Parent Caregiver | dementia caregiver, parent with dementia, dementia support
Mel Cogar - Author, Certified Radiant Leader
23 episodes
3 months ago
Do you have a parent with dementia that you care for? Are you struggling to balance retirement dreams with daily realities of your caregiving role? Is your health suffering because you ALWAYS put yourself last? Do you feel defeated and want to find peace in your life?
I GET YOU! In my early 50’s, my husband and I became empty nesters looking forward to a season of life where we could hike, watch sunsets, camp, and reignite our relationship. 6 months later, I became a part-time caregiver to my mother who has FTD (frontotemporal dementia) while still teaching high-school full time. I started to lose my dreams and my identity as my exhaustion rose and my energy disappeared.
But I am a driven person with faith and vision who refuses to let this season of life get the best of me! I have learned more about dementia to help me cope and understand what is happening with my mother. I have developed mindset practices so that I can remain excited about my own dreams without feeling guilty and selfish. I have created systems that help me continue to move the needle on my personal goals, even when I am pulled in 100 different directions and have very broken segments of time. And I want to share my successes, and my failures, with you!
So, find a quiet corner, take a few deep calming breaths, and join me as I share how I have created life balance and maintained peace in the midst of a very unexpected season of life as the daughter of a parent with dementia.
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Do you have a parent with dementia that you care for? Are you struggling to balance retirement dreams with daily realities of your caregiving role? Is your health suffering because you ALWAYS put yourself last? Do you feel defeated and want to find peace in your life?
I GET YOU! In my early 50’s, my husband and I became empty nesters looking forward to a season of life where we could hike, watch sunsets, camp, and reignite our relationship. 6 months later, I became a part-time caregiver to my mother who has FTD (frontotemporal dementia) while still teaching high-school full time. I started to lose my dreams and my identity as my exhaustion rose and my energy disappeared.
But I am a driven person with faith and vision who refuses to let this season of life get the best of me! I have learned more about dementia to help me cope and understand what is happening with my mother. I have developed mindset practices so that I can remain excited about my own dreams without feeling guilty and selfish. I have created systems that help me continue to move the needle on my personal goals, even when I am pulled in 100 different directions and have very broken segments of time. And I want to share my successes, and my failures, with you!
So, find a quiet corner, take a few deep calming breaths, and join me as I share how I have created life balance and maintained peace in the midst of a very unexpected season of life as the daughter of a parent with dementia.
The Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman of strength, dignity, kindness, and high character. Kind of sounds like a caregiver, right? See how the Proverbs 31 woman and caregivers share characteristics of strength, integrity, gentleness, and so many other favorable traits.
Head to your favorite podcast app to listen — and come join us in the Caregivers of Parents with Dementia Facebook group. We’re building a space where you don’t have to do this alone.
If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith,
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/ Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Has the thought of moving your parent with dementia to a memory care facility started to creep into your mind? Do you crave life balance, but feel guilty even thinking about making a move for your parent to a facility? This episode is for you and will help you discern what is best for your parent.
Head to your favorite podcast app to listen — and come join us in the Caregivers of Parents with Dementia Facebook group. We’re building a space where you don’t have to do this alone.
If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith,
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/ Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
If you have ever felt guilt or resentment from your caregiver role, this episode is for you. This path is not easy, and you deserve to be seen, heard, and supported in it.
Head to your favorite podcast app to listen — and come join us in the Caregivers of Parents with Dementia Facebook group. We’re building a space where you don’t have to do this alone.
If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith,
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/ Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Reduce caregiver stress by being prepared for unplanned visits to the doctor or hospital. Have all the necessary information with you when needed and feel more confident as a dementia caregiver.
Head to your favorite podcast app to listen — and come join us in the Caregivers of Parents with Dementia Facebook group. We’re building a space where you don’t have to do this alone.
