Home Brentwood Episode 052: Jennifer Fink Talks Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support

Episode 052: Jennifer Fink Talks Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support

by ECT

On this episode, I chat with Jennifer Fink who launched a podcast called Fading Memories, an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support show. We get into how and why she started it, including being on this journey for 20-years with her mom.

We get into community groups available for support, the Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia Dogs, GPS tracking for Alzheimer patients, why someone should set up a Trust/Will with someone with Alzheimer’s as soon as possible. Does diet and exercise help Alzheimer’s patients maintain memory.

Episode Overview:

  • 00:45 – Why Jennifer Fink went into podcasting and why focus on Alzheimer Caregiver Support. She explains her research and trying to find ways to reach her mom. She found everyone was different so she created a platform to share stories that may help others.
  • 03:35 – Fink Explains value of podcasting
  • 06:55 – Explains how she launched in January 2018 and process she used to launch.
  • 09:45 – Fink explains how her mother was in her 50’s when she began to experience Alzheimer and how she has progressed over the past 20’s. Steps she took over the years.
  • 11:24 – Is it better to correct people with Alzheimer’s or just go with it?
  • 13:17 – In Contra Costa County, Fink explains help groups available to members of the community. She says locally, the Alzheimer’s Association has a group in both Brentwood and Antioch. More info: www.alz.org
  • 15:15 – How time consuming is dealing with a parent/relative with Alzheimer’s? How has the group helped?
  • 17:40 – How long does it take to figure out where someone with Alzheimer’s is at in their mental state and what they can remember.
  • 21:06 – She speaks on how she volunteered to become the Alzheimer’s Association State Advocate for California. How anyone can help advocate.
  • 22:47 – What is the biggest thing Fink has learned with Alzheimer’s.
  • 23:54 – Why Golden Retrievers are the perfect pet for a Dementia patients’ dog.
  • 26:21 – Why don’t people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia use GPS tracking or GPS watches, jewelry type things.
  • 28:19 – Why joint podcasts are fun. We get into why Contra Costa Today is a confused podcast due to variety of content. Whereas niche podcasts will grow faster. We also get into podcast possibilities and lengths.
  • 33:30 – Fink shares how she spoke to a family that should be the model for how families should handle this disease – the Care Committee (episode released around Thanksgiving 2018).
  • 35:32 – when someone is in early Alzheimer’s, when should a family set up a Trust or Will.
  • 37:40 – when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, is it treating someone like a person or because of all responsibilities is it a job? Fink says 65% of caregivers end up in hospitals or dead before the person they are caring for.
  • 40:45 – has there been any cases of people in their 30’s getting Alzheimer’s as most cases could begin as early as 40’s and 50’s.
  • 42:15 – When someone is diagnosed, even if there is no cure, could diet and excise help?
  • 46:19 – in launching the podcast, Fink explains what she hopes to achieve or provide to the audience.
  • 53:53 – How people can find Jennifer Fink online and how to listen to the podcast.

For more information on Fading Memories, an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Show: www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com

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1 comment

Tim Nelson Apr 15, 2019 - 5:51 pm

Wonderful! I’d like to suggest a voice of support on this topic, the CEO of People Power Co. Gene Wang. People Power is on the forefront of the development of a dementia care solution targeting care providers. The company is announcing the start of a phase two project funded through a research and development grant expected to total $3.9 million from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The first phase of the grant focused on researching caregiver needs and developing in-home supportive solutions for dementia caregivers. The results of the collaborative research with University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) have produced key insights into how connected services can best offer assistance and promote peace of mind for caregivers actively involved in providing care for persons with dementia. In phase two, People Power and the Berkeley Psychophysiology Laboratory will deploy to 480 homes over two years. Gene Wang’s vantage point on the topic is unique and enlightening. Please contact me to schedule. 🙂

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