Alz In The Fam

More Love From NYC An ode to NYC, written and spoken by Allan Fair. Taking over my Mental Health and Alzheimer's related podcast with this special 9/11/21 post. #NeverForget #SpokenWord #9/11 #MentalHealth Been here since '98 .com boomin’ City is moving Used to see Dicaprio at a club called Life He’d be groovin But that was a different life Y2K came and went .com bust Web 1.0 descent Twin Towers down Shout from the wreckage WE HEAR YOU! And the city echoed back And rebuilt our hearts, and bodies and buildings New generations, new city children New wars, new fears, far away, but the soul of the city, always here Eli to Tyreee Ohhhhhh-baby...Victory Great Recession of 2008 SARS, Sandy, Swine flu There’s a lot this city’s lived through Lotta ghosts that walk these streets Burroughs, Bowie, Bourdain, Lennon, Ledger, Jackie O, Greta Garbo And we gonna add some ghosts, But this city will never be a ghost town Because we don’t spend too much time lookin down These streets have always been dirty But this city’s condition Has always been about ambition, Reaching high for the sky, New York City Beacon to the world in good times and bad We shout from these spires that scrape the sky above In at time when the world has so many questions The answer from New York is always more love.

What is it like to have a mother-in-law battling Alzheimer’s? Our mom, Carmen, is a loving mother-in-law to our four spouses. They are just as involved in her Alzheimer’s journey as we are. In Episode 22 of Alz In The Fam, the Fair siblings are joined by our four spouses to discuss what it has been like for them. In the episode, we ask our spouses about their experience with our mom’s Alzheimer’s disease, when they first noticed changes in our mom and how they think it has impacted our family. Each of our spouses share incredibly fond memories of their mother-in-law before she began showing signs of Alzheimer’s. Nicknamed ‘Car-mom’, she embraced each of our spouses and welcomed them wholeheartedly into our family. As our family has watched the disease progress, it has been difficult on our spouses. Helping in the caregiving process, accommodating her growing needs over the years and acting as emotional support for us siblings are only the tip of the impact that her disease has had on them. While each spouse and sibling alike has had their own experience with our mom’s Alzheimer’s, one thing is certain – the Fair clan has always been close knit but becoming a caregiver team and support system has strengthened our bond even further. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

New research into psychedelics show promising treatment options for Alzheimer’s and dementia. In Episode 21, the Fair siblings sit down with Dr. Del Potter, PhD – a scientist studying the benefits of psychedelic compounds on brain-related diseases and conditions like dementia, depression and PTSD. Del Potter, PhD is the chief science officer and founding member of ZBN Research. He received his Ph.D. in Medical Anthropology from UC Berkeley in 1980, specializing in Ethno-psychopharmacology, the phytochemistry, and extraction of psychoactive indigenous botanical pharmacopeia and their cultural significance, and psychiatric anthropology. Dr. Del Potter shares information on the benefits, availability and future of psychedelic treatment for Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Potter also discusses the origin of medicinal use of psychedelics. Research shows that psychedelic compounds have positive effects on targets in the brain that may cause Alzheimer’s. As this research becomes more mainstream, more clinical trials and treatment options are becoming available for people predisposed to Alzheimer’s or dementia and those with mild cognitive impairment. Dr. Potter also discusses the treatment options available, including a micro dosing approach that minimizes the psychoactive effects but still shows positive results. This could be a promising option for those with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. While research is promising, Dr. Potter expresses concerns for the future of medicinal use of psychedelics, as it does become more mainstream and adopted by big pharmaceutical companies. Overall, the outlook on psychedelic treatment for Alzheimer’s and other brain-related diseases is positive. Dr. Potter shares incredible insights that provide hope for the future of Alzheimer’s research. To read the article mentioned in Episode 21, go to: https://bit.ly/3szWXRd If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a big decision. In Episode 20 of #AITF, the four Fair siblings discuss the difficulties of making the decision for someone else – their Mom. During this episode, the siblings use a Q&A article from alz.org to guide them in their conversation. The article answers frequently asked questions from caregiver and people living with Alzheimer’s about the COVID-19 vaccine. In the fall of 2020, Poli, Allan Trissi and Boni had to begin weighing the pros and cons of having their mom vaccinated against COVID-19. For one, Carmen has already contracted and recovered from COVID