If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith,
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/ Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Holidays can be stressful, overwhelming, and unpredictable - especially when you're caring for a parent with dementia. In this special Fourth of July episode of Parent Caregiver, I share how to balance your holiday traditions with compassion and creativity. Whether it's finding peace in simpler celebrations or managing family expectations, this episode is filled with practical tips and heartfelt encouragement to help you protect your loved one's dignity - and your own inner-peace.
Head to your favorite podcast app to listen — and come join us in the Caregivers of Parents with Dementia Facebook group. We’re building a space where you don’t have to do this alone.
If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith,
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/ Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Are you tired of bad days? Today, I'm sharing 4 tips on how to start your day that can really change the course of your day. And you can do these 4 things in 20 minutes or less. Take charge of your days by starting them off right!
Head to your favorite podcast app to listen — and come join us in the Caregivers of Parents with Dementia Facebook group. We’re building a space where you don’t have to do this alone.
If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith,
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/ Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Have you been putting your needs last? Feeling guilty for wanting a break?
In the latest episode of Parent Caregiver, we’re talking about how to set healthy boundaries — not to push people away, but to protect you.
Because your identity matters too.
Head to your favorite podcast app to listen — and come join us in the Caregivers of Parents with Dementia Facebook group. We’re building a space where you don’t have to do this alone.
If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith,
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/ Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
I know what it feels like to be in the middle of a life you didn’t quite plan. Maybe you thought this would be your season of freedom, or finally chasing your dreams — but instead, you’re helping your parent through the hardest chapter of their life.
You love them. You want to show up for them. But… you’re tired. You feel alone. And sometimes, it feels like your life is on pause.Today, I want to talk about something that can make all the difference — finding a supportive community. One that truly sees you. Not just the caregiver in you — but the you who still has dreams, goals, and a heart full of life.
So if you’re feeling isolated, burned out, or like no one else gets it — come join us in my free community. You don’t have to figure this out alone.If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith,
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/ Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Don’t let your role as a parent caregiver keep you from dreaming and reaching your goals. You CAN still balance your dreams and your reality, even if it’s at a slower pace than you expected.
Today I’m reintroducing the podcast. I hope this podcast helps you find peace and balance in your parent caregiver journey. If the podcast is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
I would love for you to join my free community where you can support and be supported by other caregivers on similar journeys, ask questions, and receive more tips. You are NOT alone!
Keep the faith,
Mel
____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I’m really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below.
https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/stssystemizetoscale/
Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Don't let your role as a parent caregiver keep you from dreaming and reaching your goals. You CAN still work toward those dreams, even if it's at a slower pace than you expected.Today I'm sharing 4 simple tips to help you keep your dreams alive and help you continue to reach your goals - even when you are overwhelmed and exhausted. I hope this episode helps you find peace and balance in your journey. If this is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners! As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com. I would love to hear from you!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/syl/Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
I'm back after a break for a few months, and this episode is talking about giving yourself grace during your caregiving journey. I didn't want to put this podcast on the back-burner, but life - right? I gave myself grace and am back! I hope this episode helps you find grace for your journey. If this is helpful for you, please leave me a written review where ever you are listening. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners! As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com. I would love to hear from you!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/syl/Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
UGH! The healthcare system is broken when it comes to the flow of information for dementia (and so many other) patients! Today I'm sharing a few tips that my sister and I have used when our mother has been in the hospital since her FTD diagnosis.There has to be a better way! I'd love to hear from you at mel@themelcogar.com if you have experiences or thoughts that could help!
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners. As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com. I would love to hear from you!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel____________________
Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/syl/Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Do you desperately miss your girls night out? Or just laughing with friends?
