Episodes

J Smiles is caught off guard when Zetty initiates a conversation with an unknown, handsome man. Is it flirting? Sounds like it. But how does Zetty remember such social etiquette when she cannot recall her birthday? J shares what experts say about sex drive & ALZ too. She even scratches the legal land of consent --- when does consent get murky for the spouse or life partner of an ALZ sufferer? There are enough laughs to give you a stress break and a new pick-up line, if nothing else. Snuggle Up t...

"Dying with Dignity" laws allow what is commonly called assisted suicide. ALZ and dementia do not qualify. J Smiles is not happy about this but as usual she finds away to add sparkle to a sour situation and slides in a few solutions for our community. Snuggle UP for how J plans to beat the system and why author Amy Bloom impacted this episode. For Episode Comments & Future Topic Suggestions: TEXT a purple heart "💜" +1 (404) 737 - 1449 📰 Parenting UP! Newsletter SIGN UP: http://www.jsmilescom...

What happens when you are doing your REAL income-earning, bills-paying job and unexpectedly you MUST give eyeball care to your LO? This unnerving experience is shared by J Smiles. She secured "help" for Zetty because J had a "live" performance. In the blink of any eye, Smiles was left without that "coverage" --- can she do her comedy show and care for her mom, should she even try to do both, will the stress break her? J releases all the juices bits of what she calls "spirit shifting," why it is...

Experts say that Alzheimer's does not erode music memories. Filled with excitement, J Smiles and Zetty prepare for a night out on the town for a concert. Not just any concert, two of Zetty's favorite bands of ALL-TIMES. J gets caught up treating it like a wedding or prom. Fancy appointments, new outfits -- that's when the wheels start to fall off the bus. Snuggle UP to hear how our duo makes do. For Episode Comments / Future Topic Suggestions: TEXT a purple heart "💜" +1 (404) 737 - 1449 📰 Par...

Many caregivers coverup or hide their LO's ALZ. J hopes to eradicate the necessity to do that by starting this conversation and continuing to shed light on the facts of ALZ. J Smiles admits it was hard to "go public" with Zetty's ALZ diagnosis. Some kinda way she makes us laugh again. She digs into why family caregivers may struggle with when to share this sensitive information. Ultimately, J asks CG's are you driven by protection or paranoia? You will get pros and cons with tips and strategies ...

J Smiles is back! Winter hibernation made discussing hydration more necessary than ever. Hydration is important for seniors to avoid health complications. J shares the struggle of getting Zetty to consume water. The doctor's guidelines seem straight forward but Zetty tricks J more than once along this journey. Their circus is complicated by Zetty's life-long disdain of water. Ultimately, J lands on a few solutions. Listen as J highlights general methods to increase your LO's liquid intake and o...

Do you own being a Caregiver Out LOUD? J Smiles pull apart why many caregivers do not include their CG title in the list of "What I do" in conversations, on social media or resumés. Perplexed, she reflected and found pain as a possible source of hesitance. Listen for her take on how to overcome this avoidance. J gives a handful of easy examples to celebrate your caregiver status. Smiles pushes a theory that Family CGs need to "pop their collar" a bit --- walk tall --- shout it sooner and even a...

While sleeping after a long night shift with Zetty, J Smiles is startled awake by the words "J come quick, Zetty has passed out!" J has a matter of seconds to determine what is happening using her foggy brain, wobbly legs and unconditional love for her mother. J gives vivid details of the ordeal. Is Zetty having a stroke? It is late on a Saturday afternoon during Covid-19, should they go to the hospital? J leans into intuition and past caregiver experiences. Listen to this episode dripping with ...

Zetty had dentures much of her adult life but J never had to get involved -- until now. As a caregiver, J Smiles is learning that it is not as simple as her brain-health mom made it seem all those years. Because teeth are required to chew, Smiles is determined to master these objects to keep her mom properly nurishhed. But J loses many battles along the way. Who knew such humor and health care could be contained within denture debacles? Get ready for problems putting the dentures in, taking th...

J Smiles gives family caregivers the real, confusing truth about celebrating Thanksgiving when your LO has dementia, ALZ. Yeah, you want to love on them and smother them with food, family and fun. But is it a good idea? J has tried a variety of celebrations so you do not have to go in blindly... let's Snuggle Up® PODCAST SHOW NOTES: Sponsor: CircleOf (Caregiver App) https://www.circleof.com/download ParentingUp! Weekly LIVE TV/Internet INTERACTIVE Show on GetVokl.com: https://getvokl.com/channel...

J Smiles is joined by patient advocate superhero and caregiver, "Eclectic" Dawn (ED). ED shares countless stories of holding the medical team accountable to her mother's care. But she is not arrogant or pushy. Instead she takes an informed, incentivized approach of Partnering with the Provider. Listen in as they share how to softly bend the system to optimize your LO's care without creating enemies at the local hospital. Plus, a unique take on allowing your LO to remain empowered. This conversa...

J Smiles grapples with whether or not to take the ALZ GENE test. Zetty, her mom, was diagnosed with early onset and Zetty's father had ALZ too. Will knowing make life better or more stressful? J leans into her caregiver crew for support. PODCAST SHOW NOTES: ParentingUp! Weekly LIVE TV/Internet INTERACTIVE Show on GetVokl.com: https://getvokl.com/channel/parenting-up 📲 Instagram: Parenting UP! https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/ 🖥 Facebook Page: Parenting UP! https://www.facebook.com/parenting...

