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.
- 3 days ago10 min
Encore Episode: Dementia and Thanksgiving
As you come together with family in the days ahead, it’s important to recognize that situations can become overwhelming for someone living with dementia. The best place to start is adjusting expectations. In this episode, Kelly explores ways to alleviate stress for everyone involved, as well as strategies to keep your loved one connected to the festivities and the family.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 ☕Resourceshttps://alzfdn.org/t-h-a-n-k-s-for-creating-a-dementia-friendly-thanksgiving/https://nhdementiatraining.org/2021/12/20/tips-for-spending-holidays-with-those-with-dementia/https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/i-have-friend-or-family-member-who-lives-dementia/holidays-special-occasionsThe 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 ago12 min
Dementia and Going To The Doctor
A routine doctor's visit can quickly become overwhelming for someone living with dementia. In this episode, Kelly explains why appointments feel so stressful, from confusion and sensory overload to communication barriers and fear, and shares practical strategies for making visits more manageable, dignified, and successful for the brain your loved one has right now.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 ACThttps://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemoryloss ☕Resourceshttps://www.alznj.org/tips-for-getting-a-loved-one-to-the-doctor/https://fieldstonecommunities.com/marysvillememorycare/blogs/tips-for-taking-someone-with-dementia-to-the-doctor/https://keystone.health/seniors-with-dementia-caregivers-guideThe 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.
- Oct 14, 202613 min
Dementia And Shifting Roles
When dementia enters a family, it doesn't just affect memory. It reshapes the roles and responsibilities that have defined relationships for decades. In this episode, Kelly explores how taking on a loved one's responsibilities can lead to "competence fatigue," why losing familiar roles can feel like losing identity, and how families can adapt while preserving dignity, purpose, and connection. 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 ☕Resources"Changes To Your Relationship"https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/relationship-changes"How to Successfully Pivot When Dementia Changes Family Roles"https://www.jfscare.org/blog/how-to-successfully-pivot-when-dementia-changes-family-roles/"Personal Care"https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ea0c6f66-8c03-47a4-ad7f-3d42eff88da7/alzheimers-dementia-personal-care-ts.pdfThe 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.
- Sep 30, 202611 min
Encore Episode: "Should I Lie To My Love One With Dementia?"
In this episode, Kelly addresses the moral dilemma caregivers face: whether to lie or tell the truth to loved ones with dementia. Traditionally, reality orientation,(telling the truth) was seen as a matter of principle. But from the 1990s, therapeutic fibbing, small, compassionate lies, gained acceptance. Kelly argues for 'leading with their reality,' adapting responses based on the stage of dementia and what comforts or calms the person. She provides practical advice, ways to respond that meet your loved where they are and how to get self-support for when these situations arise.OUR FACEBOOK PAGE- PLEASE POST ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS HERE. OR, YOU CAN REQUEST A CHAT WITH KELLY!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103RESOURCES:https://www.walkinlab.com/blog/seven-stages-dementia/https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/lying-to-someone-with-dementiahttps://iona.org/therapeutic-fibs-ok/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0ktYUIn0Y
- Sep 16, 202612 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.
- Sep 2, 202614 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.
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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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