation