Dementia Caregiver’s Corner

The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

Repost: The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger: 

 

The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.

 

In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.

 

Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.

 

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.

 

3 Main Points Discussed

 

Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon

Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.

 

Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries

Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.

 

Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen

Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.

 

3 Key Takeaways

 

You can’t pour from an empty cup

Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.

 

Caregiving is about presence, not perfection

Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”

 

Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness

Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.

 

Resources Mentioned (Books)

The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart

The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers.

Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guid

It`s a wrap for 2025

It’s a wrap for 2025.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the guests who graced the Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast in 2025. We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for us.

 

Dementia Care. How Deep is Your Love?

 

1. Honouring Jennifer Josey (1944-2024): A Journey Through Mixed Dementia with her daughter, Shellie Josey, UK

 

2. Take Charge of your Brain Health and Keep it far Away from Alzheimer’s Disease with Dr. Teryn Clarke, USA

 

 

3. The Practical Tips for Dementia Caregivers: Communication, Challenges & Caregiver Self-Care, with Dr. Sam Toroghi, USA

 

4. Berrie Holtzhausen’s 'DNA' for Living Well with Alzheimer's Disease, Namibia

 

 

5. The Urgent Need for Dementia Awareness in Sub-Saharan Africa with Busani Mphathiwa, USA/Botswana

 

6. Living with Dementia: Dallas Dixon Reveals What Real Support Looks Like, USA

 

 

7. O.R.E.C.A.R.E Principles in Dementia Care with Isabel Baker from Australia

 

8. Barriers to Dementia Care in BAME Communities: A Conversation with Dr Hannah Hussain, UK

 

 

9. Rehabilitation in Dementia: A Forgotten Opportunity? with Carlo Romero, UK

 

10. Is Guided Meditation an Effective Tool for Managing Dementia-Related Behaviours? with Katie Fournier, USA

 

 

11. Designing for Dementia: How Smart Technology and Environments Support Sensory Changes with Professor. Andrea Tales UK

 

12. Can Technology Close the Dementia Care Gap? A Conversation with Allyson Schrier, USA

 

 

13. How Dementia Affects Vision and Perception – With David Knight, Advanced Clinical Practitioner & Prescribing Optometrist

 

14. Navigating the Journey: A Daughter's Tale of Love and Loss with Lynnette Lee, UK

 

 

15. What Happens When Memory Fades? Sharon Lukert’s Story with Mild Cognitive Impairment

 

16. What Happens When Dementia Affects the Senses? Agnes Houston’s Lived Experience

 

 

17. When Dementia Touches Home: A Family Story of Strength and Sensory Awareness with Donna Houston

 

18. Unseen and Devastating Challenges Faced by Children of Parents Living with Dementia in Sub Saharan Africa with Andrias Mungundu, Namibia

 

 

19. Rethinking Dementia Care with Dr. Éthelle Lord: Staffing, Communication, and Real Solutions

 

20. Can Love and Loss Be Captured on Film? Kimberley Littlemore on Documenting Her Parents’ Dementia

 

 

21. Having Compassion And Understanding for Those Living With Dementia - Nduduzo, South Africa

 

22. Early Signs of Dementia, Family Challenges, and Preparing for Memory Care with Shari Ross

 

 

23. I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It?

 

24. The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It this Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

The Caregiver Marathon You Never Signed Up For – and How to Survive It This Holiday Season with Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger

 

The holidays are often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and rest—but for caregivers, they can feel like yet another exhausting stretch in an already relentless journey.

 

In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast, Juliah is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Spangernberger, author of The Unexpected Marathon and The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers, to explore why caregiving stress intensifies during the festive season—and how caregivers can survive it with compassion, boundaries, and self-preservation.

 

Together, we discuss caregiver guilt, burnout warning signs, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight carried by those who quietly hold everything together. This episode offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that caregiving is not about perfection but presence.

 

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia or supporting a caregiver you love, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope during the holiday season.

 

3 Main Points Discussed

 

Caregiving as an Unexpected Marathon

Why long-term caregiving requires pacing, rest, and realistic expectations, especially during the holidays.

 

Burnout, Guilt, and Boundaries

Recognising early signs of burnout, understanding caregiver guilt, and learning how to set gentle but firm boundaries.

 

Family Dynamics and Feeling Unseen

Navigating criticism, lack of appreciation, and complex family relationships while protecting emotional wellbeing.

 

3 Key Takeaways

 

You can’t pour from an empty cup

Burnout often creeps in quietly, rest and support are not luxuries but necessities.

 

Caregiving is about presence, not perfection

Showing up with compassion matters more than doing everything “right.”

 

Boundaries are acts of care, not selfishness

Saying no, asking for help, and resetting expectations protect both the caregiver and the relationship.

 

Resources Mentioned (Books)

The Unexpected Marathon: Challenges for Your Heart

The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers.

Visit https://wolfgangspangenberger.com/sanity/ to download a free copy of The Holiday Survival Guide for Caregivers — available for a limited time only (2 weeks).

I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It?

Episode Title: I Can’t Smell My Coffee or Taste My Food Anymore: What’s Dementia Got to Do with It? 

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Dementia Caregiver’s Corner Podcast, we explore a lesser-known but deeply important aspect of dementia: olfactory impairment also known as the loss of smell.

 

My guest, Duncan Boak, co-founder and CEO of SmellTaste, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders, shares his lived experience of losing his sense of smell after a head injury. Together, we discuss the critical links between smell loss and dementia, safety concerns, emotional wellbeing, and the vital support networks available to those living with sensory changes.

 

Duncan also talks about his contribution to the new book A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment, shedding light on how changes in smell and taste impact older adults and people living with dementia.

 

3 Main Discussion Points

 

His Personal Journey – Duncan shares his lived experience of losing his sense of smell after a severe head injury and how it shaped his advocacy work.

 

Smell, Memory & Dementia – Exploring the link between olfactory impairment, taste changes, and dementia, including risks, hallucinations, and daily challenges.

 

Support & Advocacy – The work of Smell Taste and Duncan’s contribution to a new book highlighting sensory impairments in dementia care.

 

3 Key Takeaways

 

Smell is more than a sense – it shapes memory, emotions, safety, and quality of life.

 

Olfactory impairment is common in dementia but often overlooked, leading to risks like unsafe eating, missed dangers (fires, gas), or hallucinations.

 

Support is available – TasteSmell provides resources and advocacy for people with smell and taste disorders, including those living with dementia and their caregivers.

 

Resources Mentioned

https://www.smelltaste.org.uk/team/duncan-boak/

 

A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment (a Well researched book edited by Professor. Andrea Tales, Professor. Jan Kremláček and Dr. Emma Richards 

 

Early Signs of Dementia, Family Challenges, and Preparing for Memory Care with Shari Ross

Episode Title: Early Signs of Dementia, Family Challenges, and Preparing for Memory Care with Shari Ross

 

Episode Summary: Making decisions about senior living and memory care is one of the toughest challenges families face when supporting a loved one with dementia. In this episode, I’m joined by Shari Ross, author of Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™ and founder of the brand of the same name. Shari has guided countless families through this emotional journey, providing clear steps and compassionate advice to help them navigate caregiving, safety, and memory care choices with confidence.

 

We discuss how families can recognise early signs of dementia, manage safety concerns at home, navigate disagreements between siblings, and prepare both emotionally and financially for memory care. Shari also shares practical strategies for reducing caregiver burnout and explains the myths and realities of memory care communities.

 

 Main Points Discussed

 

Recognising early signs of dementia and the first practical steps families should take when memory concerns appear.

 

When home care may no longer be enough and how to address safety risks before a crisis occurs.

 

Family dynamics, myths, and finances — navigating disagreements, preparing for costs, and understanding what memory care really means.

 

Key Takeaways

 

Start early — when memory lapses appear, seek assessment and make a plan rather than waiting for a crisis.

 

Caregiver wellbeing matters — stress and burnout are warning signs that more support is needed.

 

Memory care isn’t “giving up” — the right community can provide safety, engagement, and dignity for loved ones living with dementia.

 

• Website: www.seniorlivingmadesimple.com
  (Listeners can also directly book Senior Living Navigation Calls here.)
• Book – Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™
  Available on Amazon, Walmart.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Goodreads.
  • Amazon – Book https://a.co/d/94JE1bC
  • Amazon – Workbook https://a.co/d/94cI2sA
• Etsy Shop – SeniorLivingShop
  Downloadable checklists, toolkits, and resources:
  https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeniorLivingShop
• Instagram: @seniorlivingwithshari
• Facebook: Facebook  www.facebook.com/SeniorLivingMadeSimple.com
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@calm_care_corner
• LinkedIn: (1) Shari Ross | LinkedIn  www.linkedin/sharitravels.com

 

 

Having Compassion And Understanding for Those Living With Dementia - Nduduzo, South Africa

Episode Title: Having Compassion And Understanding for Those Living With Dementia -

Nduduzo, South Africa

 

Repost. An enlightening and touching episode this week as your Host Juliah Ratladi talked down with Nduduzo, from Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa.

 

Nduduzo discovered his Grandmother was unwell when he came home for his mother’s funeral and soon discovered that she was living with dementia. He decided to do something really special and gave up his work to look after his Grandma because he felt he owed it to her to give back after she had looked after him.

 

Nduduzo has no training, but did extensive research into the needs of, and care for, those with dementia and his compassion and patience is inspiring.

 

Grandma also joins the call so you will get an opportunity to see what it takes to patiently work with someone who doesn’t always understand the world around them.

 

Find Nduduzo and follow along with his journey here:

 

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@nduduzo_kay

 

Follow Juliah Ratladi/Dementia Caregivers Corner Podcast on social media:

 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dementiacaregiverscorner?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

 

LinkedIn:

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliah-ratladi-dementia-care-awareness/

 

Twitter:

 

https://twitter.com/DementiaCorner

 

Podcast Facebook Page:

 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087493920768

 

Do you want to be a guest? email us on: dementiacaregiverscorner@gmail.com

 

Dementia caregivers` Corner Podcast is available on the following platforms

 

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementiacaregiverscorners-podcast/id1710778347

 

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Can Love and Loss Be Captured on Film? Kimberley Littlemore on Documenting Her Parents’ Dementia

Episode Summary:

Most families don’t fully understand dementia until it affects their own loved ones. For award-winning documentary filmmaker Kimberley Littlemore, that moment came when both her parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Realising how little she knew about dementia—and how few films captured the lived experience—she turned the cameras on her parents’ journey, creating a powerful series that blends personal stories with expert insights.

 

In this conversation, Kimberley opens about her parents’ diagnosis, what she learned as both a daughter and a filmmaker, and why films based on lived experience are so vital in raising awareness and reducing stigma around dementia. She also reflects on her work with the BBC, her contribution to a new book on dementia and sensory changes and offers advice on which mediums—film or documentary—might create the biggest impact in regions like Africa where dementia is still widely misunderstood.

 

Main Points Discussed

Kimberley’s journey from filmmaker to daughter documenting her own parents’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis and lived experience.

 

The importance of sensory and perceptual changes in dementia, and her contribution to A New Approach to Dementia.

 

A candid discussion on the impact of films vs. documentaries in creating dementia awareness in Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Key Takeaways

Lived experience matters — Films showing real family journeys can raise awareness and break stigma in ways textbooks and statistics cannot.

 

Dementia isn’t just memory loss — Sensory changes and behavioural symptoms are often overlooked but deeply affect daily life.

 

Storytelling is powerful — Whether through documentaries or feature films, visual storytelling helps families, caregivers, and communities better understand dementia.

 

Resources Mentioned

Visit https://pocketmedic.org/dementia to watch Kimberley’s parents’ raw, real-life dementia journey unfold on film.

Still Alice (Drama-Film)

A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment

Slipping Away: One Man`s Battle with Alzheimer’s` Disease

 

Rethinking Dementia Care with Dr. Éthelle Lord: Staffing, Communication, and Real Solutions

In this episode of Dementia Caregivers Corner, we’re joined by Dr. Éthelle Lord, a leading expert in dementia care, Master Dementia Coach, and creator of the Transactional Dementia Intelligence (TDI) model. We explore the critical challenges in long-term care, including staff-to-resident ratios and communication gaps between families and care providers, and discuss how these impact both residents and caregivers. Dr. Lord also explains her Lord’s Theory on the psychology of the dementia brain, and how new care models like TDI are shaping better outcomes in dementia care.

 

Key Points Discussed

 

Staffing Challenges: How low staff-to-resident ratios affect residents’ emotional and physical care.

 

Communication Gaps: The importance of effective communication between families and care teams.

 

Innovative Care Models: Introduction to the Transactional Dementia Intelligence (TDI) model and how it differs from traditional approaches.

 

Key Takeaways

 

Consistent staffing improves relationships, understanding, and wellbeing for both residents and caregivers.

 

Engaging families and caregivers in care planning enhances quality of care and reduces stress.

 

Learning and applying new models, like TDI, helps approach dementia care holistically and personally.

 

Let me take this time and Thank you, our dear listeners, for tuning in to this episode! If you enjoyed our conversation with Dr Lord or are passionate about dementia care, please consider leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Your support helps us reach more people and raise awareness about dementia-related issues