Stay Home Instead Chats
By Ken Hendricks
Stay Home Instead ChatsJan 27, 2021
Home Instead Chats Episode 45: End of Life Options for New Mexicans
Barak has had a long and varied career with the NM Department of Health. He is now “mostly retired,” although he continues to serve as an analyst for the NM Senate when they are in full session. Over the last nine years Barak has gotten deeply involved in end of life issues and was a founding member of the NM End of Life Options Coalition.
The Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act was signed into Law by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 8th. This Law will provide New Mexicans living with terminal illnesses, more choices and options around how they live out their final days. Barak will now serve on the initial board of a new non-profit that is being created called End of Life Options NM to help implement the new law.
Here are links to some of the resources Barak mentioned in our chat:
https://endoflifeoptionsnm.org/
https://compassionandchoices.org/
https://theconversationproject.org/
https://www.nmmost.org/
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 44: On Reopening Safely
Today my guests are Edgar and Rachael from The Montecito Santa Fe. The Montecito, is a Senior Living community that offers independent, assisted and memory care services to their residents.
Edgar is the Executive Director at Montecito and Rachael is Director of Community Relations. We’ve been working together in the community of Santa Fe for many years. I always enjoy every opportunity I have to spend time with these two. Listen in on our chat about what it looks like to reopen our local senior communities safely. ❤️ 🏡
#StayHomeInstead Episode 43: Advocacy for Those Affected by Alzheimer's Disease
Today my guest is Tommy Hernandez of the Alzheimer’s Association’s New Mexico Chapter. Tommy is the Public Policy Director for the association. The associations overall vision is ultimately to see a world without Alzheimer’s Disease, or any type of dementia illness.
The organization has initiatives aimed to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia, support research for treatment, prevention and hopefully one day a cure. They also provide education and support for family caregivers. In addition to this, Tommy and others in similar roles play an active part in advocating at a policy level for those who’ve been affected by dementia related illnesses.
I’m really thankful to have Tommy on today to chat about what he and the association have been up to.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 42: Parkinson’s Moving Day May 2021: Raising Awareness and Providing Support
Today my guest is Karen St Claire of the Parkinson’s Foundation. I’ve known Karen for a number of years now and she’s just amazing, definitely a major difference maker. Her impact among the community of those who are living with Parkinson’s or caring for a loved one living with the disease cannot be underestimated. When Karen and I connected the other day she told me about the Parkinson’s Moving Day event that’s coming up next month, Saturday, May 22nd. And event to raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Home Instead have signed on as sponsors for the event. We’re happy to support. And so I thought I’d bring Karen on today, April is Parkinson’s Awareness a month, to have a chat about the event and introduce her to you all and chat about resources available to those impacted by Parkinson’s Disease.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 41: Supporting One Another in Trying Times - Santa Fe Healthcare Network
Today my guest is David Davis, in addition to being the director of the Memory Care Alliance of Northern New Mexico, David is also the president of the Santa Fe Healthcare Network.
The Santa Fe Healthcare Network is an organization we’ve both been board members with for several years together. It's a unique group comprised of professionals working for a variety of organizations that most predominantly tend to serve the population older adults in Santa Fe and other surrounding areas.
I brought David on today to discuss the Santa Fe Healthcare Network, specifically how the group maintained activity, offering support to member organizations and the community throughout this last year of the pandemic, as well as to talk about plans for the future of the network and how we can make a greater and greater impact for communities older adults and those helping to care for them.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 40: Dementia Possibilities Review with Jytte and Ruth
Today my guests, at least in our surrounding area, need very little introduction… Jytte Lokvig and Ruth Dennis are our among our communities most well loved and appreciated dementia experts. I had the pleasure of working with Ruth and Jytte over the last year since the pandemic hit, developing an amazing conference that we were able to pull off just last month called "dementia possibilities".
If this is news to you, don't worry, the reason that I have brought Ruth and Jytte on the show today is so that we can reminisce about the conference and also highlight all of the archived content that is now available online for everyone to partake of. So many wonderful experts came together for this event. Wherever you are on your caregiving journey, there will be content you can benefit from.
