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In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jeannine Bryant, a downsizing expert, about the challenges and emotional aspects of helping seniors transition to smaller living spaces. They discuss the concept of "right sizing", the importance of planning, and when to seek professional help.

Jeannine shares practical tips for decluttering, navigating family dynamics, and handling crisis situations, especially for those with memory issues. The conversation emphasizes the emotional journey involved in sorting through belongings and the importance of timing in the moving process, along with resources available for families.

Takeaways

Right sizing is about finding the perfect balance in living space.
Planning ahead is crucial for a smooth transition.
Professional help can ease the burden of moving.
Emotional attachments to belongings can complicate downsizing.
Start the decluttering process early to avoid overwhelm.
Focus on keepsakes that bring joy and memories.
Family dynamics can create tension during the moving process.
Crisis situations require careful planning and support.
It's important to respect the wishes of the older adult.
Resources are available to assist families in the transition process.

Rightsizing expert Jeannine Bryant is the owner and CEO of Changing Spaces SRS, a senior move management company in Lincoln, Nebraska. She has helped provide rightsizing and relocation services to seniors since 2010. During that time, she has been actively involved in the downsizing and moving processes of thousands of older adults.

She is the author two books on the rightsizing process, Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff and Ready to Rightsize? A step-by-step guide to your rightsizing journey.

She provides free resources filled with downsizing tips for older adults on her website www.EasyRightsizing.com, including downloadable worksheets, books, and an online course to guide people through the downsizing process with ease.

Bryant has been featured on numerous podcasts and is a regular contributor on various TV news stations. Originally from North Dakota, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and a Master of Arts degree from University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Website: https://easyrightsizing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EasyRightsizing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easyrightsizing/

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Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

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Summary

In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, Dr. Mia shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, who passed away from ovarian cancer. She discusses the challenges of navigating caregiving, grief, and the complexities of relationships between caregivers and their aging parents. Dr. Mia emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the wishes of loved ones, especially when it comes to treatment options, and reflects on her own experiences and feelings of unresolved anger and abandonment. The podcast aims to provide valuable insights and support for caregivers and those dealing with aging-related issues.

Takeaways

Dr. Mia shares her personal journey as a caregiver.

The importance of understanding the wishes of loved ones.

Navigating the complexities of caregiver relationships.

Grief counseling can help caregivers cope with their emotions.

Alternative treatments can be a point of contention in caregiving.

The podcast aims to bridge the gap in geriatric knowledge for the lay audience.

Caregiving often brings unresolved feelings to the surface.

Communication styles can differ significantly between generations.

Acceptance of a parent's limitations is crucial in caregiving.

The podcast serves as a voice of solidarity for caregivers.

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

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In this special crossover episode Dr. Mia is interviewed by Rachel Zimmer, host of "The Hygge Nurse." In this episode they discuss Dr. Mia's origin stories- how she decided to go into geriatrics and her current career focus. Rachel and Mia also talk about a recent study they worked on, which examined at the impact of caregiving, specifically on Black and Latino populations. They also discuss caregiving tips, including managing stress and navigating the healthcare system. Links to "The Hygge Nurse" podcast and other resources are below.

Dr. Mia podcast will take a hiatus after this episode.

Resources List:

The Hygge Nurse Hosted by Rachel Zimmer

https://www.hyggeabode.com/pages/the-hygge-nurse-podcast

UCLA Caregiver Education Videos and Resources:

https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics/dementia/caregiver-education

Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey by Jolene Brackey

https://www.enhancedmoments.com/

Dementia Matters Podcast:

- Podcast by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center on memory care research.

Brain Spotting Music on Spotify:

- Bilateral auditory stimulation music for stress relief.

https://brainspotting.com/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kHWc_TguRKMYgq0b_4ajY8phTP-VfhDYk


Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Caregiver Well-Being:

- Importance of self-care for caregivers.

- Strategies to find moments of respite and self-care activities.

- Differentiating between internal thoughts and external constraints to reduce self-blame.

