Hold the Moment

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. 

Helpline: Tips for getting around with dementia

If you’re looking for new ways to get around town or travel further afield with a dementia diagnosis, this episode is full of tips and resources on how you can do just that.  
If you’d like tailored support on travelling with dementia, 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. You can also find some information here. 
In this episode you'll hear about a Dementia Australia webinar on driving and dementia – you can watch it here.   
If you want to learn more on getting around with dementia, 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 and find support resources online. 
This episode was hosted by Jim Rogers and Kristin, a National Dementia Helpline Advisor. This episode was produced by Luci McAfee. The 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 travel - Navigating planes, trains and automobiles with dementia

Jim Rogers was once ‘captain organised’ when planning overseas trips with his husband Tyler. But after his diagnosis of younger onset dementia, he’s learnt to get Tyler to assist with online check-in, packing and itinerary planning.  
And it’s not just setting off overseas that’s changed. Getting around town has become trickier now that Jim’s lost his driver’s licence.  
Like Jim, Juanita wishes she could zip over to the shops to do her weekly groceries. But since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a trip like this needs a bit more planning. 
After losing her driver’s licence, Juanita has relied on public transport and taxis to get around town – but she’s figured out some handy ways to maintain her independence.  
Discover the tips and tricks you need to get out and about. 
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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. 
In this episode Juanita discusses how the sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities has helped her travel independently. You can also watch this Dementia Australia webinar about driving and dementia. 
This episode was produced by Liam Riordan. Sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman. 
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. 

Helpline: Tips for managing changes in sleep with a dementia diagnosis

Getting a restful night’s sleep when you’re living with dementia can be an elusive task. This episode contains tips on managing your changing sleep patterns.
If you’d like tailored support to tackle sleep issues, 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.
Dementia Australia has plenty of resources relating to sleep on its website here. And for more discussion about sleep and dementia, 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 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 sleep – Why dementia disrupts sleep and what to do about it

Ann, a former nurse, struggles to sleep because of the symptoms of her Lewy body dementia. Most nights, Ann experiences intense, multi-sensory hallucinations.  
Meanwhile, Jim Rogers takes us through some of the long nights he’s experienced since his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.  
Sleep is vital to both mental and physical health, and it’s disrupted for many people living with dementia. Associate Professor Stephanie Rainey-Smith, a neuroscientist from Murdoch University, explains disturbances in sleep, what causes hallucinations for people living with dementia and has some tips for improving your sleep. 
Dementia Australia has plenty of resources relating to sleep on its website here. 
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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 Liam Riordan. Sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley 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. 
Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative. 

Helpline: Tips on staying connected and managing relationships after a dementia diagnosis

Your close relationships enter new territory once you’ve been diagnosed with dementia. Roles change, people might pull away but, for the most part, your loved ones just want to know how to be there for you. This episode helps you navigate these changes.
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.
The Dementia Australia website has resources about maintaining relationships for people with dementia and for carers, family and friends. There is also information about navigating intimacy here.
If you want to hear more stories about caring, dating and making friends with dementia, 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 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 relationships – Family, friendships and dating after a dementia diagnosis

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 Liam Riordan. Sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley 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. 
Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative.

Helpline: Tips for staying active with dementia

Whether you’ve always been a marathon runner or just love getting out in your garden, staying active is an important way to manage symptoms of dementia. 
Here’s your quick guide on building physical activity into your routine in a way that suits your lifestyle. 
If you’d like support to stay active with dementia, 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 learn more on exercising with dementia, 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 and find support resources online. 
This episode was hosted by Jim Rogers and Kristin, a National Dementia Helpline Advisor. Producer is 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 exercise – Staying physically fit while living with dementia

If you take a long walk around Bealiba in regional Victoria, you might spot the occasional water bottle, perched under a tree. Those would be Heather’s.  
Heather’s always been a keen athlete and, even now at 80 years old, she loves long-distance running. That hasn’t changed since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but she’s had to adapt her training to make sure she stays safe and on the right track. The water bottles, strategically placed every four kilometres along her usual running route, don’t just keep her hydrated – they mark her trail.  
Fitness has always been important to Heather. But Hold the Moment co-host Jim Rogers can’t say the same: “I’ve never been a gym junkie.” But because of his dementia, Jim’s learning to think of exercise as medicine. 
You’ll also meet exercise physiologist Nick who has tips on physical exercise that can support your quality of life. 
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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 Liam Riordan. Sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman. 
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.