83. A New Year's Eve Celebration at the Veranda
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
A New Year’s Eve celebration with those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s feels sacred, filled with soft moments, memories, and unexpected joy. Paper hats sit crooked, cider overflows, noisemakers honking away, and questions may be repeated, but heart and presence matter most. On this very day at the Veranda, stories unfold—some vivid, some fragments—showing that memory lives in body and spirit. Laughter erupts over funny tales, while tender moments honor loved ones lost. The countdown may vary, but the true celebration is about togetherness. Hugs, music, and shared memories remind...
info_outline
82. From Marketplace to Ministry: The Veranda's Next Chapter
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
This week, we’re highlighting The Veranda's extraordinary ministry where dignity, purpose, and compassion come together beautifully. The Veranda is preparing to launch a new church service specifically for those living with dementia, creating a safe and sacred space where everyone can worship freely and feel deeply loved. Also shared on this episode is how The Veranda continues to support caregivers through groups that offer encouragement, community, and understanding during difficult times. Additionally, they recently celebrated a major success: their Christmas Wishbook Marketplace! With...
info_outline
81. The Secret That Needed Telling
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
In this deeply personal episode, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly reveals a long-hidden family secret, an admission that, once uncovered, changed the course of events forever. Although the truth may be upsetting, Mary Anne stresses that it is also the foundation for healing. Her story explores how hidden truths affect future generations and how those with dementia may carry the weight of concealed pain and unresolved memories. This discussion highlights that honesty, even when difficult, is an act of compassion. While truth doesn't erase the past, it can help shape a transformative future. The...
info_outline
80. How Important Is Advocacy?
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
This episode delves into the emotional challenges faced by care partners and highlights the crucial role of having an advocate in medical settings. Whether dealing with a planned surgical procedure or an unexpected medical emergency, family members may often feel helpless and vulnerable. Trusting medical professionals to care for your loved one is essential, yet this trust can sometimes be tested. It is important to recognize the need for an advocate, especially for older adults. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly emphasizes the significance of appointing someone you trust to assist not only with...
info_outline
79. Giving Dementia A Voice (and Sometimes It's Funny)
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
Respite care offers caregivers the opportunity to recharge and find joy, even in the midst of exhaustion. Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s is sacred but draining, and humor often helps. This episode celebrates the gift of respite, which eases burdens and restores happiness. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly shares stories with producer, Sue Duffield, from guaranteed to make you laugh. Churches are increasingly welcoming individuals with memory loss, developing programs that support their families. This episode offers hope and laughter, reminding us that even in the midst of forgetfulness,...
info_outline
78. The Vision of a Day Respite Care Center
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
Join us for an uplifting exploration of the life-changing impact of "Day Respite Care Centers" and the remarkable work of Veranda Ministries. You'll gain insight into the legal aspects of our program and get an exclusive update on the exciting changes on the horizon. We're eager to share our vision with you and invite your feedback on how just four hours can profoundly transform the lives of Tennessee's aging population and their families/care partners. Your opinions will be instrumental in shaping our mission to support those living with dementia and the aging population. We welcome...
info_outline
77. The Angst of Aging
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and her sidekick, producer Sue Duffield, will share their recent experiences with back problems, aching bodies, and the struggles of aging humorously. It's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. However, beneath the humor, their conversation raises an important question: how do people with dementia cope with aches and pains? How can they communicate when they are hurting? It's a sobering thought that deserves attention and discussion. Being a CarePartner is challenging, but understanding your loved one in all stressful situations is essential to helping...
info_outline
76. Gomer the Bull Goes to Andy's for a GeneSight Test! (Not Really, But THIS is a Great Episode!)
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
Laughter is good for our souls. It's especially good for those who have dementia, providing healing for those who grieve, no matter what our cognitive ability level might be. Today's "all over the place" episode starts off hilariously with "Gomer the bull" and a visit to Andy's Custard. Next is Mary Anne's description of falling on a slippery bathroom floor, added with the discussion of GeneSight, a pharmacogenomic test which analyzes how genes may affect medication outcomes. The GeneSight test is important for understanding genetic variations in your DNA. Results can inform your healthcare...
info_outline
75. When I Was Fighting For Doris, She Was Fighting For Me
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
(Episode description by podcast producer, Sue Duffield) “Today’s episode goes much deeper than just a story about host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly’s sister, Doris. Her heart-felt words will throttle the listener into a Netflix-like mini-series of hope, despair, miracles and over-the-top depth of secrets revealed. Mary Anne is at her finest here, but it took everything she had to disclose the family secret, all while her sister Doris transitioned into the after-life. You will find great compassion and understanding as to why Mary Anne is a soldier for the kingdom of caregiving. She...
info_outline
74. The Last Gift (Separating Personal Grief from Professional Obligation)
Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast
Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly shares from her heart, knowing that she'll experience loss and grief very soon in her life, coping with the very thing which she compassionately teaches that comforts others. Caregivers, doulas and professionals like Mary Anne are typically the first line of support as they assist other dementia patients and their family members to cope with serious illness, feelings of loss, and the end of life. But now, it's her time. This episode begins with the celebration of a new building that is shared by both the Veranda Ministries and the Preferred Care Group. An...
info_outlineMary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's mother's homegoing happened on a Leap Year. As with any family losing a loved one, the anniversary of that loved one's death comes in a tsunami-like wave of great proportion each year. But February 29th only happens every four years, and obviously, it can make the intensity of the weight of grief even more difficult.
Take a drive "across that Memphis Bridge" with Mary Anne as she revisits the most difficult days of her life. She shares how the broken system of her parents' care throttles her passion in offering hope for caregivers by fascillitating The Veranda Ministries respite program for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.
Supportive friends and family, along with your own quality of health and well-being, can play a role in how grief impacts you following bereavement. It’s important to know that there are healthy ways to cope with grief. Life may never be quite the same again, but honoring your loved one on those anniversaries can bring hope and optimism as you move forward with your life.
www.verandaministries.org