2. Navigating the Healthcare System:

- Challenges caregivers face in the healthcare system.

- Tips for managing transitions of care, such as moving from home to hospital.

- Importance of clear communication and finding language-concordant care.

3. Practical Tips for Caregiving:

- Handling common dementia-related behaviors like refusal to bathe or take medications.

- Importance of creating joyful moments despite the challenges.

- Utilizing mindfulness, journaling, and bilateral stimulation techniques like brain spotting for stress relief.

4. Research Insights:

- Overview of a study on the well-being of Black and Latino caregivers.

- Impact of cultural and language barriers on caregiver experiences.

- Importance of presence and empathetic listening in caregiving.

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

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Dr. Mia interviews Dr. Mariana Wingood, a physical therapist specializing in geriatrics. They discuss the importance of physical activity for older adults and strategies to motivate them. Dr. Wingood emphasizes the need to understand what is important to each individual and tailor exercise programs accordingly. They also explore the benefits of incorporating physical therapy into activities like gardening and provide resources for finding exercise programs. The conversation touches on preventing injuries, recovering from injuries, and the role of healthcare providers in empowering older adults to be active. Dr. Wingood shares her research focus on empowering healthcare providers to support older adults in their physical activity goals.

keywords
physical therapy, geriatrics, physical activity, motivation, exercise programs, gardening, injuries, recovery, healthcare providers

Here are some of the resources mentioned:

1. National Council on Aging: has a lot of resources on fall prevention and about evidence-based exercise programs
2. https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/health/prevention/falls-prevention
3. https://www.ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-falls-prevention-programs - this is where people can go to learn about the different types of programs available nationally
4. Workout to Go: Booklet and videos from NIA's Go4Life
5. https://goaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/workout_to_go.pdf
6. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4k5szV5a-xDyNmxsceJikRn6EBUzPxmP
7. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/exercise-and-physical-activity-worksheets --> this has some great worksheets to help people get moving
8. Silver Sneaker Online Exercise Classes
9. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVcN_NI2Mb2-7HN8nS4c2VTYdMHMjcK9h
10. https://tools.silversneakers.com/Search/OnlineClasses
11. AARP Videos
12. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXQ-JEOv9JjGq9MbKmsIl4GlhcRR2mfMc
13. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/staying-fit/
14. Local places to look for exercise programs; Senior Centers/Community Centers/Multigenerational Centers, Libraries, Universities, Churches, Parks and Recreational Departments
15. Matters of Balance: https://healthyagingnc.com/workshop/a-matter-of-balance/.

Takeaways

• Understanding what is important to older adults is key to motivating them to be physically active.
• Incorporating physical therapy into activities like gardening can m

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

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Summary

In this episode, Dr. Mia discusses five things that can help with healthy aging: exercise, diet, sleep, stress and mental health, and positive age-related perceptions. She emphasizes the importance of aerobic exercise and getting at least 8,000 steps a day. She also recommends a Mediterranean-style diet (MIND diet) with plenty of fresh vegetables. Dr. Mia provides tips for improving sleep hygiene and managing stress, including meditation and journaling. She highlights the impact of social isolation and the importance of positive age-related beliefs. Overall, she encourages small steps towards a healthier lifestyle to age well in the future.


Study on 8k steps: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32207799/

MIND diet: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34334393/

Podcast episode with Dr. Jamie Hughes Sleep Hygiene Episode
https://youtu.be/fxZNWR6HBSQ

Dr. Rebecca Levy: https://ysph.yale.edu/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/becca-levy-and-the-fight-against-ageism/

Dr. Levy’s study on positive aging perspectives on cognition: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32527600/

Keywords:
healthy aging, exercise, diet, sleep, stress, mental health, positive age-related perceptions

Takeaways

Regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, is crucial for healthy aging.
A Mediterranean-style diet with fresh vegetables is beneficial for overall health.
Improving sleep hygiene and managing stress are important for well-being.
Social connections and positive age-related beliefs contribute to healthy aging.
Small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can make a significant difference in aging well.
Chapters


00:00
Introduction and Overview

03:00
The Importance of Exercise for Healthy Aging

08:39
Eating Well: The Mediterranean Diet

14:27
Improving Sleep Hygiene and Managing Stress

22:10
The Impact of Social Connections on Aging

25:50
Promoting Positive Age-Related Beliefs

30:13
Conclusion

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

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Bill Cohen, a certified senior advisor, shares his experience in helping families navigate the challenges of caregiving for a loved one with dementia. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and allowing each family member to express their opinions and concerns. Bill also discusses the training required to become a certified senior advisor and the holistic approach they take to caregiving. He highlights the role of financial considerations in caregiving decisions and the potential for family disputes. Bill provides insights on when to seek the help of a counselor, social worker, or senior advisor, and the importance of self-care for caregivers.

The site to find certified senior advisors is

https://portal.csa.us/locator/

Bill Cohen’s loving and talented mother, Sheila, lost her home to Hurricane Katrina. Then, she lost her health, ability to create beautiful art and, ultimately, her life due to Alzheimer's. For almost 10 years, Bill was her primary caregiver and advocate, not just her son. He turned his personal loss into his passion supporting other caregivers.

After “retiring” from state employment and entering his “encore career” seven years ago, Bill is a caregiver support group and memory café leader, a podcast guest, a speaker, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, a trained elder mediator, and a caregiving support consultant. He has completed several caregiving courses through the Alzheimer's Association and the Society for Certified Senior Advisors (CSA)®, and earned business degrees from Boston and Portland State Universities.

Bill is a native New Englander and has lived in the Portland, Oregon area for almost 40 years with his wife and supporter, Lori.

Contact and learn more about Bill Cohen:

https://cohencaregivingsupport.com/services

https://linktr.ee/CohenSupport

bill@cohencaregivingsupport.com

Find your local Certified Senior Advisors at https://portal.csa.us/locator/

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

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Dr. Mia uses a composite patient Ms. Smith's story to demonstrate her journey through different levels of care, from home to hospital, to skilled nursing facility (SNF), and then back to home. She discusses assisted living vs nursing home vs memory care unit and insurance payment options for them.

Additional resources:
Eldercare Locator (acl.gov)

Nursing home facility ratings per Medicare: enter your zip code below
Find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You | Medicare

Transitioning into assisted living, memory care, or other retirement community:
Find Assisted Living, Memory Care and Senior Living | A Place for Mom

Geriatric care managers:
What Is a Geriatric Care Manager? | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)

Transcript & more info on www.miayangmd.com

Music & disclaimer

Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

Send us a text

Summary

Jenny Kim, a family caregiver for her elderly parents, shares her experience managing their finances and healthcare. Her father, who has severe dementia, insists on withdrawing large amounts of cash and giving it away. Jenny has power of attorney but faces challenges with banks and bill companies. She hired a geriatric case manager to help with appointments and medical coordination. Dr. Mia suggests involving an elder law lawyer to address the financial issues. Jenny emphasizes the importance of cherishing the moments of lucidity and appreciating the life her parents have had.

Keywords

family caregiver, elderly parents, finances, dementia, power of attorney, geriatric case manager, elder law lawyer, lucidity

Takeaways

Managing the finances and healthcare of elderly parents can be challenging, especially when they have cognitive decline.
Having power of attorney may not always be sufficient to handle financial matters, as banks and bill companies may not honor it.
Hiring a geriatric case manager can provide support and assistance in managing appointments and medical coordination.
Involving an elder law lawyer may be necessary to address financial issues and establish stricter controls on spending.
Cherishing the moments of lucidity and appreciating the life of elderly parents is important, even in the face of difficult circumstances.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
08:17 Realization of Cognitive Decline and Taking on Responsibilities
12:46 Challenges with Financial Management
29:12 Seeking Legal Assistance for Financial Issues

Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.