and has opted for a more holistic medical approach her whole life. But the siblings also understand that a vaccine can help relieve their mom of the isolation she faces in her facility. After weighing the pros and cons, Carmen has now received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Her memory care facility made an otherwise stressful situation for her, as smooth as possible. Now that Carmen has successfully received her first dose, her second dose is coming soon. The siblings have to make a decision on whether or not she will get that one too. The second dose seems to have more side effects, which has raised concern in the family. The worst fear is that the symptoms could place Carmen confused and alone in the hospital. Listen as the siblings discuss the challenges that come with making a decision for someone who can no longer make those decision herself, the fear of making a wrong decision and how they overcome these challenges as a family. Check out the article that has guided this discussion here: http://bit.ly/2MMSTxe. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Care Coordinator and Owner of Always Best Care, Loudoun VA, Chris Kondracki joins Alz In The Fam for the very first episode of 2021! In episode 19, Allan, Poli and Boni sit down with Chris to discuss his experience as an owner and coordinator of a senior home care service company. Always Best Care in Loudoun, VA offers Home Care with Non-Medical professionals such as companionship services & home helper services, Personal Care services and placement services for residential care. In this interview, Chris and the siblings discuss the different types of senior care, what Chris has learned about caregiving over the years and how Always Best Care provides the best care for its patients. While his company provides assistance to all seniors, Chris has learned quite a bit about dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients throughout his career. Listen to hear his unique expertise on getting help for your loved ones, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and how to navigate the challenging task finding care may be for your family. Check out Always Best Care, Loudoun VA online here: https://www.alwaysbestcare.com/va/leesburg/. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with Chris, reach out to him at his email -ckondracki@AlwaysBestCareLoudoun.com If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Advice for caregivers, from caregivers is the topic in Episode 18 of Alz In The Fam. The four Fair siblings sit down to share the best caregiving tips and tricks that they have learned from their own experiences and from others. The first tip the siblings share is the power of music. Putting on your loved one’s favorite music can help change the mood and stimulate positive feelings. The siblings each have a specific playlist or radio station to put on when they want to change Carmen’s mood. Many studies have been done on the positive effects of music on brain health, such as this NIH study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6022981/. Probably one of the most important tips to take away from this episode is the importance of finding support as a caregiver. Caregiver burnout is real and very isolating. Remember to ask for help when you need and take care of your own health, both mental and physical. Look to family or friends to confide in and take advantage of resources to help you when you need a break. For example, check out this Village in the DC Metro area that offers help to seniors in the community: https://bit.ly/3oChAtL Poli, Boni, Trissi and Allan share many other tips that they’ve picked up along the way. Check out the episode to hear more valuable tips, from how to defuse tense situations to how to keep your loved one feeling occupied and helpful. And check out these caregiver resources: https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/caregiving-it-takes-a-village https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/baby-boomers-join-aging-at-home-villages-for-yoga-happy-hour-ladies-night-out-tech-class-and-biking/2017/05/04/7fdf5a78-1a2a-11e7-855e-4824bbb5d748_story.html?utm_term=.176a9fff1d0e https://dailycaring.com/5-coping-tips-for-the-overwhelmed-caregiver/ If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Even as her Alzheimer’s progresses, Grandma’s love for her family shines through. In a very special Episode 17 of Alz In The Fam, Carmen’s grandchildren share their best memories of their Grandma, both before and after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Allan, Poli, Trissi and Boni introduce their children who offer stories about their grandma, Carmen. Across all of the stories, one thing always remains – Carmen’s deep love and support for her family, even as her Alzheimer’s progresses. From sleepovers with Grandma to sporting events and life milestones, the grandchildren reminisce on Carmen’s constant affection, attention and unwavering support. Each story that they told illustrates the tight bond that Grandma formed with each of her grandchildren. She has been a formative figure in each grandkid’s life. Carmen’s love for her family, and especially her grandkids, has not been diminished by Alzheimer’s. Even as her memory changes, her love for her family has not. This episode highlights the strength of love between a grandchild and grandma. Listen now to meet the grandchildren and hear their stories. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Aspects to consider when choosing a care facility for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is the topic of Alz In The Fam Episode 16. In this episode, the four Fair siblings discuss their journey to find the right place for their mom, Carmen, to live. When searching for the correct facility for their mom, the Fair siblings had three important criteria that it had to meet; it had to be financially doable, close to family and meet their mom’s social, physical and mental needs. Poli, Boni and Trissi surveyed many different facilities with various offerings before selecting one that seemed like a good fit for Carmen. They looked at places strictly for memory care patients, extended care facilities, assisted living communities, religiously affiliated care centers, and every other option available, all with their own sets of pros and cons. Ultimately, the four siblings decided that their proximity to Carmen was most important because families still need to participate in their loved one’s care, even once they move. After consulting with a company to help narrow down their search, the siblings found a place walking distance from Poli that seemed like a great fit for Carmen. The place that they chose, where Carmen still lives, was a new facility with a great management team. Most importantly, Carmen’s floor also has a balcony where she can enjoy the outdoors – her access to outside space was a huge consideration in their selection process. Most interestingly to the siblings is how quickly an Alzheimer’s patient’s needs can change within a few years. When the Fair family began their search for a facility in 2015, their priorities for Carmen’s care were different than they are now, in 2020, as her Alzheimer’s has progressed; facilities that once would not suit Carmen now may seem like a better fit than where she currently lives. Overall, the process of picking the correct care facility is overwhelming and challenging, but having Carmen close to family and in a place where she feels safe and adjusted is most important. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

In Episode 15 of Alz in the Fam, the four Fair siblings each share a book that has helped them in the Alzheimer’s caregiving journey. These books, while all different, all have helped the Fair siblings grapple with the topic of Alzheimer’s. First up, Boni shared a book called Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey, a fiction book that shares the story of Maud, an aging grandmother, and her family as she descends into Alzheimer’s. For Boni, Maud has many similarities to their mom, Carmen, and the book is both relatable and moving. Maud and Carmen are both strong willed, independent women who are aware of peoples’ moods around them, even as their memories fade. Trissi discussed her book next – How to Talk So Kids Can Learn by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. While its originally written for kids, Trissi has found many tips that are incredibly helpful to interacting with and respecting the emotions of Carmen, such as ‘indulge in their fantasies’ and ‘make it feel like their decision’. For Allan’s choice, he shared The Urban Monk by Pedram Shojai – a book that taught him how to find satisfaction with stillness and create habits that increase his overall wellbeing. This book helped him grapple with the guilt and frustration he felt due to the distance from his mom and her Alzheimer’s progression. Lastly, Poli brought Brain Food by Dr. Lisa Mosconi as her book of choice. Dr. Mosconi is both a neuroscientist and a certified integrative nutritionist and in this book, she shares what food our bodies require to best benefit our brains. She has even recreated the typical food pyramid to showcase what we should really be eating. Poli has taken a lot of her tips into practice, as the right diet can help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. Funny enough, all four siblings discovered that they eat the same breakfast every day – a meal full of the foods that Dr. Lisa Mosconi encourages us to eat. All of these books are available on Amazon! While the Fair siblings are no experts, the authors that they shared here are. These books have really helped the Fair family in their caregiving process and encourage anyone in a similar situation to check them out, whether they are on their own mental health journey or that of a loved one. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

In Episode 14 of Alz In The Fam, Poli, Allan and Trissi discuss technological resources that have impacted their caregiving. As their mom’s Alzheimer’s progresses, they have found quite a few technologies that really benefit their caregiving. One of the first technologies that the family adapted was a DayClox DigitalClock. This clock has the day and date on the face of it, and really helps orient their mom each day. To troubleshoot another large problem, the family also tried a Med-E-Lert Locking Automatic Pill Dispenser that helped them monitor their mom’s pill intake. Out of all of the technology that the Fair family has adapted to best care for their mom, one of the most useful is the Apple Watch 6 that their mom wears. The Apple Watch has many health and safety features that helps the family monitor their mom, even from afar. There have been some downsides to this tech, however. For example, there is a button on the watch that automatically dials 911, and their mom, Carmen, has pressed that twice. Also, Carmen does not always remember to charge the watch, so the family cannot always rely on this device. Along with that, their mom has an iPhone XR to pair with the Apple Watch. This phone’s picture sharing capabilities are also a big draw, as it allows their mom, Carmen, to scroll through pictures and find joy through that. Carmen also uses an iPad, where the family has found great brain games to both entertain her and engage her mind. Her favorite app is the jigsaw puzzle app. Medically, three tech resources have made huge improvements in their Alzheimer’s care – the new Patient Portals online for doctors office, the Scanner Pro app for the iPhone and at home urine test strips to check for UTIs. The online portals for doctors’ offices have made communication between the family and doctors more convenient, which is a great help. When Carmen was still living alone, the family adopted some home tech advancements, such as a programmable thermostat, a home security system and the Logi Circle Wifi Home Security Camera. This security camera helped the family monitor their mom’s movements even when they couldn’t be there in person. While this was a huge positive, it was also hard for the Fair siblings to watch their mom live on her own and see how she behaved by herself. The future of Alzheimer’s technology also looks bright. With young inventors creating new products like socks with sensors in them or apps specifically for Alzheimer’s patients, it is comforting to see tech in this space constantly improving. If you’re a caregiver, check out the links to these products above and let us know what other tech you use to help your care! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Caregivers suffer from Alzheimer’s too. In Episode 13 of Alz In The Fam, the four Fair siblings discuss how their mom’s Alzheimer’s disease affects each of them. Following a resource from the Alzheimer’s Association, the siblings dive into the stages of grief that caregivers often face - denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance. At each stage of grief, the siblings share their experiences with the emotion and how, or if they have overcome it. A major stage for all four siblings was guilt. They feel guilty about not being able to do enough for their mom, not being able to spend enough time with their mom, for their anger and frustration with the disease, and much more. COVID-19 has also put a wrench in the Fair family’s care for their mom, as it has for many families. The effects of COVID-19 have definitely increased the feeling of anger and sadness that each sibling feels. Ultimately, all four siblings are moving towards acceptance. While it is hard to accept the fate of Alzheimer’s, acceptance has helped the Fair family move forward and keep fighting for their mom. One thing for the Fair family is certain – every day is the best it’s ever going to be. Each day may get harder than the last, but the family is in It together. Allan, Poli, Trissi and Boni are grateful every day to have siblings who are there to support them. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is very emotionally taxing, but the emotional health of caregivers is not often considered. If you know of any caregivers, remember to check in on them. If you are a caregiver, check out Alzheimer’s Association’s resources on caregiver health, such as the article referenced in this show: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/grief-loss-as-alzheimers-progresses If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

In Episode 12 of Alz In The Fam, the four Fair siblings discuss COVID-19 and its ongoing effects on Memory Care Facilities. Due to COVID-19, many of the residents of these facilities are facing severe and damaging isolation, such as their mom. To protect the health of the residents, Memory Care Facilities, like their mom’s, are taking extra precautions to shield residents and staff from sickness. These precautions, however, have a negative effect on the residents. As the Fair siblings state, their mom was moved into a senior living community to avoid the isolation that many seniors face when living alone. The pandemic, however, has left their mother isolated, confused and uncomfortable. Since March, the Fair family have only been able to see their mom in person once. All other communication is done over Facetime, which puts a strain on the communication they have with