J Smiles is joined by Susan - a daughter, wife, mom and high-powered executive who found herself leading the caregiver charge when was diagnosed with early onset ALZ. Susan's mom was living independently and completely self-sufficient. Susan was traveling the world with her dream job. Overnight, or so it seemed, ALZ robbed both of them. Listen in as J pulls apart Susan's journey, weaves in her own and injects humor like only she can. EPISODE Show Notes: National Academy of Elder Care Lawyers: ht...

Hillary's mom live independently for decades until an unrelated doctor's visit showed mom's brain wasn’t functioning well. Is it cancer or dementia? A facility, her home or live with family? Hillary and her brother (two different states) were bewildered but rallied to care for their mom according to her wishes. You will hear tidbits, advice, jokes and 'oh-wows' galore as J Smiles traces the steps from then to now with Hillary. 📲 Instagram: Parenting UP! https://www.instagram.com/parentingup/ 🖥 ...

J Smiles and Yvette continue with part 2. Yvette reveals the eventual diagnosis her mom was given, how her family managed LIFE along the way, her top advice for newbie caregivers and more. Yvette recounts earthy, gritty and heartbreaking moments throughout their 3.5 year battle. J is often caught off guard, holding her heart or choking from laughter. Either way, the honesty and transparency keeps the flow easy. You gain insight on hospitalizations, re-directing with humor and treating yourself w...

*Audio UPDATE/Correction 6/13/21* 🥰 Few family caregivers have a story that put J Smiles on her butt - Yvette did. Whirlwind does not begin to describe the snap crackle pop speed the dementia used to invade the McNally Family. During one period of April's showers bringing May's flowers sashaying honey sweet cookouts, ALL-HELL broke loose. Doctor's were stymied, the symptoms were too odd to pinpoint. With zero direction, she and her brothers locked hearts, created ground zero plans and walked a...

J Smiles struggles with abnormal memory loss and brain fog. Her immediate fear is the early onset of Alzheimer’s -- any caregiver's nightmare. She paints a picture like only J can of the events leading up to her panic and how she navigated the murky waters to shore. There are many tie-ins and reference points for you to utilize when speaking with medical professionals should you ever be confronted with "dial-up modem-mind," as J calls it. As always there is humor throughout. SUBSCRIPTIONS 📲 I...

J Smiles chats with Kimberly Cooper, a sandwich generation wife determined to honor her mom's passion for independence even after dementia enters their lives. Kim details her mom's stroke which nudged the cognitive decline. J is inspired by Kim's approach to caring for her mom: technology, rehab, independence and more. As only the Parenting Up Podcast can deliver, the listener receives poignant tidbits, real life stories, tried and true solutions, humor and product suggestions. SUBSCRIPTIONS 📲 I...

Finally J Smiles has a healthy sleep hygiene routine... and it works, perfectly. Well, she sleeps long and hard. The problem is the depth of slumber unlocks unknown caregiving consternation. She has to decide whether to ditch healthy sleep or face what the dreams are telling her about her relationship with Zetty. J fights through the frustration because she and Zetty are worth it. She shares what she figures out, what scared her the most and more. SUBSCRIPTIONS 📲 Instagram: Parenting UP! https:...

J Smiles takes a big trip to Washington, DC to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is elated to take a such a meaningful vacation. A newbie caregiver at the time, J is looking forward to reclaiming free time and fun with college friends. She is shocked when the umbrella of love and joy causes a revolt in her spirit. She is emotionally paralyzed and needs to figure out the triggers. Is this an one off or a pattern for the future? Smiles' travel companions are ...

For once J is able to get Zetty in the bed before 2am, excited and sound asleep all hell breaks loose when the house alarm blares "intruder alert." J is delirious, rubbing her eyes and trying to determine what to do. One thing is clear, secure Zetty in the bedroom. The problem is Zetty refuses to stay in the bedroom and demands to follow J to investigate the house. J has navigate her fear, confusion and intense desire to protect Zetty. What unfold is anything but a routine night. J Smiles shed...

J Smiles believes that dating is self care. The problem is she cannot seem to secure a date. She takes the listener on a journey of her pre-caregiver dating existence. After Zetty's ALZ diagnosis, there is so much sacrifice, routine, schedule, doctor's appointments, sorrow and exhaustion often J is too overwhelmed to try. J Smiles shares humorous positive and negative caregiver dating stories. She doesn't see a clear pattern. But she is focused on figuring it out. Can caregivers have a healthy ...

Caregiving is so nuanced. We can identify the major things swiftly -- medicine and food must be consumed; bills paid and so on. What happens when non-harmful modifications appear? Those creature comforts - habits - preferences that you are accustomed to your LO choosing like clockwork. Perhaps it is always drinking coffee in the morning or wearing pajama pants instead of a nightgown... a favorite watch or red lipstick. These subtleties can sting us more than we realize. J Smiles recounts support...

Who knew skipping sleep could add up so quickly? Not, J Smiles! What J believed was a supernatural power is now bad for her. She struggles -- yet again -- to accept a monumental shift. Most of her life she has functioned on much less than 8hrs of sleep per night. An easy peasy chat with her therapist opened a door J didn't even know existed. Problem? What problem? A mountain of questions later, J is scrambling to understand the merits of "sleep hygiene", wondering how her's got dirty and prayi...