Friends are invaluable on your caregiver journey! They laugh with you, cry with you, listen to your fears, and just sit with you when there's nothing to say. Today I share 3 tips that have helped me to maintain friend connections - and those friends have helped me more than they will ever know! I hope this helps you to reconnect with your own friends and make sure your support system is strong. Time is such a valuable commodity and in limited supply as a caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my time in both my work and home life by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business and regain control of my time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/syl/Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners. As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com. I would love to hear from you!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Does your to-do list feel like it's crushing you? Or do you not even have one because it seems like too big of a task?I have been there, and I'm still a work-in-progress! This is a huge area of struggle for me and one that I am constantly working on!In today's episode, I share a few tips that helped me to get my to-do list to a point that seemed a little bit manageable. I hope this helps you in some way as you are traveling your own journey as a parent caregiver. Currently, I'm really taking control of my to-do list by working with a coach that is helping me to create systems for my life and business to regain control of my life and time! Check it out at the link below. https://melcogar--chelsijo.thrivecart.com/syl/Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners. As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com. I would love to hear from you!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Today's episode was recorded on the 15th anniversary of my father's death, which I fully believe triggered Mom's dementia diagnosis. I share a little more about the backstory, and continue to vulnerably share more specifics of Mom's FTD symptoms and behaviors.I hope this helps you in some way as you are traveling your own journey as a parent caregiver.
As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com.
Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners.
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Your parent or loved one with dementia probably displays behaviors that lead you to react in ways that leave you feeling regretful or even more frustrated. Today I will share 3 things NOT to do, and alternative reactions to help you maintain mental peace. As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com.
Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Caregiver overwhelm is REAL!! Instead of looking within the caregiver role to find ways to reduce stress, today I am sharing 5 tips that are more general in nature to help reduce caregiver stress and overwhelm.As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com.
Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
What do you do if you suspect your parent has dementia, how do you get a diagnosis? Where do you find support as a parent caregiver? These are just a couple of the questions that I have been asked along this journey. Tune in to find out real life answers from my own experience. As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about a topic that I have discussed, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com.
Also, if you are interested in starting your own podcast as an outlet and way to help others, please check out the link below to find out how I learned to start my own podcast.
https://melcogar--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/62a9d1957c13a/
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
"What is FTD? Tell me more!" Today I'm going to do just that! As always, I am sharing my knowledge from a daughter's perspective, not a medical perspective.I am going to share the very basics of understanding a frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.
Please email me at mel@themelcogar.com with comments or questions or topics you would like to hear about.
The information that I share on this episode can be found with a quick Google search. However, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration is a great resource and wealth of information. Check them out here https://www.theaftd.org/ .
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Some days, you wonder how you are going to make it through the day! Caregiver stress is REAL and REAL HARD! This episode is going to show you 5 ways (plus a bonus) to reduce stress in the moment, in 5 minutes or less. These strategies are meant to give you a quick win so that you can continue helping your loved one with peace in your heart.
*Bonus*
Here are a few of the verses (or partial verses) that are special to me, especially when things get super hard.
Be still and know that I am God!... Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
...Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning Psalm 30:5
...pray without ceasing... I Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker...She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. Proverbs 31: 17 & 20 (NLT)
Don't let your hearts be troubled... John 14:1
Please email me at mel@themelcogar.com with questions, comments, or topics that you would like to hear about in future episodes.
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Parent Caregiver | dementia caregiver, parent with dementia, dementia support
Do you have a parent with dementia that you care for? Are you struggling to balance retirement dreams with daily realities of your caregiving role? Is your health suffering because you ALWAYS put yourself last? Do you feel defeated and want to find peace in your life?
I GET YOU! In my early 50’s, my husband and I became empty nesters looking forward to a season of life where we could hike, watch sunsets, camp, and reignite our relationship. 6 months later, I became a part-time caregiver to my mother who has FTD (frontotemporal dementia) while still teaching high-school full time. I started to lose my dreams and my identity as my exhaustion rose and my energy disappeared.
But I am a driven person with faith and vision who refuses to let this season of life get the best of me! I have learned more about dementia to help me cope and understand what is happening with my mother. I have developed mindset practices so that I can remain excited about my own dreams without feeling guilty and selfish. I have created systems that help me continue to move the needle on my personal goals, even when I am pulled in 100 different directions and have very broken segments of time. And I want to share my successes, and my failures, with you!
So, find a quiet corner, take a few deep calming breaths, and join me as I share how I have created life balance and maintained peace in the midst of a very unexpected season of life as the daughter of a parent with dementia.
