Podcast
Dementia & Families: A Balancing Act
Hosted by Kelly A Bertenshaw, MA CCC SLP ECDCS · EN
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, family members can feel completely overwhelmed. You're now trying to juggle managing your loved one's increasing need for care while also tending to your own family, career and life. It can truly feel like a balancing act.
I'm Kelly Bertenshaw, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist and certified Dementia Care Specialist. I have worked with those affected by dementia and their families for more than 20 years. I started this podcast to help you, the family members, as you navigate this journey.
My goal is to provide you with proven strategies, relevant information and research, as well as actionable steps you can take today .
Together, we'll find the answers. Because no one should walk this journey alone.
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30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"My Memory Has Changed. Now What?"
2w ago00:10:18Tap to summarizeYour memory feels different, but your cognitive tests are normal. So now what? In this episode, Kelly explores what Subjective Cognitive Decline really means, why it happens and how it's different from Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Finally, she explains why normal cognitive test results don't always end the conversation.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourcesTHE CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBJECT COGNITIVE DECLINEhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7062546/SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE: A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUEhttps://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging-data/media/pdfs/subjective-cognitive-decline-508.pdfMILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENThttps://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1073831728&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_Nhi5s2Nr6FfrmNmjHxNvG30P&gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocpr6yPdFAyE1Hdon6k2j9JEtzM91efnNKvu-OAQ0H64U-JD_tnBYN_BoCFFkQAvD_BwEThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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Dementia and Decoding Repetitive Behaviors
4w ago00:12:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly explores why repetition develops in a brain affected by dementia, what it reveals about your loved one's inner experience, and how shifting your perspective can transform frustration into insight. Because understanding the why behind these behaviors is the first step to responding with more confidence and less stress.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourcesBehavior Management Strategies – Understanding Dementia Behaviors: Repetitive Speech or Actions (Perseveration)https://www.caregivercalifornia.org/2023/04/21/behavior-management-strategies-understanding-dementia-behaviors-repetitive-speech-or-actions-perseveration/Managing Repetition in Alzheimer’s Behavior: Caregiver Tipshttps://www.alzra.org/alzheimers-behavior-issues/repetition/The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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When Dementia Care Need Change Fast
Jun 1000:10:43Tap to summarizeDon't wait for a crisis. If someone you love is showing early signs of memory loss, the time to plan is now. In this episode, Kelly walks you through how to build a simple, realistic three-year care roadmap before urgency makes the decisions for you.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourceshttps://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planninghttps://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis#tips-for-planningThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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Dementia and Hoarding: Fear of the Void
May 2700:14:42Tap to summarizeThis episode explores dementia-related hoarding, why it happens, what it means, and how families can respond with compassion. Kelly reframes hoarding not as stubbornness or manipulation, but as the brain's way of coping with memory loss. As dementia progresses, people anchor their sense of identity, security, and memory to physical objects, making removal feel threatening and distressing.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourceshttps://www.agingcare.com/articles/how-to-handle-hoarding-behaviors-in-dementia-patients-133679.htmhttps://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/stages-and-symptoms/dementia-symptoms/hiding-hoarding-losinghttps://alzfdn.org/alzheimers-today-volume-17-number-3/hoarding-and-dementia/The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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Weight Loss and Dementia
May 1300:15:48Tap to summarizeThis episode explores why people with dementia often experience significant weight loss and changes in eating and drinking habits. Kelly explains how aging can affect eat and drinking, as well as how dementia can disrupt hunger and thirst signals, sensory processing, and the brain's ability to complete the steps involved in eating. She includes practical strategies to simplify mealtimes, prevent dehydration, and reduce caregiver stress.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourceshttps://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/home-life/eating-and-dementiahttps://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/living-with-dementia/changes-eating-habits-food-preferencehttps://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=90372426&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NhWnrr-bvx0B-bwux9JRzUaF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_IXQBhCkARIsADqELbJElVmccAgy8omnYc4mqN8eYv6EEpVG6CDSPovQC4NZPdFyNcBQEisaAsHQEALw_wcBThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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Dementia and Refusing Medications