Thanks for spending time with us today.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 39: Training Public Service Departments to Recognize and Work with Dementia
Today our guest is Laura Hendrie of “Partnering in Care”. Laura is certified as both a Dementia Care Consultant and Trainer thru Positive Approach to Care, an organization led by world-renowned dementia educator, Teepa Snow. In her journey that led her to this passion, Laura has played the role of caregiver, writer, public speaker, a palliative care and hospice volunteer, and teacher. I’ve known Laura for a few years now. We’re both members of the Santa Fe Healthcare Network, a group of passionate individuals and organizations serving our communities elders. Passion is definitely a word that she embodies regarding her work, recently Laura let me know of some really exciting news, that she’s been invited to do a training for our local police and fire department. I’m happy to have her joining me today to chat a little about that.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 37: Dementia Possibilities Conference: A Discussion about Grief and Healing
Today I’ll be speaking with some wonderful friends who also happen to be presenters for the upcoming Dementia Possibilities Conference that will be happening online February 8th-12th. The conference brings together a large team of experts with the goal of supporting both those living with dementia as well as those who are providing care.
Details at http://www.dementiapossibilities.com/
Our guests today are Hope Carwile, Susan Balkman, and Ruth Dennis. The three of them are teaming up for a presentation for Dementia Possibilities titled “Grief Wilderness: Discussing the Journey of Grief, the Different Types of Grief, Grief Impact and Its Healing Abilities When Navigating the Unknowns of Life."
Hope works as Innovations Specialist with Vivage Senior Living in Colorado. She has approximately 20 years of experience in healthcare, primarily in long term care senior living settings.
Susan, is a retired psychotherapist who’s living with young-onset dementia. Since her diagnosis, she has become an accomplished ceramist. Susan is a strong and outspoken advocate for others living with cognitive deficits.
Last but certainly not least, Ruth, another returning guest (Hope has also been on the show before) is an educator for the Vista Living Care homes. She provides support and education for families and for the greater community facing all forms of dementia and struggles associated with the aging process.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 36: Dementia Possibilities Conference - Poetry Workshop Demonstration
Today I’ll be chatting with my friend Nicolette Ketchum. Nicolette is the Volunteer Facilitator the Hummingbird Memory Cafe in the Farmington, NM area. She’s a passionate advocate for those living with dementia as well as their care partners.
She also happens to be one of the many wonderful experts and presenters coming together for the Dementia Possibilities conference that will be taking place February 8th-12th, online via Zoom. Information can be found at www.dementiapossibilities.com Nicolette and I will be working together on what I think will be a really fun, profound and beautiful workshop for the conference. Bringing the participants along with us to create a collaborative piece of music utilizing words and concepts from a poetry workshop we’ll conduct together.
I brought Nicolette on with me today, together we’re going to do a short demonstration, where I’ll pose as the “audience” and we’ll see what we can come up with together.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 35: Dementia Possibilities Conference, February 8th thru the 12th
Today I’m joined by my good friend, Dr. Jytte Lokvig. Jytte is an Alzheimer’s and Dementia expert here in Santa Fe,NM. Jytte and I are part of a wonderful team of experts working to put together the “Dementia Possibilities” conference that will be happening February 8th thru the 12th online via Zoom.
You can find information about the conference at www.dementiapossibilities.com
I brought Jytte on today to talk a bit about the conference, and all the wonderful things that she does for the caregiving community.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 34: Mindful Dementia Care
Today we have a returning guest, my good friend and Dementia Expert, Ruth Dennis. Ruth has worked Vista Living Care for a number of years. Vista Living Care is a network of unique aging communities seeking to change the culture of care all around. They’ve described their communities as “traditional in values, but nontraditional in approach”. Ruth is also co-author of the book, Mindful Dementia Care: Lost and Found in the Alzheimer’s Forest. But what is “Mindful Dementia care”? Well, that my friends is going to be the topic of our chat today. Join us!
#StayHomeInstead Episode 33: Celebrating our Home Instead CAREGiver of the Year!
Today we have a super special episode. We’re highlighting a very deserving difference maker in our community. At Home Instead our mission is to enhance the lives of seniors and their families with the care and support we provide. We seek to do this by living out our core values of building trust, taking the lead and sharing our hearts. My guest today exemplifies all of these things. Felicia Jaramillo, is a CAREGiver with Home Instead. She’s been with the company a number of years now, and we're happy to say that we just recently informed her this past week over a surprise Zoom call that we’ve selected her as Home Instead’s CAREGiver of the Year this year. ❤️ I'm having her on today to celebrate being named CAREGiver of the Year and to chat a little about her caregiving journey.
#StayHomeInstead Episode 32: Self Care and Working Through Unresolved Grief
Today my guest is Eileen Joyce. Eileen is a Certified Coach & Grief Recovery Specialist. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing her for a number of years now. In her work she’s helped so many people within our community with personal or work issues: grief and loss, relationship challenges, career changes, caregiving challenges, and coping with chronic illness.
Today we’ll be talking about the grief impacting so many of us during the COVID pandemic. Efforts to prevent the spread of the virus have affected people's jobs, where they work, the way kids go to school and play, and the ability to gather in person with family and friends. These measures have also changed how people shop, worship, exercise, eat, seek entertainment and celebrate holidays and special events. As a result, the pandemic has had a major psychological impact.
I’m excited to chat with Eileen today to gain insight into how grief may be manifesting in our lives, what we can do to become more resilient in times like these and how we can support one another.
Get in touch with Eileen at www.griefandlosscoaching.com
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 31: Help for the Journey of Aging
Today I’m joined by a friend and colleague I’ve had the pleasure of working with for a few years now in varying capacities. Heather Coss is the Co-Founder of Crossroads Aging Care Professionals here in Santa Fe, NM.
Heather's been working with elders in our community for a number of years. The type of work she and Crossroads Aging Professionals do has a very wide array of touch points when it comes to enabling folks to age safely in the setting they prefer while maximizing quality of life and independence on the journey.
It's certainly true that many of the scenarios and hurdles we come upon as we age are really a crossroads in nature. The challenge of making the best choices for us and our loved ones isn’t always clear and can certainly feel overwhelming. Enter Heather and her team at Crossroads. This is the very commendable work Heather and her team do.
https://www.crossroadsaging.com/
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 30: Managing Caregiver Fatigue
Today we're joined by my friend MelindaJoy Pattison, a licensed Psychotherapist practicing here in Santa Fe, NM. Given the current climate of things with social distancing and isolation putting greater strain on those in a caregiver role, we're talking about caregiver fatigue. Caregiver fatigue is a major issue that impacts millions, the potential of which is only exasperated by COVID and the need for folks to isolate within their homes for long stretches of time. MJ and I chat about identifying caregiver fatigue when it arises and also some types of self care that we can do to ensure we're showing ourselves a little love and care in addition to caring for our loved ones. ❤️
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 29: Creative Caregiving Approaches
Today my guest is “a real gem of a jewel”, I actually am not sure if that’s a real expression that people say, but we had a CAREGiver that worked for Home Instead years ago and her primary client she cared for would always say that about her every time she called our office. It was obvious that it was something she said simply because of the love, care and genuine concern that just seemed to exude from her. Yolanda Arrey is that kind of person too. Yolanda is the Director of Social Services with Sierra Vista here in Santa Fe. An Assisted Living community here in Santa Fe specializing in providing stellar care for those living with dementia.
Yolanda worked in the corporate sector for 35 years before realizing her dream of attending higher education and working with and advocating for elders. Her favorite Sierra Vista motto is “a place to call home, where elders can find the perfect balance of freedom and security through a full range of individualized services”.
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 28: Following Your Passion and Purpose
Today I’m joined by Chris Thomas, Regional Director for BeeHive Homes of Northern NM.
I’ve known Chris for a few years now. He’s a really great guy that exudes passion for work with elders. I’ve seen him in action and he’s really full of heart for the work he does.
Our conversation touched on many topics, one thread that was continual throughout is the notion of passion and purpose. Chris has managed to find and foster both.
