Hold the Moment

Helpline: Strategies to help carers with grief and loss

People often think of grief as sadness felt when a loved one passes away. But grief can surface at many stages of caring for someone living with dementia, often in ways that you don’t expect.  
There are ways to care for yourself, find comfort and reconnect with what brings you happiness. This episode offers simple, practical ways to process those emotions while still embracing joy, connection and the things that make you feel like you. 
If you’d like personalised support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day, or request a callback, start a webchat or send an email with whatever is on your mind. 
Dementia Australia offers counselling support for caregivers and family members, find out more here.  
You can also listen to this episode of Hold the Moment to hear more about how other carers are working through their grief.   
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios.  
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 
This episode was hosted by Jim Rogers and Kristin, a National Dementia Helpline Advisor. It was produced by Luci McAfee. Executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. 
The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.  
Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative. 
 

Hold on to joy: Managing grief as a carer

Jenny started grieving well before her husband passed away.  
After Noel was diagnosed with dementia, Jenny knew their life together would never be the same. But the grief she felt about that gave her strength and purpose too... 
Grief will be a major part of your journey if you’re caring for someone living with dementia. You might grieve the relationship you had before their diagnosis and you might be grieving after the person you cared for has passed away. It’s a natural part of the process and it’s painful, but there are strategies that can help you manage.  
Jenny shares what helped her through and Mara, a Dementia Australia counsellor, shares how she helps carers through tough times.  
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald. For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 
This episode was produced by Gia Moylan and Liam Riordan, with sound design by Ryan Pemberton. The executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman. 
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 
 

Helpline: Your guide to accessing dementia support services

Navigating the healthcare system on behalf of someone living with dementia can be challenging, especially when the different systems you’re engaging with don’t speak to each other. This episode offers simple tips to streamline the process.  
If you’d like personalised support on how to approach appointments or figure out the health care systems, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day or request a callback, start a webchat or send an email with whatever is on your mind. 
If you’re considering residential care for your loved one with dementia, you can register for Dementia Australia’s helpful webinar here.   
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios.  
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 
This episode was hosted by Jim Rogers and Kristin, a National Dementia Helpline Advisor. It was produced by Luci McAfee. Executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. 
The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 
Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative. 
 

Hold on to your sanity: Navigating the health care system as a carer

Nick’s in a pretty unique position as a carer.  
“I can’t fix the problem with my mum but as an engineer, I can problem-solve. I can advocate for her and give her a voice when she can’t navigate the system,” Nick said. 
As an engineer, Nick’s used to untangling complex systems. He’s about as tech-savvy as they come but even he found it frustrating trying to access support for his mum, who’s living with Alzheimer’s disease.    
Dementia Australia Executive Director Services, Advocacy and Research Dr Kaele Stokes sees the system from another angle, and offers tips for new carers who don’t know where to start.  
If you’d like to access counselling services, you can visit the counselling section on Dementia Australia’s website or the CarerGateway. 
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald.  
For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 
Production by Liam Riordan and sound design by Ryan Pemberton. The executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman. 
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 
 

Helpline: What every carer needs to know

Whether you're new to caring or have been supporting someone with dementia for a while, it’s not always clear where to turn to for help. Every carer’s path is different, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. This episode offers straightforward advice on where to get help, what support services are available and why it’s never too early to reach out.
If you’d like tailored support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day or request a callback, start a webchat or send an email with whatever is on your mind.
If you want to hear stories about other carers’ experiences, [listen to this episode of Hold the Moment]. 
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios.  
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 
This episode was hosted by Jim Rogers and Kristin, a National Dementia Helpline Advisor. It was produced by Luci McAfee. Executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. 
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 
Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative. 
 

The juggling act: Caring for a loved one with dementia

Rachel Corbett couldn’t afford to put her life on hold, even when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She was in her 20s, her career wasn’t established and she wanted to have kids, so spent the next few years looking after her mum while juggling everything else in life.
Then her dad was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.
Rachel would go on to spend her 30s supporting and caring for her parents.
“I did have a difficult time with both my parents because of this, but it connected us in a way that might not have ever happened if they were both well.”
Caring for someone living with dementia can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone.
Hold the Moment is a podcast by people living with dementia and their families, and season two is all about people who are caring for loved ones with dementia.  
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald. For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 
This episode was produced by Gia Moylan and Liam Riordan, with sound design by Ryan Pemberton. The executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman.
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 

Hold the Moment Season 2 - Spotlighting the people caring for a loved one with dementia

"As carers of people living with dementia, we all have a public face and a private face."
When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia there’s a lot you take on – physically, mentally and emotionally. So how do you even start to process all these changes?
On Hold the Moment, you’re not alone. Join Jim, who was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, and his co-host Hamish Macdonald, whose dad lived with Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia, as they learn how their peers are managing their new circumstances.
We’ll also bring in a few experts along the way for advice on the especially tricky stuff, like navigating the complex maze of care systems. 
Follow Hold the Moment wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode. And share it with anyone you know who’s caring for someone with dementia. 
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish MacDonald.  
For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 
This trailer was produced by Liam Riordan. Sound design by Ryan Pemberton. The executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. Production Manager is Ann Chesterman. 
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 
 

We’ve got news!

Over the last few months, the Hold the Moment team has been hard at work...
Your response to our first season was incredible, and luckily you won’t have to wait long for more episodes.
Hamish and Jim are back for a quick announcement. 
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald. Follow Dementia Australia on Instagram and find support resources online. 
This episode was produced by Gia Moylan. The executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman. 
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 

Helpline: Tips for families supporting a loved one with dementia

A dementia diagnosis has a ripple effect across families. So where can you turn for information and support? 
This bonus episode is packed with tips for families who want to know more about how to support themselves and a family member living with dementia. 
Whether you live close to your loved one or further afield, Dementia Australia has many helpful resources and programs specially tailored to family members of any age, including children. 
If you’d like personalised support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. You can call 24 hours a day or request a callback, start a webchat or send an email with whatever is on your mind. 
For more information, explore our support resources for family, friends, and carers or learn more about staying connected with loved ones. 
You can also listen to this episode of Hold the Moment to hear candid stories from families who have been impacted by a dementia diagnosis.  
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios.  
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram and find support resources online. 
This episode was hosted by Jim Rogers and Kristin, a National Dementia Helpline Advisor. It was produced by Luci McAfee. Executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. 
The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.  
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 
Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative. 

Hold on to family – Families reflect on the impact of a loved one’s dementia diagnosis

When Millie Rogers first discovered her dad, Jim Rogers (co-host of Hold the Moment), had received a diagnosis of younger onset dementia, she felt like a rug had been pulled from beneath her feet.  
“I just froze. I just couldn’t believe what he was saying.” 
In this candid episode, Millie and her sister Daisy open up to journalist Hamish Macdonald about the initial shock of the diagnosis, Jim’s role as a grandfather to their young children, and how it can be hard to be vulnerable when everyone wants to put on a brave face. 
Then, Jim Rogers interviews Hamish Macdonald about his experience with his own father’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Hamish explains why giving his father dignity is crucial and why you need to advocate for your family member. 
“People living with dementia need love and they need support, but they need advocates as well…You know, just actually getting your head around the really fine detail of what someone’s needs are and being able to advocate on their behalf.” 
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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald.   
For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   
For more information, explore our support resources for family, friends, and carers or learn more about staying connected with loved ones. 
Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 
This episode was produced by Madeleine Hawcroft, with sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman. 
Thank you to Millie, Daisy and Maggie for being part of the episode. 
Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 
Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative.