Deidre Edwards joins hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial to talk about tool kits for caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

Deidre Edwards joins hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial to talk about tool kits for caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

Hear Caregiver SOS every Sunday at 6pm on News Ta…

Caregiver SOS

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Tool Kits for Caregivers with Deidre Edwards

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into a transformative, human-centered approach to supporting individuals living with dementia. Traditional dementia care often relies on redirection, isolation, or medical sedation to manage challenging behaviors. However, this conversation shifts the focus toward understanding what those behaviors are actually trying to communicate—unmet physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

Key Topics Covered:


Moving Beyond Redirection: Why traditional management strategies often fail to address the root causes of distress, and how to transition toward empathetic, needs-based support.


Decoding Behavior as Communication: Learning to interpret non-verbal cues, expressions of frustration, and sensory overload when words are no longer accessible.


The Systemic Gaps in Care: Examining the harsh realities of isolation, over-sedation, and emotional neglect within care environments—and how care providers can actively drive change.


Fostering Freedom and Belonging: Practical methods for creating environments where individuals with dementia retain a sense of autonomy, safety, and community connection.

Key Takeaways:


Behavior is Communication: Distressing behaviors are rarely unprovoked; they are frequently attempts to express pain, fear, loneliness, or sensory discomfort.


Empathy Over Control: Prioritizing genuine human connection and validation yields far better long-term outcomes than attempting to redirect or overpower the individual.


Actionable Care Strategies: Simple shifts in environment, routine, and staff engagement can drastically reduce the reliance on chemical or physical restraints.

Whether you are a professional care provider, a family caregiver, or a healthcare advocate, this episode provides actionable insights and a powerful new lens for supporting those living with cognitive decline.

About Dr. Carson

Dr. Jennifer Carson is a critical gerontologist and the Founding Director of the Dementia Engagement, Education and Research (DEER) Program in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her work focuses on combatting ageism and improving quality of life in long-term care. Dr Carson is teaches professional and family care partners as the author and facilitator of Bravo Zulu: Achieving Excellence in Relationship-Centered Dementia Care, a comprehensive, 12-hour dementia education program developed in partnership with the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. Bravo Zulu was recently nominated for an Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Carson brings a commitment to service, collaboration and innovation built upon more than 35 years of practical experience in long-term care and aging services.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of the podcast,&nbsp;we dive into a transformative, human-centered approach to supporting individuals living with dementia. Traditional dementia care often relies on redirection, isolation, or medical sedation to manage challenging behaviors. However, this conversation shifts the focus toward understanding what those behaviors are actually trying to communicate&mdash;unmet physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Key Topics Covered:
<ul data-path-to-node="2">
<li>
Moving Beyond Redirection: Why traditional management strategies often fail to address the root causes of distress, and how to transition toward empathetic, needs-based support.
</li>
<li>
Decoding Behavior as Communication: Learning to interpret non-verbal cues, expressions of frustration, and sensory overload when words are no longer accessible.
</li>
<li>
The Systemic Gaps in Care: Examining the harsh realities of isolation, over-sedation, and emotional neglect within care environments&mdash;and how care providers can actively drive change.
</li>
<li>
Fostering Freedom and Belonging: Practical methods for creating environments where individuals with dementia retain a sense of autonomy, safety, and community connection.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways:
<ol data-path-to-node="4">
<li>
Behavior is Communication: Distressing behaviors are rarely unprovoked; they are frequently attempts to express pain, fear, loneliness, or sensory discomfort.
</li>
<li>
Empathy Over Control: Prioritizing genuine human connection and validation yields far better long-term outcomes than attempting to redirect or overpower the individual.
</li>
<li>
Actionable Care Strategies: Simple shifts in environment, routine, and staff engagement can drastically reduce the reliance on chemical or physical restraints.
</li>
</ol>
Whether you are a professional care provider, a family caregiver, or a healthcare advocate, this episode provides actionable insights and a powerful new lens for supporting those living with cognitive decline.
About Dr. Carson
Dr. Jennifer Carson is a critical gerontologist and the Founding Director of the Dementia Engagement, Education and Research (DEER) Program in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her work focuses on combatting ageism and improving quality of life in long-term care. Dr Carson is teaches professional and family care partners as the author and facilitator of Bravo Zulu: Achieving Excellence in Relationship-Centered Dementia Care, a comprehensive, 12-hour dementia education program developed in partnership with the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. Bravo Zulu was recently nominated for an Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Carson brings a commitment to service, collaboration and innovation built upon more than 35 years of practical experience in long-term care and aging services.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Listening Beyond Words: Understanding Unmet Needs in Dementia Care | Dr. Jennifer Carson

In this inspiring episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Carol Rosenstein, an educator, pioneer in holistic mind-body medicine, and the founder of Music Mends Minds, Inc. Carol shares her deeply personal story as a caregiver for her late husband, Erwin, who lived with Parkinson’s disease and dementia for 15 years. After discovering how sitting at the piano instantly awakened Erwin's brain chemistry and restored his vitality without pharmaceuticals, Carol launched "The Fifth Dementia"—a band where seniors with neurodegenerative diseases make music alongside their caregivers.

Together, the hosts and Carol explore how music acts as a universal, boundary-crossing language. They discuss the profound biological impact of melody and rhythm on the brain, how music can be used strategically to combat caregiver burnout, and how a global partnership with Rotary International is bringing free music programs to communities worldwide.

Key Topics Covered:


The Inspiration Behind Music Mends Minds: Carol Port Rosenstein recounts how her husband's dramatic positive response to playing the piano—even after being taken off synthetic Parkinson's medication—led to the discovery that music actively stimulates natural dopamine and changes brain chemistry.


The Origin of "The Fifth Dementia" Band: How a launch gathering of strangers instantly united four seniors as "music brothers," spawning a flagship band and a national movement featured on PBS.


The Resilience of Music Storage Cells: Why musical memory stays intact late into neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Carol explains how music storage cells formed in the human fetus remain hardy and resistant to brain cell destruction.


Music as a Daily Caregiver Tool: Practical ways caregivers can use a loved one's favorite personalized playlist to regulate mood, manage agitation, improve compliance, and ease morning routines.


Restoring Gait, Speech, and Movement: How rhythm acts as an internal metronome for Parkinson's patients, helping restore vocal cadence, physical movement, and confidence.


Global Outreach and Free Resources: Details on Music Mends Minds' partnership with the Alzheimer's Dementia Rotary Action Group to scale in-person music groups globally, as well as their free tri-weekly Zoom music therapy sessions.

Key Takeaways for Caregivers:


Music Changes Brain Chemistry: Playing or listening to familiar music stimulates the remaining dopamine-producing cells in the brain, helping re-engage individuals with their environment.


Music is "Medicine for the Mind": Unlike synthetic medications that come with complex side effects, music offers therapeutic benefits with only one side effect: pure joy.


Use Personal Playlists for Daily Care: Caregivers can control the "mental temperature" of their care recipients by using upbeat music to encourage energetic wake-ups or calming music to soothe agitation.


Rhythm Restores Function: Parkinson's patients lose their natural cadence; introducing rhythmic beats and shakers can help restore gait and assist with vocal exercise.


A Daily Moment of Joy: Integrating music into caregiving creates an accessible opportunity for loved ones and caregivers to share a moment of joy every single day.

About Carol

Music Mends Minds, Inc. President and Founder, Carol Port Rosenstein, is an educator and pioneer in the field of holistic mind-body medicine. After her career as a chiropractor, she became interested in total mind-body health and acquired a Master's in Transformational Psychology to help her further delve into alternative and complementary medicine.

Carol became very interested in the power of music as a form of acoustic art and therapy. After observing Irwin, her husband who had Parkinson’s and dementia, playing the piano on minimal medication, she watched him revive like a wilted flower being watered. Carol recognized the power of music changing brain chemistry, which eventually led to the formation of Music Mends Minds, Inc., and their flagship band the 5th Dementia.

Carol continues to advocate for the power of music as medicine, which is corroborated by the scientific community to bring pure joy and increased brain function to patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, stroke and PTSD, caregivers, and families at large.

Resources & Links Mentioned:


Website:musicmensminds.org

 


Free Live-Streamed Zoom Sessions: Global music and socialization sessions held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PST).


Flagship Band Live Streams: Broadcasts of "The Fifth Dementia" band sessions available every Thursday via their website.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this inspiring episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Carol Rosenstein, an educator, pioneer in holistic mind-body medicine, and the founder of Music Mends Minds, Inc. Carol shares her deeply personal story as a caregiver for her late husband, Erwin, who lived with Parkinson&rsquo;s disease and dementia for 15 years. After discovering how sitting at the piano instantly awakened Erwin's brain chemistry and restored his vitality without pharmaceuticals, Carol launched "The Fifth Dementia"&mdash;a band where seniors with neurodegenerative diseases make music alongside their caregivers.
Together, the hosts and Carol explore how music acts as a universal, boundary-crossing language. They discuss the profound biological impact of melody and rhythm on the brain, how music can be used strategically to combat caregiver burnout, and how a global partnership with Rotary International is bringing free music programs to communities worldwide.
Key Topics Covered:
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
The Inspiration Behind Music Mends Minds: Carol Port Rosenstein recounts how her husband's dramatic positive response to playing the piano&mdash;even after being taken off synthetic Parkinson's medication&mdash;led to the discovery that music actively stimulates natural dopamine and changes brain chemistry.
</li>
<li>
The Origin of "The Fifth Dementia" Band: How a launch gathering of strangers instantly united four seniors as "music brothers," spawning a flagship band and a national movement featured on PBS.
</li>
<li>
The Resilience of Music Storage Cells: Why musical memory stays intact late into neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Carol explains how music storage cells formed in the human fetus remain hardy and resistant to brain cell destruction.
</li>
<li>
Music as a Daily Caregiver Tool: Practical ways caregivers can use a loved one's favorite personalized playlist to regulate mood, manage agitation, improve compliance, and ease morning routines.
</li>
<li>
Restoring Gait, Speech, and Movement: How rhythm acts as an internal metronome for Parkinson's patients, helping restore vocal cadence, physical movement, and confidence.
</li>
<li>
Global Outreach and Free Resources: Details on Music Mends Minds' partnership with the Alzheimer's Dementia Rotary Action Group to scale in-person music groups globally, as well as their free tri-weekly Zoom music therapy sessions.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways for Caregivers:
<ol data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
Music Changes Brain Chemistry: Playing or listening to familiar music stimulates the remaining dopamine-producing cells in the brain, helping re-engage individuals with their environment.
</li>
<li>
Music is "Medicine for the Mind": Unlike synthetic medications that come with complex side effects, music offers therapeutic benefits with only one side effect: pure joy.
</li>
<li>
Use Personal Playlists for Daily Care: Caregivers can control the "mental temperature" of their care recipients by using upbeat music to encourage energetic wake-ups or calming music to soothe agitation.
</li>
<li>
Rhythm Restores Function: Parkinson's patients lose their natural cadence; introducing rhythmic beats and shakers can help restore gait and assist with vocal exercise.
</li>
<li>
A Daily Moment of Joy: Integrating music into caregiving creates an accessible opportunity for loved ones and caregivers to share a moment of joy every single day.
</li>
</ol>
About Carol
Music Mends Minds, Inc. President and Founder, Carol Port Rosenstein, is an educator and pioneer in the field of holistic mind-body medicine. After her career as a chiropractor, she became interested in total mind-body health and acquired a Master's in Transformational Psychology to help her further delve into alternative and complementary medicine.
Carol became very interested in the power of music as a form of acoustic art and therapy. After observing Irwin, her husband who had Parkinson&rsquo;s and dementia, playing the piano on minimal medication, she watched him revive like a wilted flower being watered. Carol recognized the power of music changing brain chemistry, which eventually led to the formation of Music Mends Minds, Inc., and their flagship band the 5th Dementia.
Carol continues to advocate for the power of music as medicine, which is corroborated by the scientific community to bring pure joy and increased brain function to patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, stroke and PTSD, caregivers, and families at large.
Resources &amp; Links Mentioned:
<ul data-path-to-node="11">
<li>
Website: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.musicmensminds.org" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwjx-9G_6ZuWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQcA">musicmensminds.org</a>
&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Free Live-Streamed Zoom Sessions: Global music and socialization sessions held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (11:30 AM &ndash; 12:30 PM PST).
</li>
<li>
Flagship Band Live Streams: Broadcasts of "The Fifth Dementia" band sessions available every Thursday via their website.
</li>
</ul>
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

The 5th Dementia: How Music Mends Minds | Carol Rosenstein

In this poignant episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith are joined by Peter Dare to discuss his deeply moving journey as a caregiver to his husband of over four decades, John Goodnett.

John—an ultra-runner with an irrepressible spirit and a sharp sense of humor—was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Peter found himself in near-total isolation, navigating the physical and emotional weight of John’s declining health as his sole, round-the-clock caregiver. Their journey, captured in the documentary Loving John, is a powerful testament to commitment, resilience, and love in the face of progressive illness.

Key Highlights & Topics Covered:


The Path to Diagnosis: Peter shares the long, difficult process of diagnosing ALS—what he calls a "downhill glide path"—and how he and John faced the diagnosis by taking life one day at a time.


Caregiving in Isolation: How the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their daily lives, turning Peter into a full-time, 24/7 caregiver while relying on creative support from friends outside their windows.


The Behind-the-Scenes Story of Loving John: How a local filmmaker’s interest in an ultra-runner evolved into an inspiring documentary capturing John's life, humor, and legacy.


Honoring Final Wishes: Peter reflects on bringing John’s ashes back to his home in American Samoa, where he was laid to rest next to his mother surrounded by family.

Key Takeaways for Caregivers:


Accept and Invite Help: Even when isolated, leaning on a support system—friends, community, or local organizations like the VA—is essential to sustaining caregiving.


Maintain Perspective and Positivity: Focusing on the present day rather than worrying about an uncertain timeline can make overwhelming diagnoses more manageable.


Caregiver Respite is Necessary: Taking short breaks and accepting outside care for a loved one is not a failure; it is crucial for maintaining your own mental and physical stamina.

About Peter

Peter Dare spent over four decades with his husband, John Godinet, an ultra-runner known for his humor and irrepressible spirit. When John was diagnosed with ALS, Peter became his caregiver, and that role expanded when the pandemic hit. Cut off from most outside help, Peter became John's sole, around-the-clock caregiver, shouldering the physical and emotional weight of ALS in near-total isolation. Their story anchors Loving John, a feature documentary. In it, Peter offers an honest, firsthand account of caring for the person he loved most. In the years A.J. (After John), he spends a few weeks of the year in American Samoa visiting John's family while also caretaking their last fur baby and John's running partner, Ginger, their 17+-year-old border collie. After Ginger passes away to go run with John and Piglet, he'll start thinking about where to go and what to do. "Lo que será, será"!

To learn more about the documentary featured in this episode, look for Loving John on Google or stream it on select public broadcasting channels like WETA.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

To learn more about the documentary featured in this episode, look for Loving John on Google or stream it on select public broadcasting channels like WETA.

In this poignant episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith are joined by Peter Dare to discuss his deeply moving journey as a caregiver to his husband of over four decades, John Goodnett.
John&mdash;an ultra-runner with an irrepressible spirit and a sharp sense of humor&mdash;was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Peter found himself in near-total isolation, navigating the physical and emotional weight of John&rsquo;s declining health as his sole, round-the-clock caregiver. Their journey, captured in the documentary Loving John, is a powerful testament to commitment, resilience, and love in the face of progressive illness.
Key Highlights &amp; Topics Covered:
<ul data-path-to-node="6">
<li>
The Path to Diagnosis: Peter shares the long, difficult process of diagnosing ALS&mdash;what he calls a "downhill glide path"&mdash;and how he and John faced the diagnosis by taking life one day at a time.
</li>
<li>
Caregiving in Isolation: How the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their daily lives, turning Peter into a full-time, 24/7 caregiver while relying on creative support from friends outside their windows.
</li>
<li>
The Behind-the-Scenes Story of Loving John: How a local filmmaker&rsquo;s interest in an ultra-runner evolved into an inspiring documentary capturing John's life, humor, and legacy.
</li>
<li>
Honoring Final Wishes: Peter reflects on bringing John&rsquo;s ashes back to his home in American Samoa, where he was laid to rest next to his mother surrounded by family.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways for Caregivers:
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
Accept and Invite Help: Even when isolated, leaning on a support system&mdash;friends, community, or local organizations like the VA&mdash;is essential to sustaining caregiving.
</li>
<li>
Maintain Perspective and Positivity: Focusing on the present day rather than worrying about an uncertain timeline can make overwhelming diagnoses more manageable.
</li>
<li>
Caregiver Respite is Necessary: Taking short breaks and accepting outside care for a loved one is not a failure; it is crucial for maintaining your own mental and physical stamina.
</li>
</ul>
About Peter
Peter Dare spent over four decades with his husband, John Godinet, an ultra-runner known for his humor and irrepressible spirit. When John was diagnosed with ALS, Peter became his caregiver, and that role expanded when the pandemic hit. Cut off from most outside help, Peter became John's sole, around-the-clock caregiver, shouldering the physical and emotional weight of ALS in near-total isolation. Their story anchors Loving John, a feature documentary. In it, Peter offers an honest, firsthand account of caring for the person he loved most. In the years A.J. (After John), he spends a few weeks of the year in American Samoa visiting John's family while also caretaking their last fur baby and John's running partner, Ginger, their 17+-year-old border collie. After Ginger passes away to go run with John and Piglet, he'll start thinking about where to go and what to do. "Lo que ser&aacute;, ser&aacute;"!
To learn more about the documentary featured in this episode, look for Loving John on Google or stream it on select public broadcasting channels like WETA.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.
To learn more about the documentary featured in this episode, look for Loving John on Google or stream it on select public broadcasting channels like WETA.

Tool Kits for Caregivers with Deidre Edwards

In 1 playlist(s)

Caregiver SOS

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips