You Do NOT Want To Be In This Dementia Care Group 😲

Hey there Careblazer! Welcome back to Careblazers TV, the place where we talk about everything dementia. If you are caring for a loved one with any type of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia, or vascular dementia, then this is the place for you! I post a video every Sunday on the topic of dementia caregiving.

As a caregiver, providing care to a loved one with dementia can be a demanding experience. By adopting this proactive mindset, caregivers can transform their caregiving experience and find joy and fulfillment in caring for their loved ones with dementia. Let's talk about some traits of successful caregivers and how they can help transform one's caregiving experience.

If you'd like to learn more about the Care Course and how you can sign up to join live classes, you can watch my free class on How To Care For A Loved One With Dementia Without The Overwhelm, Dread, and Confusion at:

CAREBLAZER COMMUNITY FACEBOOK GROUP- Your place to connect, receive, and give support with other Careblazers.

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In case you haven’t met me, my name is Natali Edmonds and I am a board certified geropsychologist. That means that I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with older adults. In my job, I help people with dementia, and their caregivers, by visiting them in their own homes and helping them cope through the many struggles of caring for someone with dementia. I have always wanted to help more people than is possible for me in a work day. One day, while hiking a trail, I came up with the idea for Careblazers and I decided to see if posting videos online could provide help to the many other Careblazers in the world who don’t get to have help come directly to them in their homes. I do this in my spare time. I hope that this work helps you in some way on your caregiving journey.
#careblazer #dementia #dementiacaregiver

[lindauribe]

When my husband went into hospital his last 3 months before he died we had to stay at hotels by him every other week to be nesr him.After 6 years of taking care of him it took me a year to sleep more again but never more than 4 hours at a time. It takes a long time to get over being a care giver.

[wayneadelsberger]

You are 100% right, I am very successful care giver. She passed away Wednesday, I was with her, as she woke me up with the death rattle, as she had at home hospice, I had to wait for my support team . But I knew what to do. I have been a watcher for the 2 yrs. You are an ANGEL . Thanks for all your inspiration. My job is over, and the healing starts.

[carolmurray]

I feel I have to keep my social life and get out, I’m in a better mood etc. To accept my husband’s dementia and I appreciate everything he can still do ! I never do anything for him that he can do himself…and that keeps him “happier”
Thank you for all information you are providing free !

[orthodudeness]

The final transformation. All things went better than I thought they would. I thought 5 years ago, health care system would be help. I learned that is almost 100% not true. I took over, with your videos Dr. Natali. Your FB group a little later. I am getting through the final transition now. I never thought of it till Friday, 5/12. My wife passed 3/19/2023. I was out taking a bike ride with friends on 5/12. On the way home, after the ride, I was lost thinking about going home to a quiet place again. Very sad. Then, within a minute, I realized i lost focus of the good day I just had with being out with friends. The final transformation, I never thought of till that moment. The final transformation of Linda being gone. I am sharing this now, so that others may also realize, during their care giving journey, to prepare for and think of the lonely time that will come. No matter how you may feel about death and dying and what happens after. No matter how many family members are there for you, there will be moments when you will feel tremendous loss. Doesn't matter if others are right there with you at any given moment, be ready for the tears and the feeling of tremendous loss. Prepare yourselves for this important time as well. I was so caught up in giving perfect care, this never crossed my mind. Now, 2 months down the road, I am dealing with the whole situation better. Of course, till the next thing. If there is one, I will share that as well. 💖

[zumbajenn]

I am SO glad I found you on YouTube!!! I quit my job and sit with my mom with very severe dementia 6 days per week. My aunt takes one day. If not for your videos, this would be soooo much more difficult! I promised my mother years ago I will not put her in a nursing home and let them take her land she worked so hard to obtain. Both my mother and I are better because of your advice! You’re a blessing! ❤

[ConwayBob]

Change *IS* hard, a challenge for each of us. One of the things that have helped me is to have learned that while my wife's changes have gradually outpaced her ability to direct them, our daughters and I still *CAN* shape our own changes to a significant degree. Change is *INEVITABLE* for everyone. That is life. What is not inevitable for those of us fortunate enough not to suffer from dementia is *HOW* we change. Knowing that we can transform ourselves and not just let things happen to us is such a valuable gift. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for these frequent reminders of the power we each still have to grow in our ability to care effectively for those we love and to care for ourselves.

[s.elh.]

11:15 I am grateful. Since I started embracing the situation with my father I feel truly blessed to be able to care for him. My father has done so much for me and my siblings, I feel that's my chance to (at least partially) give back. I feel it is the right thing to do and so I dedicate my time to care for him and my mom who suffers from ALS.
Your videos are helpful and I understand better how to approach certain challenges. Thank you a lot.

[mswhite]

I watch most of your videos which are always informative and helpful. However, I’ve been noticing in your recent videos that they seem super fast paced. I don’t know if others are feeling the same way but I’m finding it somewhat difficult to concentrate. Most caregivers are likely looking for some stress relief, it would be helpful to maybe relax a little and slow down your speech a bit, it’s super charged and not very calming.

[thefunandadventureactcharl]

My Dad has died (May 12, 2023). He was 81.Thank you

[myredpencil]

I'm so grateful for all the edgy dementia care topics you bravely help us confront together! (As a current student doula, I am choosing to Finish School (yesss!). Even though I've had to file an extension, it's a commitment and investment in myself that was spinning long before I had to rescue my 89 year old mother 8 months ago. Then, when I have the courses checked off, I will join (or lurk :P) your group and try to keep on staying sane and growing within my own life in this modified direction. Thanks to my wonderful PCP, I am going to start therapy for myself. Thanks to your experience and guidance, I'm seeing a lot of ways to feel better within myself every day and how to pick my battles & relax. At least that's how today feels- ask me tomorrow! haha

[stevenblack]

During my sleepless night’s I would watch your videos and if the family came and take her out for a few hours I would try to catch up on some sleep now she is in care I still don’t sleep well but I still watch your videos and now I’m trying to help others in our situation

[dougscheidt]

I listened to the entire video "motivational speech" right up my alley. That's why you are the Dr. You go girl. Keep the bar HIGH

[dianematassa]

Thank you Dr Natali for not only your helpful videos, but also bringing together thus community of caregivers who share their stories in the comments. Take care all on this is a challenging journey.

[ing]

I think it is a process, At the beginning it is so overwhelming, especially when it is thrown on you. Research, research, research.
As time goes by you learn what to do and say to help your LO and yourself.
I have watched so many of your videos and am part of the careblazer group.
Thank you Dr. N !!

[sherryst.andrew]

I'm frustrated because of my lack of funds to be a part of your program. I'm on disability and taking care of my mom who has dementia. Very limited funds for extra help. However, I am ever so grateful for your weekly videos! Thank you so very much! 💕

[maggieevans]

I just love this. Downloaded and saved 🎉 As soon as I can join in, I will for sure. Currently in process of moving us to a much safer place. Will keep following you everyday!

[BoykinMeetsWorld]

What a great marketing video to sign up for your courses! Especially to hit on the concept of separating yourself from average & how you have the key to excellence…Though if you don’t have the money hopefully you’re ok with just being average.

[reenimelgoza]

Thanks for all the reminders. We get caught up in the daily routines and forget to get out of our own way! You are such a help and blessing to me which helps me with mom!

[passionatesingle]

If I don't sleep well it isn't because of taking care of my mum, its because I am in menopause lol. I had hot flashes nightsweats etc but that all changed when I went on HRT. All is good now.

[rozyue]

Thanks for reminder to attempt to become a successful caregiver
Please provide practical pointers how achieve that success