Crafting a holistic Dementia Care Plan: Insights from a Caregiver Turned Advocate [Video]

On this episode of Advice From Your Advocates Podcast, Attorney Bob Mannor is joined by a Dementia Caregiver turned Advocate, Bill Cohen, CSA. In this conversation, Bill shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. He became her advocate and primary caregiver, handling her financial, legal, and care issues for 10 years. After her passing, he became a caregiving support consultant, turning his personal loss into his passion.

During this conversation, Bob and Bill both emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to caregiving, bringing together different entities and professionals to provide comprehensive care. Bill shares how he helps by offering advice, support, resources, and referrals, and helps families manage the care of their loved ones with dementia. Bill also highlights the impact of choices and environment on the development of dementia.

The conversation focused on the importance of lifestyle, exercise, and exposure to chemicals in reducing the risk of dementia. It emphasized that dementia is not an inevitable part of aging and that there are ways to lessen the likelihood of experiencing it. Lack of sleep and stress were significant factors that can negatively impact caregivers’ health.

The conversation also highlighted the need for comprehensive legal planning, including advanced directives and additional language in legal documents for dementia cases. Elder mediation was discussed as a way to help families come to agreements and avoid court battles. The importance of self-care for caregivers was emphasized, including support groups and holistic care teams.

Episode 46 Takeaways

– Caregivers play a crucial role in advocating for and supporting their loved ones with dementia.
– A holistic approach to caregiving involves coordinating different entities and professionals to provide comprehensive care.
– Caregiving support consultants offer advice, resources, and referrals to help families manage the care of their loved ones.
– Choices and environment can have a significant impact on the development of dementia. Lifestyle, exercise, and exposure to chemicals can reduce the risk of dementia.
– Dementia is not inevitable and can be prevented for most people.
– Lack of sleep and stress can negatively impact caregivers’ health.
– Comprehensive legal planning, including advanced directives, is crucial for dementia cases.
– Elder mediation can help families come to agreements and avoid court battles.
– Self-care is essential for caregivers, including joining support groups and forming holistic care teams.

Listen to the full episode here or download wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn more about Mannor Law Group at www.mannorlawgroup.com.

Learn more about Bill Cohen, CSA: https://cohencaregivingsupport.com/services

Episode Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor
Guest: Bill Cohen, CSA
Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto