Episode #198: Chelsey Byers (Mental Health Awareness Month – Dementia and Agriculture)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The topic of mental health is one that is near and dear to my heart. Because of that, we host podcast episodes each year related to this topic. To see a complete list of mental health-related episodes, click here.
Today, we are thrilled to have Chelsey Byers with us to chat with us about dementia and agriculture. Chelsey has a vast array of experiences with this issue and offers practical tips and pointers for families navigating this challenging diagnosis.
Contact Info for Chelsey Byers
(Email) clbyers@illinois.edu
(Website) https://extension.illinois.edu/staff/chelsey-byers
Links to Topics Mentioned on the Show
Farm Families Coping with Dementia (FFCD) Study link - https://gpcah.public-health.uiowa.edu/dementia-educational/
Dementia Stats - https://dementiadatahub.org/explore-data/map.html
What is Dementia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s10iPESAHmI&t=1s
Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA): In Texas, search by zip code here - https://resources.hhs.texas.gov/pages/find-services
National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/
Alzheimer’s Association – https://www.alz.org/Alz.org
10 signs of dementia - https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
Seeking help - https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/memory-loss-concerns
Getting a diagnosis - https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests
Current medications - https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments
Legal documents and Alz - https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/legal-documents
Support groups - https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groups
Help line: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline
Succession Planning: https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/what-you-need-to-know-about-farm-succession-planning
Having a conversation to stop driving - https://www.thehartford.com/resources/mature-market-excellence/family-conversations-with-older-drivers
Referral systems and Community Services
211 – a one stop shop that offers referral to services relating to basic human needs, health insurance programs and employment supports: https://uwm211.org/
Find local services for older adults: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
Local Services: https://acl.gov/ltc/basic-needs/finding-local-services
National Institute on Aging resources:
Advance Care Planning: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning
Long-term Care: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/long-term-care
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs resources
Dementia caregiving resources and safety: https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Alzheimers_and_Dementia_Care.asp
VA Caregiver Support Program: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
U of I Extension program - Communication challenges and strategies for helping people with dementia - When an individual has dementia, communication can be very difficult as the disease advances. Forgetfulness, agitation, repetition, and mood fluctuations can make interactions and caregiving stressful and frustrating, and many worry that they will say or do the wrong thing and make matters worse. Learn about common communication problems caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and strategies for better interactions and visits.
Farm Hope is a program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension & the Texas A&M Telehealth Institute offering free counseling services to any Texan involved in agriculture or their family members. Contact Dr. Mikaela Spooner for more information at 979-436-0700.
Podcast Sponsors
Capital Farm Credit, AgTrust Farm Credit, Texas Corn Producers, Braun & Gresham, Plains Land Bank, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, and AgTexas
