What happens when caring for a loved one with dementia leads you into a broken long-term care system? On this episode of the Parenting Up Podcast, J Smiles sits down with filmmaker, family caregiver, activist, and storyteller Susie Singer to talk about her 16-year journey caring for her mother, Norma,…
Discover the heartbreaking reality of preventable 'never events' in nursing homes, as explained by a seasoned prosecutor. Systemic failures lead to avoidable suffering and death. #NursingHomeAbuse #ElderCare #HealthcareSystem #PatientSafety #NeverEvents
Host: @jsmilescomedy Producer: @miahalltv Editor: @annelisetv #CaregivingJourney #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersCare #CaregiverSupport #HumorInCaregiving #EndAlz "Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!" IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jw TEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!
Caregivers often feel stuck or question 'Why am I here?' Understanding that a new normal is a process, not a destination, is key. It takes time to adapt as needs change. #CaregiverSupport #NewNormal #GriefJourney #MentalHealth
A sudden health scare reveals a mother's dementia diagnosis. Brain surgery, recovery, and the looming uncertainty of Alzheimer's. A journey through unexpected challenges. #Dementia #Alzheimers #FamilyHealth #Caregiving #HealthJourney
Elders and medical team dismissed concerns, telling me "you don't know about love." They insisted it was just grief, ignoring the obvious signs. I was right. #FamilyDrama #MedicalMisdiagnosis #Grief #ElderCare
Wish I'd found this advice years ago! So many caregiver scars could have been avoided. Grateful for this wisdom and the chance to learn. #CaregiverSupport #EmotionalHealing #LifeLessons #Gratitude
Family caregiving can be loving, meaningful—and completely overwhelming. In this episode of Parenting Up: Caregiving Adventures with Comedian Jay Smiles, nurse, caregiver advocate, author, and Caregiver Relief founder Diane shares hard-earned wisdom from more than five decades in healthcare. Diane opens up about becoming a caregiver as a teenager, losing…
Caring for a mom with dementia took an unexpected turn. She went to a basketball game, and hours later, I found her with police in South Beach. Her reaction? Pure love. #DementiaCare #MomLove #Heartwarming #CaregiverStories #Family
Discover the incredible courage of individuals facing dementia head-on. They're proving 'dementia does not mean death' and are committed to living full, meaningful lives. #DementiaAwareness #LivingWithDementia #Courage #Inspiration #Hope
The theme is simple and bold: Detroit cares about dementia. We talk about why it matters to hear directly from people living with dementia, especially when so many are still working, driving, and finding ways to live fully. Their courage challenges the stigma that keeps families quiet and isolated. We…
The game ended 15 minutes ago, but the raw emotion lingers. Slumped over the chair, tears flowed freely. The weight of defeat, a palpable ache. #Heartbreak #GameDay #SportsEmotion #Devastation
Learn about dementia symptoms and stages. Our organization, ALtar, based in Atlanta, Georgia, works to make churches dementia-friendly, especially in the African American community, to combat stigma and promote early detection. #DementiaAwareness #ChurchMinistry #CommunitySupport #EarlyDetection #ALtar
From praying for a championship moment to honoring a lost dad, this fan navigates the emotional rollercoaster of game day. Sometimes, even powerful wishes get tangled in fan fervor. Check out the full video and subscribe. #Knicks #NBAPlayoffs #Faith #FanLife #EmotionalRollercoaster
Living with dementia is not the end of your story. In this special Parenting Up spotlight, we introduce the National Council of Dementia Minds—the only national organization founded and governed by people living with dementia. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with early-stage or middle-stage dementia, this…
Down by one with 30 seconds left, this fan turns to his dad in the stands and delivers an impassioned pep talk. 'This shit is on you.' A moment of pure fan energy and family connection. #Knicks #NBAPlayoffs #FanMoment #Basketball
Did my dad really join me at Madison Square Garden during the NBA Finals? As a dementia caregiver, grief has shaped every part of my life. After losing my father, I unexpectedly became my mother's caregiver—a journey that changed everything. On my dad's birthday, I traveled alone to Madison Square…
A painful truth unfolds as a mother mistakes her child's wife for a mistress due to her husband's infidelity. Navigating confusion and sorrow while caring for a parent with memory loss. #FamilyDrama #Betrayal #CopingWithIllness #Heartbreak
A simple mirror box therapy can 'trick' the brain into believing the afflicted hand is moving. This technique was surprisingly effective immediately for stroke survivors. #StrokeRecovery #Neuroplasticity #Therapy #BrainHack
To all family caregivers: thank you for continuously saying 'yes' to community needs. Your capacity and heart are invaluable. Especially grateful for the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia chapter. #FamilyCaregiver #Gratitude #CommunitySupport #AlzheimersAssociation
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's isn't about having all the right answers—it's about responding with compassion. In this episode of Parenting Up, J Smiles sits down with Dan Phillips of the Alzheimer's Association to discuss practical Alzheimer's caregiving strategies that can reduce stress for both caregivers and loved ones. Together…
Great news! We now have highly accurate blood tests for early disease detection, transforming diagnosis from a long struggle to a simple screening. Plus, new medications can finally slow disease progression, paving the way for a cure. #EarlyDetection #MedicalAdvancements #HealthTech #DiseaseResearch #alzheimers #endalz
Dispelling dementia myths. Many fear screening, hoping the condition will disappear like an ostrich. Early detection is key, not avoidance. #DementiaAwareness #HealthScreening #MedicalMyths #EarlyDetection
Understand the stages of dementia, including mild cognitive impairment. Planning and creating a safety net is crucial for awareness and support. #DementiaAwareness #CognitiveHealth #BrainHealth #Caregiving
