I stumbled upon a game-changing podcast by Mel Robbins and felt compelled to share. The link to the podcast is in the comments below ⬇️. It's a powerful reminder that while we're busy caring for others, we mustn't forget to care for ourselves—especially our brains. As caregivers, particularly for those supporting loved ones with dementia, our lives often revolve around understanding the illness, planning for our loved one's future, and managing day-to-day care. But in this whirlwind of responsibility, we often neglect our own well-being. Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a renowned neuroscientist featured in the podcast, offers hope. Her research shows it's never too late to start caring for your brain, and the benefits are profound: The Exercise Revolution: Just 10 minutes of physical activity can boost your mood and cognitive function. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 35%. Your Brain's "Bubble Bath": Every workout bathes your brain in beneficial neurochemicals, promoting new brain cell growth in the memory center. Beyond the Gym: Engage in puzzles, learn new skills, practice meditation, prioritize sleep, and maintain social connections. These activities are your brain's best friends. Remember, caring for your brain isn't selfish - it's essential. It enables you to be a better caregiver and safeguards your own future. Caregivers, let's start a conversation. How do you plan to incorporate brain care into your routine? Share your thoughts and inspire others! #CaregiverWellness #BrainHealth #SelfCare#Difficultdecisions#dementiacare https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-218

Happy Birthday Mom! Each year, I honor my Mom by writing her a letter to celebrate her birthday. I hope this inspires you to consider ways to honor and remember those you have loved and lost. Dear Mom, Happy eighty-seventh Birthday!🎂 So much has happened this past year, and words cannot truly express how much I miss you and wish you were still here with us. OK, let's dive into the updates! Sadie turned twenty-one this year—can you even believe it? That tiny toddler you once held has grown into a beautiful young woman, thriving in school and life. I think we can safely say someone did something right along the way. 💕 I know you're up there, looking down with pride, bragging to Gram about your first grandchild. By the way, give Gram a big squeeze for me. 🤗 Miss Liz is in her second year of high school and doing great. She's got her driver's permit—yes, a bit spooky.👻 It feels like these kids grow up overnight. As for T, she has followed in Liz's footsteps, attending the same high school. According to her Dad, "She is crushing it😀." Going through that rigorous application process was no small feat, but we are proud of both of them for making it. And then there's Nat, my little fashionista💃 obsessed with all things girl, cheer, friends, and fashion. She's been keeping us on our toes. As for the three of us and our respective better halves, we're doing well. That pesky diabetic gene has made its rounds, but don't worry—we're managing fine. Nat's solution is "To eat as much sugar as possible before I get diabetes." Famous last words from our queen of sugar! 🍭. The Burnside clan is doing well and is busy as bees—no surprise there. The kids are going in a million different directions, and Miss E will be off to college next year. The weather will be beautiful on Friday, and knowing how you feel about sunshine, it will be your day all the way around. I made your famous chicken enchiladas the other day. They are still a crowd pleaser. I could hear your voice saying, "Remember, Kelli, the secret is in the green chilies." I smiled, realizing how often I pass on your wisdom. Whether it's your cooking tips, advice on dealing with tough times, or insistence on always being kind, your lessons continue to shape our family daily.

This is a quote from an article written by Rana Lee Adawi Awdish, MD, Gillian Grafton, DO, and Leonard L. Berry, PhD, MBA, which was recently published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. A chart from the article is included below. In the article, the authors discuss having healthcare conversations with very ill people, but how many times could we reset a conversation if we slowed down and were more aware of its impact on others? Are we missing opportunities to start again? I encourage you to read the article, especially if you are a healthcare professional.https://drive.google.com/file/d/14WpaHtmL0bOQ-z62yO7bn8dgtoLfqPKm/preview I would love your feedback; drop a note in the comments or DM. As a reminder, always put @Kelli Bradley so I know you have commented. Many thanks to Susan Keane Baker for bringing this to my attention. Kelli

Growing a community is one thing, but doing it intentionally and meaningfully is another. To ensure we are meeting your needs, we have created a short poll. I would greatly appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your thoughts. We are here for you every step of the way!

The Hidden Dangers Underfoot: Why Area Rugs Are a Hot Topic for Home-care and Families What is it About Area Rugs? As an in-home care owner/operator for twelve years, I have had more discussions about removing rugs than you can imagine. I kept thinking to myself, "What is the big deal?" Rugs are a tripping hazard, and they need to be removed, pretty straightforward, right? But it's more complicated. We are talking about someone's home; even though your recommendations are logical, they may not always be well received. This is also an issue of loss/control. Area rugs often hold sentimental value, add warmth to a room, or are considered essential decor. However, for seniors and those with mobility issues, they can be a significant safety risk. Here's why area rugs are such a contentious issue: 1. Trip and Fall Hazard: Loose edges, wrinkles, or slight elevation changes can cause devastating falls. 2. Mobility Aid Interference: Walkers, canes, and wheelchairs can get caught on rug edges. 3. Visual Challenges: Patterns can confuse those with depth perception issues. 4. Cleaning Difficulties: Rugs can harbor dust and allergens, complicating cleaning routines. 5. Emotional Attachment: Many clients resist removal due to sentimental reasons or aesthetic preferences. As care providers, we must balance safety with our client's wishes and comfort. Sometimes, compromise solutions like securing edges or using non-slip mats can help, but safety at home must be a priority. #HomeCare #SeniorSafety #CaregiverChallenges #AgingInPlace