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The Caregiver's Journey

The Caregiver's Journey

Written by: Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster
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About this listen

The Caregiver’s Journey podcast is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day Alzheimer's and dementia family caregiving challenges with strength, patience, and peace of mind. Using practical tips and candid conversations, Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster help you navigate caregiving’s ups and downs, so you move from feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and sometimes frightened - to confident, balanced, and supported.

2023 Sue Ryan Solutions Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Management Management & Leadership Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • The Messy Middle Steps 11-14 Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    The Messy Middle Steps 11-14 Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap V4 / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Oct 20 2026

    When someone gets a diagnosis of dementia, there are two people who need to be cared for: the person living with dementia and you, the primary caregiver.” Nancy Treaster


    Are you inserting yourself more and more into the activities of daily living for your loved one who is living with dementia? Are you struggling to find the knowledge and resources you need to manage? Have you worked through the first 10 steps of the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap?


    We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we know how quickly the daily demands grow once you reach the middle of the caregiving journey. This post covers steps 11 through 14 of our 20-step Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap, all of which fall in the stage we call the messy middle.


    Connect with us and share your tips:

    • Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
    • Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org


    Full Show Notes


    Additional Resources Mentioned

    • Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
    • The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.


    Takeaways

    Step 11: Focus on safety.

    Step 12: Continue to prioritize your self-care.

    Step 13: Educate yourself on the activities of daily living.

    Step 14: Create a care plan. At a minimum, a family emergency plan.


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    22 mins
  • What is an Area Agency on Aging? Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    What is an Area Agency on Aging? Three Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Nov 3 2026
    Have you heard of the AAA? Not the one that changes your tires, the one that can connect you with valuable resources in your community. In this case, AAA stands for Area Agency on Aging. Their resources can make a significant difference for you and your loved one living with dementia. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we know how hard it can be to find the right help at the right time. We’re sharing insights from Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, the national organization that represents Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Sandy has been a nationally recognized advocate for older adults for many years. She was a caregiver for her mother, who lived with dementia, so she understands this journey personally as well as professionally. While AAAs were established in 1973 as part of a reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA), they have been represented by USAging since 1975. The AAA’s work to ensure every American can age with maximum health, well-being, independence and dignity. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org Full Show Notes Additional Resources Mentioned Eldercare Locator: Resource center for older adults that can connect them to their local AAA, as well as provide information about a wide variety of topics. https://eldercare.acl.gov/homeDFA also created a Dementia-Friendly Holiday Toolkit, which is full of tips and ideas for making the holidays friendly and welcoming for your loved ones living with dementia. Download for free at dfamerica.org/holiday-toolkit/.Dementia Friendly America, a program administered by USAging, is holding its annual Dementia Friendsgiving on November 10. This is a virtual event that brings people living with dementia and their loved ones together for meaningful connection ahead of the holidays. Register at https://dfamerica.org/friendsgiving/.Dementia Friends USA: https://www.dementiafriendsusa.org/Dementia Friendly America: https://dfamerica.org USAging Consumer microsite: Helping You Live Long and Stay Strong—Caregiver Supports Offered by AAAs: https://www.usaging.org/caregiver-supports-servicesGrandfamilies & Kinship Support Network: https://www.gksnetwork.org/USAging’s Home for the Holidays Campaign, which this year is educating the public about assistive technology – tools that can help make older adults more independent and also potentially assist or lighten the load for caregivers. Visit www.usaging.org/h4h2026. (Note this link won’t be live until November 17.)Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyThe Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free. Takeaways Tip 1: Learn what the area agency on aging is and what it offers Tip 2: Know the eligibility requirements Tip 3: Find your area agency on aging Read More in This Blog
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    29 mins
  • Getting the Most Out of Doctor’s Visits: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

    Getting the Most Out of Doctor’s Visits: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
    Oct 6 2026

    Do you leave your loved one’s doctor’s appointments feeling intimidated or confused instead of empowered? Do you wish you had a clearer role in shaping their care? Many caregivers feel this way, and there is a better way to approach these visits.


    We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we know how much rides on every doctor’s visit and how easy it is to walk out feeling unheard. We’re sharing insights about how to rethink your role at medical appointments from Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a clinical neuropsychologist licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania and founder of the Brain Health Center. Dr. Nussbaum has spent decades caring for people living with dementia and their families. He has also been a family caregiver himself, so he understands both sides of the table.


    Connect with us and share your tips:

    • Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
    • Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
    • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org


    Full Show Notes


    Additional Resources Mentioned

    • Paul D. Nussbaum, Ph.D, ABPP www.MDRyourbrainhealthmatters.org
    • Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
    • The Caregiver’s Journey Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap: https://roadmap.thecaregiversjourney.org/ Available as an interactive page on our website that walks you through the three stages of your dementia family caregiver journey. Includes the option to download the guide for free.


    Takeaways

    Tip 1: Check your state of mind

    Tip 2: Get prepared

    Tip 3: Communicate at the appointment

    Tip 4: Follow-up


    Read More in This Blog
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    23 mins
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