The last conversation you want to have shouldn’t be the last one you do have. Filmmaker Johanna Lunn is using her lifelong curiosity about death to bring documentaries about "What happens when we die," to life. She’s the co-founder of the When You Die Project which hosts a resource-rich website, podcast, and documentary trilogy.

The When You Die Project is here to facilitate a cultural dialogue most often avoided — one that begins at the end. From existential afterlife questions such as “What happens when you die?” to palliative care, and the nuts and bolts of preparing for end of life. If it has to do with death, they’re talking about it.

Award-winning producer, director, and writer Johanna Lunn has contributed to many profoundly thought-provoking programs during her 35 years in filmmaking. In addition to film festival awards, her work has received eight Canadian Screen Award nominations and won three. Her work has been shown around the world.

Join When You Die on Nov. 23, 2024 for a showcase of the 3rd film in the When You Die Trilogy - Architecture of Death: The Inner World of Dying Screening, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A!

When: Nov. 23 from 4:30 - 7:30 pm PST

Where: Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory

Purchase your tickets here.

Follow When You Die to keep up to date on all future events, receive death-related resources, listen to podcasts, and more!

Website: www.WhenYouDie.org

Facebook: @whenyoudiecommunity

Twitter: @whenyoudie_org

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YouTube: @whenyoudie_org

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/whenyoudie-org

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/johannajlunn

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Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.

Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Marianne and Christy engage in a heartfelt conversation with Allene Symons, devoted caregiver to her late husband Allen, who battled Lewy Body dementia. She’s the author of Love in a Time of Caterpillars: A Memoir of Monarchs and Caregiving. Her unique perspective on utilizing butterfly gardening as a source of therapy and joy, along with her insights on managing personal health crises during caregiving, make her a compelling and relatable guest. Allene shares how their hobby of tending to a butterfly garden became a source of therapy and hope, offering moments of respite and joy amidst the challenges of dementia. The simple act of observing caterpillars transforming into butterflies not only brought light to her husband's eyes but also became a cherished activity that bonded their caregivers with the natural world, providing a sense of purpose and connection. Allene's story beautifully illustrates the profound impact of outdoor activities and nature therapy in dementia care, showcasing the power of finding beauty and comfort in the midst of adversity. Her experiences highlight the importance of nature therapy, and the challenges faced by caregivers, especially amidst the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares the difficulties she endured when she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer during the pandemic.

Quote

"The extreme flexibility we need when we're caregivers who are a loved one with dementia is core to the journey."

In this episode you will:

Discover the unexpected connection between butterfly gardening and dementia care. Find out how one caregiver found joy and solace in nature therapy. Learn effective strategies for managing technology with dementia patients. Understand the unique impact of COVID-19 on dementia care and how to navigate it. Explore the compassionate use of loving lies in dementia caregiving. Embrace the importance of outdoor activities in improving the emotional well-being of dementia patients. After the podcast

Read Allene’s AlzAuthors post: we'll get this once it's published.Connect with Allene

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About the Podcast

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others.

Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

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Therapeutic fibbing, touching hearts, and "Excuse me, does this plane land in Detroit?" Former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber regales us with a story of wisdom, humor, and love as he shares he and his wife Elaine's journey through Alzheimer's. If you care for someone with dementia, this episode is a must! #carelab #carelabit

Find the book and more from Former Gov. Schreiber at https://mytwoelaines.com/

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Susanne White's caregiving journey began unexpectedly when she received a call from her sister about their aging parents. Susanne's mother was in the early stages of dementia, while her father was struggling to care for her. As the eldest sibling living closest, Susanne immediately stepped up to become the primary caregiver for her parents.

Over the next four years, Susanne navigated the challenges of caregiving, including her strained relationship with her controlling mother. However, through this intense experience, Susanne was able to heal that relationship and gain a deeper understanding of herself. She describes the caregiving journey as "recovery and understanding and self-awareness on steroids," which ultimately made her a better version of herself. Even after the passing of her parents, Susanne continues to reflect on the lessons she learned as a caregiver warrior and how it transformed her life.

