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PODCAST

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss

Kelly A Bertenshaw, MA CCC SLP ECDCS

When a loved one is diagnosed with Memory Loss or Dementia, family members can feel completely unprepared and 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 memory loss and their families for more than 20 years. I started this

kids & family relationships

All Episodes

12:23

Season 1 Episode 22. Should I Lie To My Loved One?

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/07/09

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

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14:12

Season 1 Episode 21 Agitation, Sundowning and...

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/06/25

In this episode of 'A Balancing Act,' host Kelly explores strategies for managing dementia-related agitation, a common issue affecting about 90% of dementia patients. Kelly shares real-life stories from listeners, explains the different types of agitation, and offers practical advice on how family members can respond. Key topics include understanding agitation triggers, the concept of sundowning, and how to use empathy and redirection to calm loved ones. Kelly also highlights the importance of

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15:13

Season 1 Episode 20: "Why Are They Wearing The Same...

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/06/11

"Why Are They Wearing The Same Clothes?"Dressing and bathing can be challenging for people with dementia due to cognitive, physical, and emotional factors. Dementia can impair understanding of how to perform these tasks, remember the purpose of hygiene, and sequence the steps involved. In this episode, we discuss ways you can help a person with dementia maintain their dignity and preferences while providing support for washing and dressing.OUR FACEBOOK

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14:45

Season 1 Episode 19 Finding The Right Assisted Living

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/05/28

Episode 19When a loved one experiencing memory loss requires more assistance than family or friends can offer, it may be time to explore residential (live-in) facilities, like an assisted living community. Selecting a long-term care residence is a significant decision, and it can be challenging to know how to begin.In today’s episode, we guide you through effective strategies to get organized and develop a plan that will help alleviate stress for everyone involved.Our Facebook Page: Post your

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13:28

Season 1 Episode 18: Delusions, or Denial?

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/05/14

Dishonesty in people with dementia is a frequent and often troubling behavior that poses challenges for both the individual and their family members. By recognizing the different reasons behind this behavior—such as difficulty coping with what’s happening to them, or the inability to process what is going on in and around them—you can respond with increased empathy and patience. Your loved one is not deliberately trying to mislead you; they are navigating a debilitating and progressive condition

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13:23

Season 1 Episode 17: Build Your Team

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/04/30

The decline in both physical and cognitive abilities that comes with your loved one’s dementia will significantly impact their safety, well being and quality of life. Occupational therapy, Physical therapy and Speech Language Pathologists play crucial roles in a holistic care plan for your loved one. They provide essential interventions that tackle the various challenges both your loved one and the family will face. These therapeutic methods are vital for maintaining and enhancing the physical,

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11:11

Season 1 Episode 16 ENCORE Episode!

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/04/16

Enjoy this Encore sharing of our most listened-too episode!Family members may frequently find themselves locking horns with a loved one affected by cognitive decline. Arguments arise from even the simplest of things. Our loved one seems unable to see reason or another way of doing things. We offer listeners a way to understand what is happening, why it is happening, and how they can lower a loved one’s temperature, as well as your own.For more about today's topic, check these

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12:28

Episode 15: When Things Aren't Real

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/04/02

Hallucinations can often be terrifying, eliciting strong feelings of fear. For individuals experiencing them, these perceptions feel extremely real. Not only can hallucinations be distressing for the person affected, but they can also impact those who care for them. Understanding how to respond can help make a hallucinatory episode less overwhelming for both you and your loved one.Our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Our You Tube

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12:43

Episode 14: When Is It Time to Move?

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/03/19

Deciding when to transition a loved one into an assisted living facility is a deeply personal choice that demands thoughtful reflection. By identifying the signs, assembling a team of supportive professionals, and beginning your preparations now, you can make certain that your loved one receives the care and assistance they deserve.Our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Our YouTube

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2:25

Episode 13: If you could ask one question...

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/03/18

Welcome back, listeners! Thank you for your patience while I have been away. It's good to be back at the microphone, and with a new Facebook page! And, I have an important question for you: If you could ask one question about Memory Loss or Dementia, what would it be? Let's get the conversations started!NEW FACEBOOK PAGE:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103

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13:44

Episode 12: Why Are They Doing That?

