Empowering LGBTQ+ Caregivers: Stories of Love, Loss, and Triumph

Jun 19, 2024 1:00 am

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Hello ,

Our most recent special event podcast truly highlighted the need to share our stories, not just for our own healing, but to empower others. Our panel discussion on LGBTQ+ caregiver concerns, hosted by Sue Evans of Kensington Senior Living. featured AlzAuthors Laura Davis, Christopher MacLellan, Vincent Zappacosta, and Douglass Christensen. We delved into the complexities of caregiving within the LGBTQ+ community. Our guests shared personal stories, insightful advice, and meaningful discussions about their caregiving journeys, offering knowledge and support to others currently caring for a loved one.

Empathy emerged as a recurring theme during the discussion. The group explored how understanding and compassion are foundational to a positive caregiving experience, especially in the face of stigmas surrounding dementia and LGBTQ+ identities. Panelists found that in sharing their stories, empathy grew.

We heard how the caregiving journey led to healing old wounds in family relationships. Panelists spoke tenderly about their own growth, and how relationships were strengthened with spouses and partners, as well as with parents.

The panelists underscored the critical importance of legal documents such as power of attorney and healthcare proxies. These tools grant caregivers the authority needed to make vital decisions during emergencies. The LGBTQ+ community, in particular, benefits from these preparations to navigate potential biases and ensure their loved ones’ wishes are honored.

Issues such as isolation and the need to select healthcare providers comfortable with their orientation were discussed candidly. Legal tools and personal anecdotes underscored the power of preparedness in overcoming personal bigotry and ensuring smooth caregiving and end-of-life processes.

The insights from this episode offer hope and guidance for caregivers, especially those navigating the additional layers of complexity tied to LGBTQ+ identities.

Start ListenIng!

Watch on YouTube

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An Opportunity for LGBTQ+ Caregivers

From Christopher MacLellan: If you know of someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and is a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, please pass along this opportunity. Researchers from Indiana University, in collaboration with a small business, CareVirtue, recently received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study whether a personalized legal and financial planning platform for family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is useful. They are currently looking for family caregivers who identify as sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ+) to participate in this research study. See this PDF for details.

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Our Newest Author

Darlene shares:

Reflecting on Get In The Boat's final pages, I'm engulfed by a whirlwind of emotions—mourning losses endured, yet deeply appreciative of sustaining love. Despite the hardships, my heart is filled with profound gratitude for the invaluable lessons learned from Dad and Mom’s journey. May their story serve as a beacon of hope for those facing their own trials, a testament to the enduring power of love even in the darkest of times. For in the depths of our struggles, there is always a guiding light leading us home.

Read Darlene's post here

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We have a new website with a fresh new look! Same meaningful content.

Take a look!

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Coming Up Next

June 26 - Mindy Crouch, author of Understanding Dementia: A Learn and Earn Activities Book for Children

July 3 - Podcast: Sue Fagalde Lick, author of Gravel Road Ahead and No Way Out of This

7/10 - NO POD (SUMMER BREAK)

7/17 - Marc Alderdice Book Club Replay

7/14 - NO POD (SUMMER BREAK)

7/31 - NO POD (SUMMER BREAK)

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Our New Anthology is Featured on the All Home Care Matters Podcast

Members of AlzAuthors talk about our new anthology, "Poetry for the Dementia Journey," with host Lance Slatton of All Home Care Matters, revealing their personal dementia stories and how and why this impactful book was created. Poetry provides a means of expression for those on a dementia journey, and is a source of solace for those caught up in caregiving. In this award winning podcast you may explore a sampling of the beautiful poems included in the book, now available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

See it on YouTube!

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Our June Book Club Selection is "Don't Forget to Dance" by Marc Alderdice

Please join us for our next book club discussion as we explore a memoir, Don't Forget to Dance, by Marc Alderdice. He shares the story of his Alzheimer's journey with his wife. Remember: it is not necessary to read the book to attend the discussion.

To learn more or to become a member, please visit agingamazing.com.

Register here to get the link to the Zoom meetings.

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Susan's Design of the Week

Please share this with your friends and followers on social media using the following text:

AlzAuthors offers books of all genres to help you meet the difficult challenges of #caregiving and find support and empowerment on the #Alzheimers and dementia journey. You are not alone! https://alzauthors.com/

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