THANKSGIVING EPISODE: National Caregiver Month, Alzheimer’s Research Update, Caring for Veterans, Matthew Perry & Lessons in Loneliness and Dementia Friendly Travel

As we continue to recognize National Family Caregiver Month & National Alzheimer’s Month, Sherri Snelling, corporate gerontologist and “Caregiving Club On Air” podcast host, interviews the following guests on this episode:

1. Megan Witbracht with UCI MIND which is one of about 30 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) in the country. Megan shares the latest clinical trials and drug announcements to treat Alzheimer’s plus support groups and other help for caregivers of those with dementia
2. Neal Shah Founder and CEO of CareYaYa tells us about his innovative approach to providing personal care and companionship in the home for older adults – using medical school students.

Caregiver Wellness News

Sherri talks about what actor Matthew Perry’s death teaches us about loneliness (you can also read her blog). She also shares early gift ideas, including great gift baskets from Harry & David’s which has a campaign to support family caregivers.

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Well Home Design News

Sherri gives a shoutout to one group caring for veterans and their family caregivers: Tunnel to Towers Foundation a nonprofit helping to house homeless veterans, give smart homes to disabled veterans and provide mortgage-free homes to families who have lost a first responder in the line of duty.

Sherri also shares insights on “dementia friendly travel” just in time for the holidays.

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Me Time Monday Wellness Hack

As always, we end our episode with our Me Time Monday Wellness Hack. This episode we focus on November National Family Caregiver Month and Thanksgiving wih our “Gratitude Gravy Recipe.” Sherri explains the wellness benefits of gratitude and how it help with life balance her new book, Me Time Monday.

RESOURCE LINKS

UCI MIND – research, support and education for caregivers of those with dementia in the Southern California area

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) – UCI MIND above is one of 30+ ADRCs across the country – find one near you via this site

CareYaYa

Click here to find out where to buy Sherri’s Me Time Monday book and learn more about the workshops

Sherri’s Me Time Monday book GoodReads page

Caregiver Action Network (CAN) – #CaregiversConnect Campaign for National Family Caregiver Month

Alzheimer’s Association – support groups, helpful information for family caregivers

Elder Care Locator – eldercare.gov or call 1-800-677-1116

Harry & David’s – take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday gift discounts for caregivers.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation – one of the best nonprofit organizations putting 95% of every dollar donated into housing for our veterans and families of fallen miliary heroes. Think about giving to this group on #GivingTuesday.

Sherri’s articles related to this episode

Alzheimer’s

Here is a full list with links to all of Sherri’s articles on Alzheimer’s including recent research, celebrities who are caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia (as well as her red carpet celebrity interviews) and Sherri’s appearance as an Alzheimer’s and caregiver expert on shows such as “The Doctors”

Caring for a Veteran

Caring for those heroes with invisible wounds (Huffington Post)

Boomer Parents Caring for a Veteran Son with TBI (PBS Next Avenue)

Caring for 9/11’s Rescue Workers 15 Years Later (PBS Next Avenue)

New Studies Find 9/11 First Responders Have Increased Dementia Risk (PBS Next Avenue)

Caregivers of 9/11 – Cancer and PTSD New Challenges for Survivors (PBS Next Avenue)

Caregiver Wellness

Caregiver Tipping Points (Forbes)

Sandwich Generation Juggling Act (Forbes)

7 Tips to Avoid Sandwich Generation Burn-out (USA Today)

Finding Happiness As a Caregiver (Forbes.com)

Happiness article (Spanish translation for Univision (Univision.com)

Creating Dementia Friendly Home Design (USA Today)