their mom. When their Mom’s Memory Care facility did open again, after all staff and residents had two consecutive negative tests, it only opened for outdoor visits in the extremely hot and humid July weather. Two days later, a staff member tested positive and the facility shut down again. Allan has been unable to see his Mom in person for more than six months. The Fair siblings are not allowed to take their mom out for family gatherings or for excursions to the hair or nail salon, or for a walk. These outings were a way for the siblings to take care of their Mom and give her a chance to socialize or enjoy a change of scenery. It is devastating to the Fair family that they cannot hug their Mom. And because they cannot visit her inside or take her for outings, the siblings are constantly worried about how well her hygiene is being monitored. They also worry if their Mom recognizes herself with her now gray hair. So many residents passed away during the COVID-19 shutdown that the Fair sibling’s Mom had to be moved to a new room and floor in her facility. Her floor lost more than half of its residents to COVID-19 or complications of other diseases exacerbated by COVID. The siblings are worried about their Mom adjusting to a new room and bed especially with the challenge of advanced Alzheimer’s Disease. This transition has been difficult on their mother, and the siblings can see how upset it has made her. Their mom is still unable to go for outdoor walks due to COVID-19, causing her to gain weight, and has suffered from the extreme isolation required to bring the COVID-19 outbreak under control. The siblings discuss how difficult it is to have their Mom at a senior facility with all the measures in place to preserve and protect their Mom’s physical health. They debate how on the one hand this helps to prolong her life and the lives of other residents and staff, but on the other hand it is prolonging a now sad and lonely time for their Mom. For similar reasons, the siblings also debate signing off on the flu shot for their mother given their Mom’s history of refusing the shot. Poli and Allan also discuss how Coronavirus patients with dementia in the U.S. who are hospitalized, are not allowed to have a caregiver go with them. When they were guests on “The D Word” radio show Allan and Poli learned that the UK has a rule that requires hospitals to allow a caregiver to join dementia patients in the hospital. The Fair siblings hope that Memory Care Facilities can find a balance that will help families and their loved ones reconnect, while still maintaining the safety of all parties involved. They hope, more than anything, that they can give their mom a hug soon.

In Episode 11 of Alz In The Fam, Allan and Poli detail the final steps of receiving our Mom’s official diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The steps we took at this stage, starting with an appointment with our Mom’s primary care physician, all culminated in finding great treatment and resources for our Mom. When we first went to Mom’s primary care physician, Mom took the Mini Mental Status Exam – a standard exam with a series of questions that help health professionals evaluate the memory issues in their patients. Mom failed this exam, but the assistant who administered the test thought Mom was fine. Her physician decided to refer us to a neurologist. Neurologists, however, are incredibly busy. Getting an appointment took a lot of time, but Poli was directed to the Georgetown University’s Memory Disorders Program and was able to get Mom in for an appointment sooner than most. Getting involved at the GU Memory Disorders Program proved to be the best move we could have made. Here, we enrolled Mom in an Alzheimer’s study and started being seen by a neurologist every month. Joining a study was the best experience for our family; it provided us with tons of resources and incredible staff that we can still rely on. Our start at GU Memory Disorders Program gave Mom her first official diagnosis of mild Alzheimer’s disease, too. This was a huge milestone in our journey. GU has provided us with crucial care and a strong community, both of which have made a huge impact in our Mom’s life and our entire families’ lives. Finally, we just want to note that no experience with Alzheimer’s is linear. Some days are much harder than others, and some days your loved one may seem like her old self again. Being a caregiver is difficult and unpredictable; having a support system and community to rely on is crucial as caregivers. We hope that those in a similar position can find care that they feel confident about and a community that they can connect with. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

In Episode 10 of Alz In The Fam, Brigid Reynolds, Neurology Provider at Georgetown University’s Memory Disorders Program joins the Fair siblings for another great episode. In this conversation, Brigid shares exciting studies and research happening in the memory disorder field. When we first met Brigid, she recommended that our Mom joined an Alzheimer’s trial drug study, and it was an incredible experience for our whole family. The trial drug was hoping to target amyloid plaque buildup in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Not only did we see a positive effect in our Mom’s symptoms, but overall it was a very insightful and pleasant experience. Along with clinical trials for those with mild Alzheimer’s disease, Brigid also highlighted various studies that people who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s can get involved in now, before they see any signs of the disease. One in particular that Poli, Boni and Trissi already participate in is the APT webstudy. This study uses online testing to monitor participants’ brain health over time and detect any signs of developing Alzheimer’s symptoms. Brigid also mentions exciting new research developments, like the proximity to a blood test that can detect Alzheimer’s disease in patients. Read more about that here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/health/alzheimers-blood-test.html Other studies or research databases that Brigid recommends anyone and everyone get involved in are the AHEAD Study and the Brain Health Registry. Both are aimed at detecting Alzheimer’s in the brain before symptoms arise. We also want to emphasize how important it is for this research to include a diverse range of participants. The studies mentioned above are easily accessible online, so please help us widen the participant pool by joining yourself and sharing with others. Thank you again to Brigid Reynolds for joining us on two great episodes. Check out Brigid Reynold’s bio here: https://memory.georgetown.edu/about_us/team/ Check out Georgetown University’s Memory Disorders Program here: https://memory.georgetown.edu/ If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Episode 9 of Alz In The Fam features Brigid Reynolds – our Mom’s neurology provider at Georgetown University’s Memory Disorders Program. All four Fair siblings sit down with Brigid, our first ever guest, to discuss Mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s! Brigid is a research investigator conducting different clinical trials to develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. She specializes in evaluating and treating patients with memory problems, like our Mom. In this episode, Brigid gives us insight into how she evaluates and treats her patients, and the types of tests she administers to diagnose and create a treatment plan. She explains the different types of memory disorders, including various types of dementia. Brigid emphasizes the importance of family members’ involvement in the process of diagnosing and treating loved ones with Alzheimer’s. She tells us why it is important that family members encourage their loved ones to seek treatment early. She discusses some current research opportunities and studies being done in the Alzheimer’s and dementia field. Check out this information on an Alzheimer’s Blood Test, as mentioned by Brigid in the episode: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/health/alzheimers-blood-test.html We are so grateful to Brigid for sitting down to speak with us. Brigid has been a blessing in our Mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s. Stay tuned next week, too, to hear more from her. Check out Brigid Reynold’s bio here: https://memory.georgetown.edu/about_us/team/ Check out Georgetown University’s Memory Disorders Program here: https://memory.georgetown.edu/ If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

In Episode 8 of Alz In The Fam, listen as we decide that it’s time to intervene in Mom’s living situation. In this episode, the four Fair siblings discuss the next step in Mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s – moving out of her own home and in with one of her kids. This step in Mom’s Alzheimer’s journey was a difficult one to take. Mom was extremely stubborn, and it was difficult to figure out a living situation that worked for both her and us siblings. While the first option included sharing her time between Poli’s house and Trissi’s house, this set up quickly became too difficult and confusing for the whole family. The decision to move Mom out of her own house was difficult to make. We realized this step was necessary once we felt that our Mom’s safety was at risk living alone. Not only was she becoming less able to take care of herself, but there were outside factors and weird events that made us increasingly alarmed. Ultimately, moving Mom out of her house and into one of our homes was a decision we made to keep her safe. While it was hard logistically and emotionally, it was the best decision for us all. Listen to hear more about this transitional period for our family and why we made this change. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Episode 7 of Alz In The Fam features all four siblings as they discuss another step in their Mom’s journey: hiring her a caregiver. Hiring a caregiver was a tedious process, as it took several tries to find one who met the sibling’s needs and their Mom’s needs. At this time, their Mom was still stubbornly set on living alone. However, Allan, Poli, Trissi, and Boni realized that the level of care and attention she needed was increasing. The sisters’ constant visits were not enough anymore, so the family decided it was time for some outside help. Finding the right caregiver was a trial and error process. The siblings were looking for someone to keep their Mom company for a few hours each day that would help her with some basic tasks like driving and cooking. The family went through the process of finding a caregiver a few times before finding one who fit their needs and wants well. Importantly, the siblings were looking for someone who their mom would enjoy spending time with. Hiring outside caregiving help was a big step in their Mom’s Alzheimer’s journey. While it was nerve-wracking to embark on, it was an important step that helped keep their mom safe and healthy. If you or a loved one are at this point in your own journey, don’t hesitate to look for outside help! The process can be daunting, but the support they provide is necessary. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

In Episode 6 of Alz In the Fam, ‘Alzheimer’s: Troubling Signs and Behaviors’, all four AITF siblings discuss troubling early signs of Alzheimer’s in their mom. Each of the four siblings – Allan, Poli, Trissi, and Boni, share some increasingly strange behaviors they noticed in their mom during the early stages of her Alzeimer’s. Each sibling has different memories, but their stories all intertwine. As the disease progressed in their mom, the AITF siblings began to notice troubling behaviors that made their mom’s situation harder. Whether it be the moment they knew she could no longer drive or her new relationship to alcohol, these behavioral signs developed in the early years of her Alzheimer’s. Join Allan, Trissi, Poli, and Boni as they delve deeper into some of their early caretaking years and experiences. If you are observing any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The sooner you do, the better. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Episode 5 of Alz In The Fam, hosts Allan and Poli introduce two more of their mom’s caregivers – their sisters Boni Fair Vinter and Trissi Fair Bennett! In this episode, all four siblings come together to discuss shared experiences and their family’s journey. Boni and Trissi share with Allan and Poli the first signs of Alzheimer’s that they noticed in their mom. Many of these moments are interconnected with those that Allan and Poli have previously shared, and they discuss their feelings throughout the discovery and diagnosis process. The four siblings also touch on their roles as caregivers for their mom and how that has impacted each of their lives. They share stories, reminisce, and commiserate about their shared experiences and feelings as they continue to care for their mom with Alzheimer’s. This special episode featuring Alz In The Fam’s first guests delves deeper into the Fair family’s journey with their mom. Listen as Allan, Poli, Trissi, and Boni share more of their story. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes?

Assisted living facilities are being hit hard by COVID-19. In Episode 4 of Alz in the Fam, hosts Allan and Poli discuss the shocking news and aftermath of their mom testing positive for COVID-19. In Maryland, where Allan and Poli’s mom lives in a senior living community, a large percentage of coronavirus deaths have been in these senior care facilities and nursing homes. Cases began to appear at their mom’s facility about two weeks ago, so last week every resident and staff was tested for the virus. Turns out, their mom tested positive for the virus too. For the most part, Allan and Poli’s mom is doing well, aside from lack of appetite and no ability to taste food. But this diagnosis led the siblings to having a larger conversation about their mom and her end of life care preferences. The siblings have already taken steps to prepare for their mom’s end of life treatment - they have Advance Care Directive and Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment on file. The Alz In The Fam family urges all caregivers and children to have these conversations with your parents, no matter how difficult they may be. Being prepared is crucial. Currently, some of your parents’ preferences or treatment options may have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to have these difficult conversations and be able to understand how different scenarios may unfold for you and your family. Here are the resources that Allan and Poli mentioned during the episode that can help every family navigate difficult end of life care decisions: Maryland Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment: https://marylandmolst.org/pages/molst_form.htm Being Mortal by Atul Gawande: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Mortal-Medicine-What-Matters-ebook/dp/B00JCW0BCY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=being+mortal&qid=1589922153&sr=8-1 NYTimes OpEd article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/04/opinion/coronavirus-ventilators.html If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple/Podcast/iTunes?