In this heartwarming episode, we are joined by sunshine in the form of a person, Patti LaFleur! Patti shared the very personal and impactful mission of Lorenzo's House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating younger-onset dementia. Founded in 2021, Lorenzo's House is leading the way of support for families facing this challenging and often isolating journey. 

The organization's core mission is powerful and personal: to shift the narrative from isolation to connection, from stigma to strength, and from darkness to light!

Key highlights of Lorenzo's House include:

- Holistic Support Model: Offering virtual and in-person youth initiatives, support groups, and healing spaces 
- Community Building: Creating a national and global network of families united in their journey
- Empowerment Focus: Providing free support to families, with a vision of expanding their reach

Our conversation emphasized the importance of supporting entire families, recognizing the profound impact of younger-onset dementia on children, partners, and caregivers! Patti gives us advice on how to show up for our youth and how to be more mindful this holiday season. 

Lorenzo's House stands as a beacon of hope, bringing light to families facing this challenging diagnosis and creating a supportive community where no one feels alone! 
Share, support and donate to Lorenzo's House:  https://lorenzoshouse.org   We mentioned the incredible, Adria Thompson of Be Light Care Consulting, Remember Me podcast, Jacquelyn Revere of MomofMyMom  on social media and Think Tank created by Nicole Will and James Lee.   

Patti LaFleur, Programs Lead

Patti is the former carepartner to her mom, Linda, who had younger-onset dementia - and a former elementary educator of over 10 years. Patti designs and leads our youth programming with intentionality, knowledge and love. Her capacity to connect with family members through lived experience and profound generosity of spirit sets the tone for how Lorenzo’s House shows up for families. Patti has a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, has spent countless hours volunteering with people living with neurocognitive disorders, and as a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association.

In this episode of "Gather Darlings," host Carrie, known as Dementia Darling, honors National Family Caregivers Month by shining a light on the incredible work of dementia caregivers!

Carrie shares a comprehensive list of essential resources for dementia caregivers, including the Alzheimer's Association, Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care, and the Family Caregiver Alliance, among others. These organizations provide vital support, educational programs, and community connections that can make a significant difference in caregivers' lives.

The episode also addresses mental health and self-care, encouraging caregivers to join support groups, seek professional help when needed, and practice mindfulness techniques. Carrie highlights the importance of respite care as a crucial support system, outlining various options such as in-home services and adult day centers that allow caregivers to recharge.

Additionally, practical tips for daily caregiving are shared, including establishing routines and utilizing tools to enhance communication and quality of life. 

Tune in to this episode to gather insights, resources, and encouragement as we celebrate the dedication of dementia caregivers everywhere.

 

Essential Resources for Dementia Caregivers

 

1. **Alzheimer's Association** - [alz.org](https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources): Offers a 24/7 helpline, support groups, and educational programs.

2. **Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care** - [teepasnow.com](https://www.teepasnow.com): Provides innovative dementia care training and resources.

3. **Be Light Care** - [belightcare.com](http://www.belightcare.com): Offers dementia care consulting and education.

4. **Roon Dementia** - [roon.com](http://www.roon.com): A platform that provides resources for dementia care.

5. **Family Caregiver Alliance** - [caregiver.org](https://www.caregiver.org): Provides comprehensive support and information for family caregivers.

6. **AARP Caregiving Resource Center** - [aarp.org/caregiving](https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/): Offers tools and information to help navigate the caregiving journey.

 

Mental Health and Self-Care Resources

 

1. **Zen Caregiving Project** - [zencaregiving.org](https://zencaregiving.org): Offers mindfulness-based support for caregivers.

2. **Steadii App** - [steadii.com](https://www.steadii.com/): A mobile app designed to help caregivers manage their responsibilities.

3. Leeza’s Care Connection for support groups https://leezascareconnection.org/home

 

Respite Care Resources

 

1. **ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center** - [archrespite.org](https://archrespite.org): Provides resources to help find respite care options in your area.

2. Area Agencies on Aging in your local area (google this for your location)

3. HFC www.wearehfc.org for respite grants and support groups

 

Practical Tools and Engagement Resources

 

1. **Care Mobi App** - A mobile app for caregiver organization and reminders.

2. **Zinnia TV** - A platform for engagement activities tailored for seniors.

3. **Nana's Books, Mirador, SingFit, Music with Alexis**: Various resources for engaging activities with individuals living with dementia. Zinnia TV- www.zinniatv.com 

1. Nana’s Books- www.nanasbookseries.com 

2. Mirador Magazine- www.miradormagazine.com 

3. Singfit http://www.singfit.com

4. Music with Alexis- www.musicwithalexis.com 

5. CareMobi app https://nursing.nyu.edu/w/caremobi

 

Additional Support

 

1. **Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One Podcast** - Hosted by Nicole Will, this podcast empowers older adults and caregivers with insights throughout the aging journey. More information can be found at [willgatherpodcast.com](http://www.willgatherpodcast.com).

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

Today, we get to spend time with the wonderful, Veronica Shanklin! 

Veronica is a dedicated full-time caregiver who has been taking care of her mom and late grandmother for over a decade. Living her best life in Chicago, she finds herself coming home to visit her mom, who was caring for her grandmother. Discover how her experiences led her to create the non-profit, Dementia Care Warriors and bring light and love to younger caregivers while disrupting the space with new ways to bring the community together. 

We celebrate the spirit of hope and community of Dementia Care Warriors. Listen to how they are creating an open space for education, support, and resources.

Get a behind-the-scenes scoop filming "Wine, Women, and Dementia" with Kitty Norton, the real life stuff of caregiving, balancing the demands of caregiving and running a non-profit, managing burnout, connecting with younger caregivers, and we even talk about dating while caregiving. With a love of travel, she shares her tips for overcoming decision fatigue with travel groups! 

 

To learn more and donate visit: 

https://www.iamacarewarrior.org/

 

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

What does it take to create a global movement that champions the well-being of our aging population? Joining us today is Jérôme Pigniez, founder and president of On-Medio and SilverEco.org, the premier portal for the Silver Economy sector. With decades of experience in demographic transition and technologies for autonomy, Jérôme has become a leading voice in aging well. His work spans speaking at international conferences, authoring influential reports, and guiding companies through the complexities of this vital industry. Today, we talk about the Silver Economy, and how exploring innovation and dedication come together to support our older adults.

The SilverNight Awards and the SilverEco & Ageing Well International Festival is an event that unites global leaders to celebrate and advance the cause of aging well. From Paris to Tokyo and now Cannes, this festival has grown to become a gathering for those dedicated to making a difference.

This international festival is a premier event that brings together experts, innovators, and passionate individuals from around the world, dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.

The SilverEco International Ageing Awards, SilverNight Gala, Expo, educational programs with 6 exceptional international congresses, and networking. Thank you, Jérôme Pigniez, for bringing us all together. In 2023, 16 countries were represented, and +1,500 attendees. This year they are expecting over 2,000 participants.

 

Don’t miss this chance to learn, share, and be part of a vibrant community working towards a better future for our aging population.

Join us on September 16 & 17th, 2024, and be inspired by these innovations in aging well. 

Learn more and register here

Carrie and Nicole answer your questions. Today, we are answering and highlighting questions family caregivers have about what their biggest challenges are in caregiving. 

 

We dive into questions from listeners around:

1. Being able to not take my mom out of fear she will not want to return to her memory care community.
2. Getting my mother-in-law to bathe and even use body wash.
3. Feeding my mom. 

 

Resources mentioned for families- visit @belightcare @zinnia-tv

https://neotein.com/

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

Meet Carrie and Nicole! Find out...

How did they meet?

Why they decided to do this podcast?

Lot's of fun conversation and laughs. Thank you so much for being here!! 

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Adria Thompson joins us today to share her heart for care and about all the things...We truly look up to Adria, she is one of our inspirations. We are so thankful for her friendship and we are excited to cheer her on as she touches many lives. 

What is a dementia educator and influencer?

How she feels about being in the public eye?

How she makes her videos?

What is it like to go viral?

What are the most asked questions that families and caregivers ask Adria?

You heard it first…what did Adria create that will be released soon? 

AND SO Much More!! You don't want to miss this one...

 

Connect with Adria at https://www.belightcare.com/

 

Adria Thompson is a licensed speech-language pathologist and the founder of Be Light Care Consulting, specializing in dementia care. With extensive experience in skilled nursing facilities and memory care units, she reaches over 327,000 followers with her practical, actionable advice to improve dementia care. Adria is known for simplifying complex care concepts into easy-to-implement strategies, helping both caregivers and healthcare professionals enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

Welcome to "Gather Darlings" with Carrie Aalberts BS, MS aka Dementia Darling and Nicole Will aka willGather - the podcast where we kick back, let loose, and dive headfirst into the untamed, unfiltered world of caregiving. This isn’t your grandma's tea party—unless your grandma likes to spill the tea with a glass of wine in one hand and unapologetic truths in the other.

So listen while you’re driving, doing the dishes, working, or if you got lucky in your favorite chair, whether it’s a loveseat, or a rocking chair, and make yourself comfortable. It’s always happy hour here, and we're serving up the real stories of caregiving with a side of unfiltered banter.

Here, we talk about it all— the messy, the stressful, and the downright REAL parts of caring for someone else while trying to keep your own sanity intact. Think of us as your bestie support group, where nothing is off-limits. Struggling with your mental health? We’ve got you. Feeling like caregiving is a thankless job? We see you.

Whether you’re aging (which is ALL of us!), caregiving, loving a caregiver or working in aging services- Pour yourself a drink; let’s vent and laugh, and talk all about it. And yes, we even talk about how sometimes you just need to lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes of peace—or for a quick cry.

"Gather, Darlings" isn’t just a podcast; it’s a movement. We’re here to redefine caregiving, pushing boundaries and breaking stigmas with every episode. Join us as we explore the unexpected side of caregiving, making every hour the happiest hour as we will lift you up with resources, support, and community to feel confident in this unsteady journey.

So, whether you’re sipping chamomile tea or sneaking your third cookie—no judgment here—let’s shake up the world of caregiving together. After all, if we can’t laugh at the chaos, we’ll just end up crying, right? Let’s do this, caregivers, one episode at a time!

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

We’re diving deep with the Go-Mo girls—Sandra and Diana Gonzalez-Morett—two badass sisters who turned their caregiving story into advocacy and art with their film Pedacito de Carne. After 7 years as full-time caregivers for their mom, Diana, they’re here to spill on the highs, the heartbreaks, and the bonds that only sisters could handle. From navigating FTD (Frontotemporal Degeneration) to finding joy, love, and even play in the darkest of times, these women are redefining what it means to care and live fully. Tune in for sharing of  resilience, sisterhood, mental health, ADHD and why self-care is the ultimate act of rebellion.

 

"Pedacito de Carne" is a short drama film that follows Sandra, a young millennial caregiver for her mother, Antonia, who is living with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Inspired by the real-life experiences of Diana and Sandra Gonzalez-Morett with their mother's FTD journey, the film portrays the challenges and emotional complexities of caregiving. It illustrates a day in Sandra's life, highlighting themes of love and connection amidst adversity. 

 

Connect with the Go-Mo sisters at:

@sandygomo

@dianalaurengm

@PedacitodeCarnefilm

 

Learn more at https://www.theaftd.org/

Beyondd Project: https://beyonddproject.org/

 

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

 

 

On this episode of Gather Darlings, Nicole Will, Carrie Aalberts, and Adria Thompson are sharing all about their European adventures! From diving into The Hogeweyk dementia village, to Adria’s epic journey with Walk the Talk in Spain, we’re sharing all the stories of care and connection. Oh, and did we mention Cannes? We hit the SilverEco conference hard—panels, awards, and jury duty! It’s all here, and trust us, caregivers and healthcare pros, you don’t want to miss this. Darlings, we’re going global!

 

To watch the webinar with Viking Pure Solutions of our time at The Hogeweyk watch HERE:

https://vikingpure.com/reimagining-dementia-care-hogeweyk/

 

To learn more about:

Walk the Talk visit: https://www.walkingfordementia.org/

 

 

SilverEco visit: https://www.silvereco.org/festival/en/

 

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

 

Get ready to dive deep with Nikki Nurse—she's not just a caregiver, she's a powerhouse voice changing the game for family caregivers everywhere. Nikki is all about living your best life, even when you’re up to your elbows in the everyday hustle. She’ll help you find the small moments that matter, push you to pause, and teach you how to heal from the inside out. Nikki keeps it real about the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your mental and financial health when caregiving becomes your full-time job.

Nikki gets it: caregiving isn’t easy, but with her killer advice, you’ll learn how to handle the stress, embrace the struggle, and actually find JOY in the process. It’s time to stop pouring from an empty cup and start putting yourself first, because trust—when you're thriving, so is everyone else. Tune in for all the raw, real talk you need to make it through the day with your sanity (and a smile).

Connect with Nikki at @alogcabininbrooklyn 

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

30 Years of Friendship, Laughter, and Life Lessons. What do our best friends have to say about us? Our work? We talk all about how to show up as a friend, maintaining support and love over distance and how in our caregiving we need community and to know we are not alone. This is the episode to encourage and support you.

"A best friend is more than just a friend; they are the person who knows your soul and holds it with gentle, unconditional love."

 

Thank you, Katie McDonald and Kelsey McFarland, we wouldn't be the women we are without you!! We love you! 

 

To connect with Katie visit: https://www.instagram.com/katie.armana/

To connect with Kelsey visit: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey___mcfarland/

 

To connect with the Mental Health Hotline visit: https://mentalhealthhotline.org/

or call 1-866-903-3787

 

For caregiver mental health coaching visit: https://www.steadii.com/

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

We LOVED this conversation with Andrea Hughes. She shares with us the story of care for her mom with young-onset Alzheimer’s, discovering self-compassion, how to find the support you need, and the ways she empowers other caregivers through her sharing and vulnerability. Focusing on joy, being creative, staying present in the moments, and bringing playfulness in the care has enriched Andrea’s life in many ways.

Her mom bought Andrea her first journal when she was 7 years old. She's also share with us how this practice has been her life’s reflection on the raw, real, heartbreaking, love and joy that shares the story of her resilience. A reminder for all caregivers on the power of journaling. 

Andrea is an author and dedicated caregiver, deeply committed to nurturing a community grounded in empathy and support. Juggling the responsibilities of caring for her mom, who is courageously facing early-onset Alzheimer’s, with her professional pursuits, Andrea champions the power of honest, vulnerable dialogues surrounding life’s complexities and the caregiving journey.

 

Follow and connect with Andrea HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/

Buy caregiver journal prompts HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/purchase/p/365-journal-prompts-for-dementia-caregivers

 

Instagram: https://www.andreakrystal.com/

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

 

 

Welcome to our Q & A. Carrie is sharing some of her favorite resources!

 

Dependable Daughter

 

University of Nevada Reno: Dementia Self Management Guide Book

 

National Council of Dementia Minds

 

Cleveland Clinic

 

Self-Care at Sea

 

Check them out and we'll be doing more of these recommendations!

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catch up with Carrie and Nicole as they share all about what they’ve been up to this summer, their European tour, caregiver education opportunities and Self-Care at Sea with other amazing caregiver advocates!

 

Iowa Healthcare Associatation Dementia Care Conference:

https://iowahealthcare.org/

Self-Care at Sea:

https://www.funseas.com/self-care

VALA:

https://www.valainfo.org/

Think Tank:

https://www.thinktankleadership.com/

Welcome to our Bestie series with Maria Kent Beers and Rachael Martinez, co-founders of Remember Me and the Remember Me podcast. These two incredible women's paths crossed in the most extraordinary way: Rachael, from Los Angeles, a trained marriage and family therapist, and Maria, living in Boston, found each other while caregiving for their parents, both diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

We talk all about friendship in caregiving, how they met and how their shared mission is changing lives. Don't miss this one!! 

Launching in the Summer of 2020, The Remember Me Podcast was founded by Maria Kent Beers and Rachael Martinez, MA. After a chance meeting on social media, the two women (living bi-coastally) instantly united over their shared experience – losing a parent to FTD. Since their initial connection, Rachael and Maria have produced over 100 episodes while cultivating a space that fosters a safe community of support for caregivers. The Remember Me Podcast strives to accept the good and hopes to nurture the broken-hearted. As founders of this organization, Rachael and Maria use their lived experience to connect, understand and empathize with the larger community and are committed to advocacy through storytelling.

 

 

https://www.remembermeftd.com/

 

We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review! 

Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE. 

 

Come as you are! 

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.