I hope you enjoy our chat!
Get in touch with Chris at www.beehivehomesnm.com or visit the facebook pages for Northern NM BeeHive Homes:
Santa Fe:
https://www.facebook.com/BeeHiveSantaFe
White Rock:
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 27: Dementia Possibilities Conference
Today I’m joined by my good friend, Dr. Jytte Lokvig. Jytte is an Alzheimer’s and Dementia expert based here in Santa Fe, NM. Jytte and I are part of a wonderful team of experts working to put together the “Dementia Possibilities” conference that will be happening the second week of November. http://www.dementiapossibilities.com/ http://alzheimerscafe.com/
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 26: Utilizing the Arts to Support Those Living With Dementia
Today I’m chatting with a new friend of mine, Nicolette Ketchum. Nicolette is a Physician Assistant who’s also spent time as an Elementary and Middle school teacher. Her journey has led her into lots of different facets of work all with a decidedly service oriented angle. She’s certainly the type of person with the type of heart we're very thankful for in our world, and the type of person that brings that special type of sauce to communities that we need a lot more of in our day and age. Nicolette's Contact Information: Nicolette Ketchum Email: hummingbirdmemorycafe@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hummingbirdm...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird...
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 25: Neighbors Helping Neighbors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Today I’ll be talking with a couple friends of mine, Jenn Bartram and David Izraelevitz from the Los Alamos area. Both Jenn and David are part of a remarkable effort to spread love and support throughout the community called “All together Los Alamos”. I really think these are the key types of things we need to be hearing about during these times. Namely, good news. One of the things I am really enjoying about this period of the COVID Era we’re all living through and adjusting too, is seeing people think outside the box and come up with creative ways to work with and support one another. I’ve worked with these two in multiple capacities over the years we’ve known one another, I’m excited to have them on today to chat about what they’re up to. If you’re interested in volunteering or if you could use a little help during these times, please check out www.AllTogetherLosAlamos.org
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 24: A Casual Chat about Life in the New Normal
This weeks episode is a shared episode from my friend MelindaJoy's show "MJ Radio". We chat a bit about the #EndAlzNM Fundraiser coming up later this week. Then we dive into a casual conversation on life in the new normal and topics in mental health realm related to MJ's work as a psychotherapist.
End Alzheimer's New Mexico info: https://endalznm.eventbrite.com/
MJ Radio: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCRtX0U...
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 23: Working Together Towards a World without Alzheimer's Disease
Today I'm chatting with Nicolette Garcia, Director of Development with the New Mexico Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Nicolette is a great friend and an incredibly hard worker. We talk about the effects of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia on New Mexicans and what the association has been able to accomplish in the areas of caregiver support and funding research to hopefully one day see a world without Alzheimer's Disease.
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 22 Using Music in the Fight Against Alzheimers Disease
We have worlds colliding a bit today as I'm joined by old friends and bandmates Dexter Gonzalez and Ken Weinman. We chat about our involvement in an upcoming fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association, End Alzheimer's New Mexico, which will be hosted online Thursday September 24th in partnership with the Santa Fe New Mexican, Ambercare and Vista Living Communities.
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 21: Bringing an Innovative Approach to Life and Work
I’m really excited to chat with my guest today. Hope Carwile and I recently met thru two simultaneous connections. Hope will be a presenter for the upcoming Online Caregiver Retreat we’ve been talking about lately, to be hosted from right here in Santa Fe on October 2nd and 3rd, the retreat is being put together by a previous guest, Melissa Smith Wilkinson. https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat.... Hope is also part of another group of wonderful people I’m lucky to be working with on an Online Conference “Daily Living with Dementia” for Caregivers and those living with Dementia related illnesses. That one will be coming up in November, and we’ll have more details to follow. In her day to day professional work, Hope works as Innovations Specialist with Vivage Senior Living in Colorado. She’s worked as a home care provider, certified nursing assistant, wellness program coordinator, director of social services and case management as well. In chatting with Hope last week we realized how small of a world we’re living in and that she got her initial start working with elders Home Instead Senior Care years ago as a CAREGiver while she was in school. Today we talk about the beauty of bringing an innovative approach to life and work. Enjoy! ❤️
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 20: Changing Dementia Care One Mind at a Time
Today our guest is Laura Hendrie of “Partnering in Care”. Laura is certified as both a Dementia Care Consultant and Trainer thru Positive Approach to Care, an organization led by world-renowned dementia educator, Teepa Snow. In her journey that led her to this passion, Laura has played the role of caregiver, writer, public speaker, a palliative care and hospice volunteer, and teacher.
I’ve known Laura for a couple years now. We’re both members of the Santa Fe Healthcare Network, a group of passionate individuals and organizations serving our communities elders. Passion is definitely a word that she embodies regarding her work and I’m happy to have her joining me today. Get in touch with Laura at https://partneringincare.com/
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 19: Thriving in the Midst of a Pandemic
This week we’re back with the man that helped me kick off this whole thing, my friend Ben Thomson. Ben is the owner of Pivotal Consulting, he’s a guy who gets excited about helping individuals, groups and organizations reach their full potential. This passion makes him an inspiring friend to be around. I always enjoy having the opportunity to visit with him. Today Ben and I are talking about the idea of “Thriving in the midst of a pandemic”. One thing’s for sure, COVID has complicated things for all of us in lots of ways. Some have been affected financially in very dramatic ways, so we want to be sensitive to that. It’s certainly not all cupcakes and roses, but I brought Ben on today to inspire and to chat about mindsets that really can benefit us in the midst of whatever it is we’re going thru. Visit https://www.pivotalconsulting.co/ to get in touch with Ben.
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 18 Seeing and Capturing the Beauty of Life at Every Stage
Today my guest is Jesse Freiden. Jesse is an extremely talented and accomplished photographer. Our talk centers in on learning to see and cherish the beauty of life at every stage. Jesse will be teaching a workshop for an upcoming FREE Virtual Retreat for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers, which will be held on October 2nd and 3rd of this year.
Details on the retreat can be found at https://www.caregiverwellnessretreat....
More on Jesse can be found at https://www.jessefreidin.com/
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 17: COVID Era Hygiene Tips for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Dementia
Today our guest is Alzheimer’s and Dementia expert Dr. Jytte Lokvig. Jytte has joined me on the show in earlier episodes. In previous conversations we dove into her background as an author and the founder of the Alzheimer’s Cafe here in Santa Fe, NM. Today, Jytte and I are going to be chatting practical advice and hygiene tips for caregivers of those living with dementia during the COVID era. During these challenging times, many things for caregivers have become much more complicated. As we all know the CDC recommends along with wearing a mask, good personal hygiene and hand washing as being our primary means for protecting ourselves against the coronavirus. These things can be so simple for many, but a real challenge for those living with dementia at various stages. Jytte and I start off chatting about what caregivers might expect to observe in their loved ones from early, to mid and late stage progression of dementia related illnesses. Then we dive into practical hygiene tips based on what may prove helpful at each stage (08:00).
Links to Jytte's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Jytte-Lokvig/e...
Some Good News with John Krasinski: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe_...
#StayHomeInstead Chats Episode 16: Seeing Ourselves in the Community We’re Serving
Today my guest is David Davis, director of the Memory Care Alliance of Northern New Mexico. David founded the Alliance in order to bring on-going support, planning services, education and other resources to families living with the realities brought on by Alzheimer's and other dementia related illnesses. David and I chat in detail about his purpose and vision for the Memory Care Alliance being one of partnership and establishing and fostering community above all else. David get's candid in conversation detailing the challenges he's faced in life around dementia with both his mother and father. At the onset of establishing the Memory Cafe, which he started up years ago in the Santa Fe area, David talks about how he immediately saw himself in those he was seeking to help. He's turned the difficulties he's faced into a net positive in turning grief into action. David and the Memory Care Alliance represent a story of turning tragedy to triumph. I found our conversation to be very inspiring. I believe you will too.
Get in touch with David at http://thememorycarealliance.org/