In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by Sylvia Stock, widely known as The Dementia Whisperer. With a deep background in nursing and care management, Sylvia shares her profound personal journey of caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s dementia in 2010. From navigating the early days of denial and confusion to creatively adapting daily routines, Sylvia offers heartfelt advice and practical tools for carers, educators, and families supporting loved ones with dementia.



Sylvia’s compassion and experience shine through as she discusses the importance of mindset, finding joy in small moments, and the "Three A’s of Caring"—Acknowledge, Accept, Adjust. Her insights provide a lifeline of support for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of dementia care, helping them to find balance, resilience, and peace in difficult circumstances.



🎧 Sponsors:

This episode is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK, the UK's leading carers' card. Enjoy thousands of pounds worth of discounts, access to a wellbeing hub, and community support for less than the price of a box of chocolates per year. Get your card today. ([ Ссылка ])



📚 Resources Mentioned:




• The Rocky Road Book Series: Discover Sylvia's inspirational journey and practical strategies for carers. ([ Ссылка ])





• Support Networks: Organisations like Samaritans ([ Ссылка ]) can provide a listening ear when you need to vent.





• Sylvia’s Website: Explore her books and find additional resources for carers navigating dementia care. ([ Ссылка ])




🔑 Key Messages:



The Three A’s of Caring:

One of Sylvia’s most valuable insights is her “Three A’s of Caring”—Acknowledge, Accept, and Adjust. She explains that the first step in any caregiving journey is to acknowledge the reality of what is happening, no matter how painful it may be. Acceptance comes next, allowing carers to embrace the changes and challenges they face without resistance. Finally, adjusting is the ongoing, daily act of adapting your mindset, routines, and strategies to best support your loved one’s needs. This simple yet powerful framework helps carers navigate each stage of the dementia journey with patience and clarity.



Finding Joy in Small Moments:

Despite the hardships of caring for someone living with dementia, Sylvia beautifully highlights the importance of finding joy in small, everyday moments. Whether it’s seeing her husband light up at a song he loved, sharing a meal together, or watching him enjoy time with therapy animals, these moments became treasures in her journey. By approaching life with creativity and a positive mindset, she found ways to prevent embarrassment, reduce stress, and create meaningful connections. These moments of joy are not always obvious but are there for those who choose to see them.



Mindset is Everything:

Throughout her journey, Sylvia emphasises that mindset is a carer’s most powerful tool. She shares how practices such as gratitude, affirmations, and choosing peace in difficult situations enabled her to stay calm and resilient. For Sylvia, the ability to take a deep breath and focus on what she could control made all the difference. She also reminds listeners that venting emotions is essential to avoid burnout, whether by talking to trusted friends or reaching out to support organisations like the Samaritans. By managing her mindset, she was able to cope with the unpredictable nature of dementia while maintaining her sense of self and inner peace.



 



⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters):

00:00 – 03:00: Episode Introduction and Carers Card UK Sponsorship

03:01 – 08:00: Sylvia’s Story: The Early Signs of Dementia and Pre-Diagnosis Challenges

08:01 – 20:00: Navigating Life with Young Onset Alzheimer’s: Creativity and Mindset Shifts

20:01 – 30:00: The Emotional Journey: Denial, Grief, and Acceptance

30:01 – 40:00: Stories of Joy and Connection in Dementia Care

40:01 – 50:00: The Three A’s of Caring: Acknowledge, Accept, Adjust

50:01 – 56:00: Inner Peace and Gratitude: Sylvia’s Tools for Managing Stress



🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?

This episode is a powerful, compassionate guide for anyone navigating the complexities of dementia care. Sylvia’s practical strategies, uplifting stories, and mindset tips will help you:




• Approach dementia with creativity and resilience.





• Cope with stress using mindset tools like gratitude and reflection.





• Focus on the moments of joy that still exist in daily life.




Whether you’re a parent, carer, or educator, Sylvia’s wisdom offers a beacon of hope for anyone supporting a loved one through dementia.



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