Susanne's story highlights the profound personal growth that can emerge from the trials of caregiving. Her willingness to be vulnerable and acknowledge the messiness of the experience resonates with many who are also on their own caregiving journeys. Susanne's insights on the importance of self-care, accepting emotions, and finding silver linings provide valuable guidance for fellow caregiver warriors.

About Susanne:

Susanne White is the Founder of Caregiver Warrior. She was faced with the opportunity to care for her parents and ventured out on a caregiving journey that would change her life. She blogs about this journey on her website, caregiverwarrior.comand shares her experience, strength and hope with others so that they too may navigate caregiving with grace and empowerment. White’s latest book, Self-Care for Caregivers: A Practical Guide to Caring for You While You Care for Your Loved One, is now available at your favorite book stores. Visit caregiverwarrior.com for more information from Susanne White, or follow her on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

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Baby doll therapy, often associated with women and motherhood, offers unexpected benefits for individuals with dementia. This innovative approach has proven effective in engaging patients, improving their verbal communication, and providing comfort during challenging times.

Contrary to popular belief, baby doll therapy is not exclusive to women or those who have had children. Men, too, can find solace and connection through this unique form of therapy. By fostering a sense of nurturing and responsibility, baby dolls can help individuals with dementia feel more grounded and engaged.

If you're considering incorporating baby doll therapy into your care routine, it's essential to approach it with sensitivity and understanding. Observe your loved one's reactions and adjust the therapy as needed. Remember, the goal is to create a positive and meaningful experience that promotes well-being.

"How do you find time for yourself when so many things are happening around you? There are countless tasks to do, and it often feels like there’s hardly any time left for self-care. Most people think of self-care as taking two hours at the spa or going on a week-long vacation—focusing on the big picture. But sometimes, this way of thinking turns self-care into just another thing on your to-do list, something else you *have* to accomplish, which can feel overwhelming.

Instead, it’s helpful to find something you can do for yourself on a daily basis, something that will ground you and bring you back to your center. These small activities don’t have to be grand gestures; they can be simple things that help you stay connected to yourself and give you the strength to keep moving forward.

Ask yourself: What soothes your senses? What calms your mind? Is it something like doing Sudoku, meditating, or reading? How do you stay physically active? Is it stretching, working out, or just taking a walk? And how do you stay connected with others?

It’s important to identify the little things that ground you—those small, daily practices that give you a sense of stability and peace amidst the chaos. These simple habits can become your anchors, helping you recharge and face life’s challenges with renewed energy."

Rosanne Corcoran, host of Daughter the Podcast is sharing her best advice about being a caregiver for a person dealing with dementia. As caregiver to her mother for 12 years, Rosanne learned how to navigate the healthcare system as an advocate, deal with sleep deprivation, and to care for herself along the way.

Rosanne Corcoran is the creator and host of Daughterhood the Podcast. She is also a Daughterhood Circle leader and their Director of Content. She cared for her mother through her journey with vascular dementia, starting as a supportive caregiver to an in-home sandwich caregiver for her mother’s final six years. In each monthly podcast, Rosanne interviews experts in the field, asking questions caregivers want to know the answers to – with topics ranging from dealing with dementia behaviors, to siblings and caregiving, through end of life care, grief and everything in between. Rosanne carries her authenticity and caregiving experience into each interview. Along with strategies and resources, this podcast also provides listeners with the comfort of knowing they are not facing these challenges alone.

Rosanne has been featured in NPR, CNN Health, Barron’s, and Next Avenue and was most recently named one of Next Avenue and American Society on Aging’s 2024 Advocates for Aging.

You can connect with Rosanne Corcoran:

https://www.facebook.com/DaughterhoodThePodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/daughterhood_the_podcast/

https://daughterhood.org/

Interested in purchasing a GrandPad to stay connected with a senior loved one?

Get more information at https://www.grandpad.net/thoh.

GrandPad website: https://www.grandpad.net/

Social Media for GrandPad

https://facebook.com/grandpad

https://instagram.com/grandpad_social/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/grandpad

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuFAJCb7_tTneM_ikABq08Q

Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.

Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)