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| Image Description: Blue painted background with a coffee cup and saucer next to over-ear headphones around 3 books. Left side purple text reads "Staff picks for caregivers" with green text underneath readings "Part one, to learn" |
Podcasts have steadily increased in popularity as portable MP3 players have become more accessible, and even built into the phones that most of us carry around in our pockets. They can be a great resource for learning about a topic, finding some humour in your day, or replicating the serial radio drama of years past.
For those of us with full schedules or a short attention span, being able to complete other tasks while listening is a huge draw of podcasts. Playback controls allow you to listen again to the things you may have missed while distracted, or to pause when your loved one requires complete attention. With all of this to love, podcasts are a great way of finding new tools for your caregiving arsenal, for hearing the experiences of others and feeling connected, and for adding some entertainment to washing dishes or other necessary tasks. So, we have compiled a few of our staff's favourite podcasts with caregivers in mind.
Our first is a selection of 10 educational podcasts about caregiving, dementia, or aging. We hope you enjoy!
To Learn
1) The 'D' Word - One of my personal favourites, this UK-based podcast brings in professors, authors, developers, and a variety of other people who work with people living with dementia either directly or indirectly. The host, Pete Hill, spent two years working as the activity manager for the Essex Alzheimer's Society before starting the podcast. There is no shortage of variety
2) Dementia By Day - This interview-style podcast has been running since 2019. The host meets with researchers, care partners, industry professionals, and people living with dementia from around the world. Through these conversations, people share practical tips, research, and personal stories that demonstrate ways that we can provide resources and support for people living with dementia.
3) Dementia Matters - Host - and medical director for the Wisconson Alzheimer's Disease Research Center - Dr. Nathaniel Chin, discusses the latest in dementia research and care practice with a range of experts. The topics vary widely and include under-discussed topics, like oral health, sex, stigma, and hormone-replacement therapy.
4) Alzheimer's Talks - A teleconference series featuring interviews with experts on a range of dementia-related topics. Check out my personal favourite episode, "Improving Alzheimer's Knowledge in Diverse Communities" to learn about health literacy and whether texting can help improve understanding of dementia.
5) The Caregiver's Toolbox - An podcast that covers a wide variety of senior care topics. Most episodes feature an interview and some feature discussions on specific articles related to senior care.
6) Caregivers SOS - A weekly podcast that covers anything and everything about senior care, caregiving tips and tricks, and upcoming research.
7) Healing Ties - An interview-based podcast that focuses on the caregiver, including what comes as your role as a caregiver comes to an end. Each episode covers the experiences of different caregivers and professionals to provide information for the caregiver.
8) Dementia Untangled - Like many of the others, this podcast focuses on interviews with different experts on dementia and caregiving. The combination of practical tips, shared stories, and innovative research leaves something for everyone.
9) Dementia Dialogue - A Canadian-based podcast that primarily focuses on lived experiences. The community-based podcast covers topics that others on our list do not such as ethical and human rights issues surrounding dementia, rural resources, and cultural practice. By bringing lived experiences to the forefront, this podcast delivers information in an innovative way.
10) Shaping Dementia Environments - A podcast that focuses on creating public and private spaces that are dementia-friendly. They touch on ways to humanize care and universal design principles. This podcast is a great resource for care partners, people working with the public, and anyone who has a say in the design of spaces.
If you need assistance choosing a listening method that works for you, stop by the library or get in touch for tech help!