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Summary

In this conversation, Allison Schrier shares her profound journey as a caregiver for her husband, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, while raising two children. She discusses the emotional turmoil of navigating grief, the challenges of parenting through loss, and the importance of maintaining family dynamics. Allison reflects on her transformation from caregiver to dementia educator, emphasizing the need for resources and support for families dealing with similar situations. The conversation highlights resilience, the complexities of caregiving, and the creation of Zinnia TV, a resource aimed at helping caregivers and individuals with dementia.

Takeaways

• Allison's journey began with her husband's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
• Navigating grief while parenting is a complex emotional experience.
• It's important for caregivers to express their emotions to their children.
• The impact of dementia on family dynamics can be profound and challenging.
• Making the decision to seek care for a loved one is often difficult but necessary.
• Allison transformed her pain into purpose by becoming a dementia educator.
• Support groups for children of caregivers are crucial but often lacking.
• Resilience is a key factor in overcoming adversity in caregiving.
• Zinnia TV was created to provide resources for caregivers and individuals with dementia.
• Setting expectations for survival and success can lead to positive outcomes.

About the Guest

Allyson Schrier, co-founder and President of ZinniaTV, was a caregiver for her husband with dementia, who turned that experience into a career focused on helping both people with dementia and those who care for them. As a dementia educator, Allyson taught both family and professional caregivers best practices around supporting people with dementia. As Program Manager at the University of Washington Memory and Brain Wellness Center, she helped launch, and then facilitated a program aimed at helping primary and allied healthcare providers better diagnose and support patients living with dementia. Allyson was honored to be a recipient of a 2020 Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, and was named Visionary Caregiver of 2020 by caregiving.com. She sits on the Health and Medical subcommittee of the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative, facilitates support groups for spouses of people with dementia, and lectures on topics about dementia caregiving.

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/avschrier/
• www.zinniatv.com
• @zinnia_tv (tik tok and instagram)

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