Apr 2900:14:22Tap to summarizeWhen a loved one with dementia refuses their medications, it can feel like an emergency. The risks are real, the pressure is immediate, and the instinct to push for compliance is strong. But in many cases, that resistance is not about defiance—it’s communication. In this episode, Kelly breaks down what’s really behind medication refusal in memory loss, and guides us through methods focusing on protecting both safety and dignity, offering a more effective way to navigate these moments without escalating conflict or damaging trust.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResources:https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/medical/parent-refusing-medication/https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/senior-health/elderly-parent-wont-take-medication?srsltid=AfmBOoqVi7cqZ_fmYk3NlUY5Ebcup3fZfdLOlpzP1V9NC7NT18G5-8apThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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Beyond Puzzles: Dementia and Brain Games
Apr 1500:14:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly challenges the idea that cognitive activities like puzzles and card games are always beneficial for loved ones with dementia. She explains that as the disease progresses, these activities can create feelings of being tested rather than included, leading to withdrawal and disconnect. Kelly offers practical strategies for adapting activities and communication so loved ones feel valued, contributing, and connected rather than measured.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResourceshttps://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/dementia-tasks-activities/https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids/family-activitieshttps://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/activities?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_grant&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=90372426&gbraid=0AAAAAD14_NgGjuKB4Dw1mGyJDvnDGMqxl&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vzOBhBxEiwAc7WNrwtO_DChShBVoX_S2UtM2o7ZVpHaXZnPK5aa2Z-AP8NB16rxpOVQNBoCZ84QAvD_BwEThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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A Dementia Turning Point: Crisis and Safety
Apr 100:13:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly explores how a medical crisis, such as a fall or infection, often becomes the unexpected turning point when families first recognize the true extent of a loved one's dementia. From cognitive screening in the hospital to rehabilitation settings where the challenges become even more apparent, these moments, though emotionally overwhelming, can ultimately bring clarity and open the door to more realistic, proactive planning for the road ahead.Follow this episode with our "After the Diagnosis" episode: https://rss.com/podcasts/a-balancing-act/1796945/FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossResources:https://hign.org/consultgeri/try-this-series/recognition-dementia-hospitalized-older-adultshttps://www.ourparents.com/senior-health/avoiding-signs-of-dementiahttps://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/recognizing-dementia-guide-early-symptoms-signs#The information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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Dementia: Balancing Dignity and Safety
Mar 1800:16:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly tackles the ethical tension caregivers face between keeping loved ones with dementia safe and preserving their independence and sense of self. Through real-life stories, she introduces the concept of the "right to risk" — the idea that autonomy and uncertainty are inseparable, even for vulnerable adults. Kelly encourages "negotiated risk": practical home and communcative adaptations as alternatives to simply eliminating activities. Good caregiving isn't about preventing every mistake, but helping someone continue to live a life that still feels like their own.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossRESOURCES:https://www.a24direct.co.uk/blog/balancing-independence-with-safety-in-home-based-care-plans#:~:text=While%20promoting%20autonomy%20is%20essential,Communicating%20Effectively%20with%20Familieshttps://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-caring-person-living-dementia/providing-day-day-care/decision-making-respectingThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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Dementia and Radical Acceptance: Overcoming Your Own Denial
Mar 400:12:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly explores how families often fall into denial when a loved one begins to show signs of dementia. And sometimes, even after the formal diagnosis. Kelly emphasizes this isn't about shame, but understanding the causes of denial and the risks associated with postponing acceptance.FACEBOOK PAGE: Please leave questions for Kelly, or set-up a chat!https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573800764103Please consider donating to support A BALANCING ACT!https://buymeacoffee.com/navigatingmemorylossRESOURCES:https://wellnessstrategiesgroup.com/2025/04/family-denial-of-dementia/https://www.bridgesbyepoch.com/2019/06/17/dangers-denial-dementia-and-peacefulness-resolution-1560780615/https://homecareassistancedayton.com/dementia-diagnosis-denial/MAYO CLINIC SUPPORT GROUP:https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUPS:https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groupsThe information shared in this podcast is for EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Kelly A. Bertenshaw, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of A Balancing Act: Helping Families Navigate Memory Loss be responsible for damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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