Free Daily Podcast Summary
Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Kelly A Bertenshaw, MA CCC SLP ECDCS
When a loved one is diagnosed with Dementia, family members can feel completely overwhelmed. You're now trying to juggle managing your loved one's increasing need for care while also tending to your own family, career and life. It can truly feel like a balancing act. I'm Kelly Bertenshaw, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and certified Dementia Care Specialist. I have worked with those affected by dementia and their families for more than 20 years. I started this podcast to help you, the family members, as you navigate this journey. My goal is to provide you with proven strategies, relevant information and research, as well as actionable steps you can take today. Together, we'll find the answers. Because no one should walk this journey alone.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 5 days ago12 min
Dementia and Broken Filters: "How Can They Say That?"
Why can dementia cause someone to suddenly say things that seem rude, offensive or completely out of character? In this episode, Kelly discusses how dementia can affect the brain’s social filter, why these behaviors may be worse at certain times, and how understanding what’s happening can help families respond with less conflict.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please message questions for Kelly, or to set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss ☕ResourcesDISINHIBITIONhttps://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/mood-and-behaviour-changes/disinhibitionTIPS FOR MANAGING DISINHIBITIONhttps://www.dementiahub.sg/living-well-with-dementia/tips-for-managing-disinhibited-behaviours/ALZHEIMER’S CARE TIPS: MANAGING DISINHIBITING BEHAVIORShttps://www.continuumcare.com/managing-disinhibiting-behaviors/The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
- 2 weeks ago14 min
Dementia and Eating Safely: When Swallowing Changes
In this episode, Kelly explains how dementia affects swallowing and increases the risk for pneumonia. She simplifies the process involved for listeners by breaking it into three phases, and offers guidance on balancing safety, nutrition, and a loved one's dignity when facing feeding refusals or diet modifications.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or to set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourcesSwallow Managementhttps://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/management-of-swallowing-difficulties-in-adults-who-are-at-risk-of-aspiration/Caregiver Guidehttps://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/caregivers-guide-dysphagia-dementia/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=102699069&gbraid=0AAAAADtQfMv-JqHptnoQUOcYhaKiQEaPV&gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka0ttVrj8dz6lf-d3jFk9nwuUXTnVddFULZCjF0CE58yTeocWmGF3aYaAoLXEALw_wcBSwallow Evaluationhttps://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dysphagia-tests/IDDS Dietary Modification Levelshttps://pspawareness.com/blogs/psp-q-a/the-international-dysphagia-diet-standardisation-initiative-iddsi?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22793832213&gbraid=0AAAAA97ERqIYhyGDMhfP5oeiVAZB98l_j&gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka2pn6z6w2yzDE9V54nnI4UXKFv414fSh4ZuQfV7aOSHajQjxDBFuQAaAuZ2EALw_wcBThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
- Aug 19, 202613 min
The Dementia Whiplash: Good Day, or Bad One?
This episode of A Balancing Act tackles the "whiplash" of sudden ups and downs in dementia caregiving. Why abilities seem to flicker day to day, when a sudden change warrants a call to the doctor, and how to become a detective when there's no clear medical cause. Kelly offers practical ways to respond with curiosity and flexibility instead of fear when a loved one's condition unexpectedly shifts.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossRESOURCES:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/behaviour/https://theconversation.com/why-is-my-loved-one-with-dementia-sometimes-there-and-sometimes-not-200439The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
- Aug 5, 202611 min
Keeping The Brain Connected: Hearing Aids, Glasses and Dementia
Could untreated hearing or vision loss be putting the brain at greater risk? In this episode, Kelly discusses how sensory loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, and why glasses and hearing aids may play an important role in keeping the brain working and connected.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourceshttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-losshttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/well/mind/hearing-vision-dementia-risk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.21A.GP4j.SN3JhrRi0gLQ&smid=url-sharehttps://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/hearing-aid-reasons/The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
- Jul 22, 202612 min
Dementia & Family Reunions: When Remembering Becomes A Test
Family reunions can be overwhelming for a loved one with dementia. The noise, the chaos, and everpresent fear of the question: "Do you remember?'. In this episode, Kelly explains why this can happen, ways to lower your loved one's stress and simple conversational techniques that meet your loved one at a level they can succeed. Success isn't about what they remember. It's about feeling included and loved. FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResources:"6 Tips For Dementia-FriendlyFamily Gatherings"https://www.amica.ca/conversations/six-expert-tips-for-dementia-friendly-family-gatherings"How to Successfully Include Loved Ones with Dementia in Family Gatherings"https://familymattershc.com/including-loved-ones-with-dementia/The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
- Jul 8, 202610 min
"My Memory Has Changed. Now What?"
Your memory feels different, but your cognitive tests are normal. So now what? In this episode, Kelly explores what Subjective Cognitive Decline really means, why it happens and how it's different from Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Finally, she explains why normal cognitive test results don't always end the conversation.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourcesTHE CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBJECT COGNITIVE DECLINEhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7062546/SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE: A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUEhttps://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging-data/media/pdfs/subjective-cognitive-decline-508.pdfMILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENThttps://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1073831728&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_Nhi5s2Nr6FfrmNmjHxNvG30P&gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocpr6yPdFAyE1Hdon6k2j9JEtzM91efnNKvu-OAQ0H64U-JD_tnBYN_BoCFFkQAvD_BwEThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
- Jun 24, 202612 min
Decoding Repetition: "Why do they keep asking the same questions?"
In this episode, Kelly explores why repetition develops in a changing brain, what it reveals about your loved one's inner experience, and how shifting your perspective can transform frustration into insight. Because understanding the why behind these behaviors is the first step to responding with more confidence and less stress.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourcesBehavior Management Strategies – Understanding Dementia Behaviors: Repetitive Speech or Actions (Perseveration)https://www.caregivercalifornia.org/2023/04/21/behavior-management-strategies-understanding-dementia-behaviors-repetitive-speech-or-actions-perseveration/Managing Repetition in Alzheimer’s Behavior: Caregiver Tipshttps://www.alzra.org/alzheimers-behavior-issues/repetition/The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
- Jun 10, 202610 min
When Care Needs Change Fast: A 3-Year Future Mapping Guide
Don't wait for a crisis. If someone you love is showing early signs of memory loss, the time to plan is now. In this episode, Kelly walks you through how to build a simple, realistic three-year care roadmap before urgency makes the decisions for you.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourceshttps://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planninghttps://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planningThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
About Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act
When a loved one is diagnosed with Dementia, family members can feel completely overwhelmed. You're now trying to juggle managing your loved one's increasing need for care while also tending to your own family, career and life. It can truly feel like a balancing act. I'm Kelly Bertenshaw, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and certified Dementia Care Specialist. I have worked with those affected by dementia and their families for more than 20 years. I started this podcast to help you, the family members, as you navigate this journey. My goal is to provide you with proven strategies, relevant information and research, as well as actionable steps you can take today. Together, we'll find the answers. Because no one should walk this journey alone.
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