Daily Mix - Gene Hackman interview 3.19.2025

Описание: In the wake of Gene Hackman’s passing, attributed in part to advanced Alzheimer’s, many families might be asking themselves: How do we prevent this from happening to our loved ones?

Dementia expert, dual-board certified Family & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Founder/CEO Hearts For Dementia Lolita Tramel says there are important steps families can take to ensure their loved ones—and their caregivers—are supported.

Talking points can include:

1. Recognize that dementia is a family diagnosis—Create a “Care Plan” Early for the entire family. Designate a primary caregiver but distribute responsibilities among family members to prevent burnout.

2. Set up a rotating support system with family, friends, and neighbors.

3. Schedule regular check-ins—at least twice weekly and on rotation—to ensure someone within the family is checking in. Have family conversations about increasing those touchpoints, such as calls and visits, during times of extreme weather, the coldest and hottest months, to ensure their air conditioning and heat are working and that they have enough food, water, blankets, sunblock, and appropriate clothing for the weather.

4. Use respite care services—many local organizations provide free or low-cost breaks for caregivers.

5. Schedule “off” days for the family and primary caregiver to maintain physical and mental well-being.

6. Recognize the warning signs of Caregiver Burnout to identify when another person might need to intervene. Alzheimer's takes a devastating toll on caregivers. Compared with caregivers of people without dementia, twice as many caregivers of those with dementia indicate substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties. 74% of dementia caregivers say that they are concerned about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver.