"Don't You Remember?"
"Don't You Remember?"
Theba Lolley
"Don't you remember?" They are three common words. Yet, when spoken too often, they’re cause for alarm. When your loved ones begin their journey into dementia, your own life-altering pilgrimage is set in motion. The path holds countless challenges including grief, despair, and joy: often all in a single day. The fear of not knowing what to do first can be overwhelming. For me, being proactive instead of reactive was empowering. Through these podcasts, I hope to give you tools in the form of resources and shared experiences, so you realize you’re not alone. I’m Theba. For the past 25 years, I have worked in TV News. I’m also the daughter of parents who lived in two different states, Illinois and Arkansas, when each were diagnosed with dementia in the same year. I entered into a season of intense anxiety and helplessness. I’d seen a few movies about older adults having memory problems and the sadness and difficulties their families faced, but I felt far removed from that reality. In my family cancer and old age claimed my relatives. The word dementia was new to me until an aggressive form of the disease took my father. Today I am the sole caregiver for my mother who is living with Alzheimer’s. Though very difficult, the struggles of caring for parents with dementia have also revealed great joy! I started sharing my experiences on television during the pandemic of 2020. In my heart, I knew there were many just like me trying to understand and adapt to caring for a loved one. The people I’ve met along the way have offered life-changing advice and support. My mission now is to encourage you on your own journey. I know God has been my strength and hope along the way and has led me to this new season of sharing so that you too can find comfort from those who do remember.
Don't You Remember? | It's a pause!
#063.  This is my last podcast for a season or two as I focus more on my mom's needs and care. Of course, I wanted my last episode to feature my mentor and friend Carolyn.   Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas.  Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors.  Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.  Check out her new podcast. 24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Feb 29, 2024
49 min
Don't You Remember? | Hear from experts on hospice and palliative care
#062.  Jared Stewart (Executive Director) and Sam Ferguson (Patient Care Representative) from Hospice Home Care in Little Rock, Arkansas explain what hospice and palliative care is and when you should reach out. For more information call 501-558-4141.24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Feb 22, 2024
22 min
Don't You Remember? | When is it time to call in hospice?
#061.  On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about my mother entering last stage, when to call for hospice assistance and the importance of respite time for caregivers.  Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas.  Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors.  Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Feb 1, 2024
59 min
Don't You Remember? | The Lifeline of Support Groups!
#060. Sandra Rogers is a registered nurse, retired from being gainfully employed. Her nursing career included time in long term care for veterans, home health, geriatric clinical care and hospice - both inpatient and in home. Sandra’s volunteer time has included tutoring reading to elementary students with AR Kids Read, Shepherd's Hope free clinic, facilitating a caregiver support group with Alzheimer's Arkansas.  And recently became a member of the Presbyterian Auxiliary Board.  She lost her mother to Alzheimer's dementia and has cared for many patients with some type of dementia.24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Jan 10, 2024
52 min
Don't You Remember? | A look back at 2023!
#059. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about my second year as my mother's caregiver.  Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas.  Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors.  Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. 24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Dec 19, 2023
52 min
Don't You Remember? | Getting passionate about this health crisis!
#057. David Cook is the  Public Policy Director at the Alzheimer's Association. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of the Association’s state and federal policy objectives. He also coordinates efforts of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, the Association’s volunteer advocacy program. Creating opportunities for those who have been touched by dementia to share their experiences with their elected officials.  His grandmother died of dementia and currently his father is living with the disease.  Reach out to David at [email protected]/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Dec 6, 2023
50 min
Don't You Remember? | Tis the seasons - do you have a plan?
#056.  On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about how important it is to have a holiday plan.  Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas.  Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors.  Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.  24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Oct 31, 2023
50 min
Don't You Remember? | After Steve's mom started a fire, he knew it was time
#055.  Steve Roberts took on the role of being his mother's primary caregiver giver diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had strong family support. But the toughest part of the journey was finding, relying and trusting an institution to help with her care, because some of his experiences were a "nightmare."    24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Oct 5, 2023
58 min
Don't You Remember? | The mental health of a caregiver
#054. On this segment, Carolyn and I talk about how important it is to take care of your mental health and lowering expectations. Carolyn Berry currently serves as the Director of Education at Alzheimer’s Arkansas.  Her experience has been shaped through working with aging adults in various capacities, including as a Community Educator at an intensive outpatient program for seniors.  Carolyn also worked as an Intervention Specialist with adults living mental illnesses, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.  24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Sep 29, 2023
51 min
Don't You Remember? |  Expect the unexpected with laughter
#053. Jackie Parker,  Author of Where is Wilma?, writes... "after living with my mother-in-law who had Alzheimer's, I discovered that I needed to understand the emotions associated with her actions. Underneath her certain behaviors lied the various reasons our loved one may be acting out."  Jackie's 48 page book is a concise tender reflection of her journey with Wilma. Each detailed experience is concluded with a thoughtful life lesson. On episode #044 - I read from her book Where Is Wilma?24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 - Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's ArkansasTheba's YouTube Channel
Sep 7, 2023
39 min
Load more