Caring for someone with Alzheimers Disease is a true challenge. Betsy has been there, done that, and has the experience to help guide you through the tough times. Betsy tells her story of how she was able to care for her own mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s Disease, and she shares advice on how to get the support you need to care for your loved one.

Betsy Wurzell is a retired Licensed Practical Nurse and Preschool Teacher’s Aide. She is a mom to her son, Josh who is 37 and has special needs. She was also a caregiver for her mother-in-law for 5 years. She has never heard of Alzheimers until her mom-in-law was diagnosed! Her husband Matt was diagnosed in 2010 with Early Onset Alzheimers. Matt’s journey changed her life. She became an advocate. She is the the creator and founder of Kick Alzheimer’s Ass Movement group on Facebook. She believes that no one should ever walk this journey alone during caregiving or after caregiving!

Join me in this episode and learn why Betsy Wurzell is a Kickass Boomer! 

[00:01 – 08:57] Ask for Help When Memory Problems are Observed

• Alzheimer’s was not mentioned as a disease back in the 1970s. Caregivers had to learn about the disease on their own. 
• If your parents are still alive but their behavior is starting to change, it’s time to take notice.
• People should get help for their loved ones as soon as possible if they start to have problems with their memory.

[08:58 – 25:01] The Troubles of Alzheimers and Dementia

• Early onset dementia is not well known and doctors are not yet aware of the disease, which can lead to depression.
• Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer’s can strike at any age.
• Alzheimer’s changes personality and hallucinations can be a symptom of the disease.

[25:02 – 34:49] Advocate for Those Who Need Help

• Sadly, there is the lack of care about the well-being of patients in hospice.
• It is important that we speak up about this issue and advocate for those who need help.
• Speak out and push for change in order to improve care for future patients.

[34:50 – 38:59] Closing Segment

• Let’s collect our voices to create change
• Connect with us!
  • Links below
• Final announcements

Tweetable Quotes:

“There’s no excuse for caregivers not to be educated. You have to do the work.” – Betsy Wurzell

“This is not just an older person forgetting. This is dementia or Alzheimer’s. This is serious. We’ve got to get him help so the more people can hear other people’s stories, the better.” –  Terry Lohrbeer

“For us, boomers, we want change. We’re going to help people change. We’re going to fight so that when things happen, we’re going to fight for the rights that we have and our loved ones have and we’re going to be advocates.” – Terry Lohrbeer

Email sloanbetsy31@gmail.com to reach out to Betsy Wurzell and check out her Facebook group and podcast Chatting With Betsy

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BEE BOLD, NOT OLD. 

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Visit http://kickassboomers.com/ to listen to the previous episodes. Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

You can also connect with me by emailing terry@kickassboomers.com.