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)  [email protected] 

(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