Aug 13 2024 54 mins
In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I'm joined by Robin Degtjarewsky, a listener who reached out to share her inspiring story about caring for her mother, who lives with dementia. Robin opens up about her journey from dealing with her mother's hoarding issues to managing her care from a distance and navigating the challenges that come with dementia. Robin shares the unexpected silver linings that have brought her closer to her mom and offers valuable tips for other caregivers facing similar challenges.
Join us as we delve into Robin's personal experiences, the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving, and the practical steps she took to ensure her mother received the best possible care. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or want to understand the complexities of dementia, this episode offers a compassionate and insightful perspective.
Episode Highlights:
[1:24] - Introduction of Robin and the episode's focus on her caregiving journey
[5:29] - Discussing the early signs of dementia and Robin's realization that something was wrong.
[10:06] - Robin's emotional response to her mother's forgetfulness and the initial stages of her diagnosis.
[16:54] - The transition from hoarding to assisted living and the emotional impact on Robin.
[25:09] - Navigating the ups and downs of caregiving, including moments of gratitude and frustration.
[34:52] - The importance of enjoying small moments and building a stronger relationship despite the challenges.
[41:04] - Meditation and mindfulness as coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety
[46:01] - The role of a supportive network, including family and friends, in managing the caregiving journey.
Do you have a caregiving story to share? Barbara would love to hear from you! Please leave her a message at 310-362-8232 or send her an email through DementiaDiscussions.net. If you found value in today's episode, please don't forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing this content.