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/02/13

Behavioral changes can complicate the caregiving process for individuals with dementia. Grasping the underlying reasons for these behaviors can assist caregivers in coping and responding in a suitable manner. It is common for those with dementia to experience shifts in personality and behavior. By understanding the triggers behind these behaviors, caregivers can work towards preventing their recurrence and enhance their own ability to respond effectively.Our YouTube

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13:59

Episode 11: Scammers

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/01/29

Every day, we hear reports about seniors being scammed out of billions of dollars through their phones and computers. With the rapid pace of technological change, it's challenging for anyone to keep up, especially for a loved one experiencing memory loss. In this episode, we discuss strategies to manage technology in a way that keeps your loved one connected while safeguarding them from potential scammers. **** Due to family emergency, new episodes will be uploaded on a bi-weekly schedule for the

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12:08

Episode 10: Social Situations

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/01/15

We are all aware of the advantages that our social connections provide. Our relationships and social engagements contribute significantly to our health and happiness. However, when a loved one is diagnosed with memory loss, navigating social situations can become challenging. This creates a genuine risk of isolation and depression. In this episode, we delve into the gradual changes your loved one may undergo and discuss how to adjust expectations and activities to effectively maintain these vital

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11:21

Episode 9: Is It Alzheimer's?

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2025/01/08

Aside from cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease is often regarded as one of the greatest fears for many individuals. In fact, when people begin to experience memory lapses, they often jump to the conclusion that it might be Alzheimer’s. However, the disease encompasses much more than just memory problems. In this episode, we aim to replace fear with facts and offer steps you can take now to clear up any misconceptions.Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559433999543Resources:Early

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11:49

Episode 8: Keeping The Joy

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2024/12/18

The holidays carry various meanings and traditions for different individuals, but for those affected by dementia, these moments can be particularly difficult. In this episode, we explore strategies to help you prepare for and celebrate the holidays in a manner that aligns with your loved one’s comfort and promotes your peace of mind.Our Facebook

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13:59

Episode 7: After The Diagnosis

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2024/12/11

After a dementia diagnosis, families often experience a range of complex emotions while also facing the significant challenge of adjusting to the changing needs of their loved one. In this episode we talk about the importance of learning about their dementia, managing their environment and safety, navigating legal and financial matters, prioritizing self-care and seeking support networks to cope with the emotional impact of the diagnosis and progressing symptoms.Our Facebook Page:

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11:35

Episode 6: Holiday Gatherings

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2024/11/20

As you come together with family in the days ahead, it’s important to recognize that situations can become overwhelming for someone experiencing memory loss. In this episode, we discuss methods to alleviate stress for everyone involved, as well as strategies to maintain calmness and connection with your loved one.Our Facebook

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11:26

Episode 5: Connection Not Correction

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2024/11/13

Recognizing what to avoid can be an essential skill when communicating with a loved one experiencing memory loss. In this episode, we explore typical pitfalls and suggest alternatives to foster harmony and strengthen the bond between you and your loved one.Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559433999543https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/language-dementia-what-not-to-sayhttps://www.alzsd.org/dos-and-donts-of-compassionate-communication-dementia/The information shared in this

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12:36

Episode 4: Hearing Aids, Glasses... and Dementia?

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2024/11/06

Sometimes it can be a real struggle to get a loved one with memory loss to wear their hearing aids and glasses. But there are real risks associated with not wearing them. In this episode, we talk about the relationship between hearing aids, glasses and dementia, as well as ways to ease the struggle between you and your loved

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12:22

So Many Phone Calls!

A Balancing Act: Navigating A Loved One"s Memory Loss ·

2024/10/30

As your loved one’s memory loss advances, they may find it increasingly difficult to keep track of appointments, events, or even the current date and time. This is when you might notice your phone ringing more and more often. In this episode, we explore the reasons behind their confusion. And we’ll share effective tools and communication strategies to help you make this challenging situation a little easier for you both.Check us out on

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