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S3:E2 The Longest Staircase: An Alzheimer’s Journey with Chet Rogenski

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In this episode, Teresa Youngstrom speaks with Chet Rogenski about his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife, Pamela, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Chet shares insights from his experience, the emotional challenges faced, and the lessons learned throughout their 12-year battle with the illness. He discusses the importance of creating a safe environment, understanding the symptoms of Alzheimer's, and the therapeutic process of writing his book, which aims to help others navigate similar journeys. The conversation highlights the emotional connections, the power of touch, and the significance of sharing stories to foster understanding and support for caregivers and families affected by Alzheimer's.

In this conversation, Chet Rogenski shares his personal journey of caregiving for his wife, Pam, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He discusses the early signs of her condition, the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of maintaining one's health while providing care. Chet emphasizes the value of home care, the role of hospice, and the therapeutic use of music and memories in connecting with loved ones. He also highlights the need for support and resources for caregivers, encouraging others to seek help and share their experiences. Teresa encourages you to get this book and navigate the Alzheimer's journey from this caregiver's perspective.


Takeaways

  • Chet Rogenski shares his personal journey as a caregiver.

  • The importance of understanding Alzheimer's symptoms and statistics.

  • Creating a safe environment is crucial for patients.

  • Emotional connections can help with memory retention.

  • Touch is a powerful tool in caregiving for Alzheimer's patients.

  • Journaling served as a therapeutic outlet for Chet.

  • Chet's engineering background helped him problem-solve during caregiving.

  • Caregiving is a journey filled with humor and grief.

  • Maintaining personal health is crucial for caregivers.

  • Home care is preferred by many families over facility care.

  • Hospice can provide essential support for both patients and caregivers.

  • Music can be a powerful tool for connection with loved ones.

  • Caregivers often feel they are 'winging it' without proper guidance.

  • Education and resources are vital for effective caregiving.

  • Chet's experience highlights the importance of community support.

  • Grief counseling is beneficial for caregivers after loss.

  • Go to Noblenarrative.net to purchase this wonderful book! You will be glad you did!!!

You Got This, Teresa

Woman in denim jacket recording a podcast with a microphone and computer setup, discussing dementia, with a coffee cup and notes on the desk.

Teresa Rapp Youngstrom

Dementia Specialist


Teresa is a Seasoned Registered Nurse with more than 38 years of clinical and leadership experience. Diverse core competencies including Emergency and Trauma, Labor and Delivery, OR, ICU, Medical Surgical, Rehab, Hospice, Home Care, IV and Dementia Specialist, Private Duty Care, Marketer, Assisted Living and Memory Care Director, Staff Trainer, Speaker, Consultant and CE Provider. Her compassion for people living with Dementia is evident as soon as you meet her. She will provide your organization or family with excellent insight and care.

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