EP181: 5 Tips for Traveling with a Person Living with Dementia
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Release Date: 06/06/2024
EP: 200 - Alzheimer’s Disease: Holiday Tips for a Positive Season | Dementia Caregiving
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I’m joined by Nancy (Dangle) and Kat (Dot), two incredible women with valuable insights into dementia care. Together, we explore the emotional challenges of caregiving, particularly how important non-verbal communication can be when building meaningful connections with loved ones living with dementia. Nancy shares her personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease, discussing the power of physical touch, eye contact, and simply being present. We also talk about the importance of inclusion and how small...
info_outline
EP : 199 - Dementia Caregiving: Preparing for Your Own Health Crisis
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In "Dementia Caregiving: How to Prepare for Health Crisis (2024)," we provide essential strategies for caregivers managing the complexities of dementia care. Preparing for unexpected health crises can ease the burden on both the caregiver and the person with dementia. This episode covers vital aspects like maintaining caregiver health, emotional preparedness, and practical planning for financial, legal, and care arrangements. Together with Dr. Melissa Batchelor and guest Jacob Kendall, we dive into how caregiving impacts personal health and share insights on managing stress, building a...
info_outline
EP: 198 - Opioid Use Disorder | Impact on Families – Aging Parents to Grandkids | OpiAID
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In this episode, we explore the critical risks of opioid use among seniors, including addiction, overdose, and the dangerous side effects that can worsen existing health conditions. We speak with David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, to understand the impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) on aging parents and their families, highlighting why awareness is essential for everyone. OpiAID is revolutionizing OUD treatment with remote patient monitoring, biometric insights, and personalized care plans that go beyond the clinical setting. As the opioid crisis impacts families nationwide, this episode provides...
info_outline
EP: 197 - Dating After 50: 10 Must-Know Tips for Finding Love Over 50
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Are you navigating the dating scene after 50? Whether you’re newly single or returning to the dating world after years, it can feel daunting, but also exciting! In this episode, I’m joined by Evan Marc Katz, a renowned dating coach with over 13,000 success stories, to explore how to find love and meaningful connections later in life. We discuss the challenges and joys of modern dating over 50, how to overcome fears, present yourself authentically, and stay safe both online and offline.
info_outline
EP: 196 - Role of Diet in Longevity
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In today’s fast-paced world, numerous diet trends promise to enhance health and longevity, but true wellness stems from understanding the science behind our food choices. This episode examines three popular diets—intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet—and their impact on aging. Intermittent fasting, which alternates between eating and fasting periods, is praised for weight management and metabolic health benefits, though its long-term sustainability, especially for older adults, is debated. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains,...
info_outline
EP: 195 - How to Choose the Best Home Care for an Older Adult
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Caring for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. Many older adults express a desire to "age in place," but it’s critical to assess whether staying at home is still a safe and realistic option for them. My "Care Options Checklist" offers a clear framework for evaluating important factors such as mobility, cognitive health, and their ability to manage daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Depending on their needs, solutions might range from simple home modifications to hiring a professional caregiver or even a home...
info_outline
EP: 194 - How to Choose a Quality Nursing Home
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one requires careful attention to both care quality and financial considerations. When visiting a facility, be sure to observe how residents are treated, whether they’re well-cared for, and if the environment is clean and welcoming. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, especially on different shifts, and the turnover rate of nursing assistants, which can indicate the facility’s culture. Additionally, check if the medical team is familiar with residents' needs and whether your loved one can keep their personal doctor. A surprise visit during...
info_outline
EP: 193 - Medication accessibility: SnapSlide
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Prescription bottles can be tough to open, especially for those with dexterity challenges. Enter SnapSlide, an innovative solution designed for easy, one-handed medication access. CEO Rocky Batzel was inspired to create SnapSlide after watching his grandmother struggle with child-resistant bottles, common among older adults with conditions like arthritis. SnapSlide’s ergonomic, child-proof design ensures easy access without compromising safety. It improves medication adherence and reduces frustration for users with hand disabilities or caregivers. Rocky plans to bring SnapSlide to major...
info_outline
EP: 192 - Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults Living with Alzheimer’s: Vital Tips for Caregivers
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Emergencies and natural disasters can be particularly dangerous for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, making proper preparedness essential. Caregivers should focus on maintaining calm and offering reassurance during high-stress situations, sticking to familiar routines and providing comfort items to reduce confusion. Clear communication using simple language, avoiding sensory overload, and ensuring the individual has proper identification are key strategies for keeping those with cognitive impairments safe. It’s also crucial to develop and regularly review a...
info_outline
EP: 191 - The Future of Care: Care Yaya Matches Healthcare Students with Older Adults
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In this episode, I sit down with Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, to explore how this innovative platform provides affordable, high-quality caregiving for aging adults. CareYaya connects families with healthcare students eager to gain real-world experience while supporting seniors with companionship and daily tasks. Learn how CareYaya, often dubbed "the Uber of caregiving," is revolutionizing the industry by offering trusted, accessible care to families nationwide. Tune in to discover how this tech startup is filling crucial gaps in caregiving, ensuring safety, affordability, and support for your...
info_outline“Be prepared for agitation and anxiety; have snacks, water, and distractions ready”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
Traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can also be a smooth and enjoyable experience. In this episode, I provide five essential tips to help make your journey more comfortable and less stressful.
UTILIZE IN-FLIGHT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Just like booking for an unaccompanied minor, using an in-flight assistance program can provide valuable help from the curb, through security, and onto the aircraft. This support ensures you and your loved one have a smoother experience.
MAKE SURE YOU STAY TOGETHER
When passing through airport security, go through first so you can assist your loved one from the other side if needed. This strategy helps prevent separation and ensures a seamless transition through security.
USE A COMPANION CARD
Carry a companion card to communicate your situation to TSA and flight attendants. This card informs them that you are traveling with someone who has Alzheimer’s, helping them provide the necessary support and understanding if agitation occurs.
FIND FAMILY RESTROOMS
Family restrooms are ideal for maintaining privacy and providing assistance. Whether you need to accompany your loved one or wait just outside the door, these facilities offer a safe and convenient option.
PREPARE FOR AGITATION AND ANXIETY
Travel can be unsettling for anyone, especially for those with Alzheimer's. Be prepared with snacks, a filled water bottle, magazines, or pre-downloaded movies on your iPad. These items can help distract and calm your loved one during the trip.
By following these five tips, you'll ensure a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable journey for both you and your loved one. See you next time as we continue to support each other on this journey.
RESOURCES
Join AgeWiseU to find and get all of my handouts and related content on Alzheimer’s disease and more at MelissaBPhD.com/join
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About MelissaBPhD
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families.
Below are 4 ways to connect with me and support the podcast:
-
BECOME AN AGEWISEU: Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/join/ and sign up for free as an Insider or upgrade to being a MVP. Updated weekly, AgeWiseU MVP is a digital hub of over 175 hours of curated content, resources, helpful links and courses designed for caregivers of people living with dementia; adult children caring for aging parents; and anyone wanting to learn more about brain health and healthy aging! MVPs are also invited to join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
-
BECOME A YOUTUBE MEMBER: Get early access to my podcast episodes and join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
-
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, AND LEAVE A REVIEW: SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel; LIKE the podcast by giving this episode a thumbs up; SHARE this episode with others; and LEAVE A REVIEW. These things only take a minute of your time, but they really do help increase my rating and ranking; but more importantly, these actions help other people find the podcast.
-
JOIN THE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: If you are on Facebook, feel free to join my private community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisisgettingold