In this important episode, host Lisa Skinner explores a deeply concerning issue that affects millions of older adults worldwide — elder abuse. With compassion and clarity, Lisa explains the many forms this abuse can take, how to recognize the warning signs, and what steps can be taken to prevent or report it.

Every person, regardless of age, deserves to live free from harm, neglect, and exploitation. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in ten people over age 60 experience some form of abuse each year. This episode sheds light on the silent suffering many elders face — and provides listeners with the tools to recognize, respond, and advocate for those who may be at risk.

Listeners will learn:

• The different forms of elder abuse — physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, and self-neglect.
• Who is most at risk, including individuals living with dementia, those dependent on caregivers, and socially isolated adults.
• The warning signs that may indicate abuse is occurring.
• Barriers to reporting and why so many cases go unreported.
• Practical steps to take if you suspect elder abuse — from ensuring immediate safety to reporting and seeking support.
• Prevention strategies to protect loved ones, including caregiver support, open communication, financial safeguards, and community connection.

Lisa also debunks common myths surrounding elder abuse and discusses the legal and ethical considerations for mandated reporters and caregivers. This episode serves as both an educational guide and a compassionate call to action — reminding listeners that vigilance, empathy, and awareness can make all the difference in keeping our elders safe.

Resources Mentioned:

• National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA): https://ncea.acl.gov
• Adult Protective Services (APS) Directory by State: https://ncea.acl.gov/Resources/State.aspx
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ — for confidential support
• Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s Book by Lisa Skinner: https://www.truthliesalzheimers.com

About the Host:

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.

Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to...

Have you ever been caring for someone living with dementia when, out of nowhere, their entire mood shifts? One moment everything seems fine, and the next they refuse to finish a shower, become anxious, angry, or even combative — leaving you wondering, What just happened?

In this episode, Lisa Skinner explores the top 10 triggers that can cause sudden behavioral changes in dementia. She explains why these changes occur, and more importantly, how caregivers and families can respond in ways that de-escalate the situation and create positive outcomes.

Listeners will learn:

• The most common triggers, including overstimulation, fatigue, hunger, pain, communication gaps, changes in routine, and more.
• Tips for de-escalation and response strategies that bring calm to difficult moments.
• Practical approaches for creating safe environments, using patient communication, establishing predictable routines, and applying soothing techniques.
• Safety considerations to protect both the person with dementia and the caregiver.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated or helpless during a sudden behavioral change, this episode will provide encouragement, tools, and strategies to help you navigate with confidence and compassion.

Mentioned Resources:

• Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s Podcast Archive
• Lisa’s book: Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s — Its Secret Faces (available on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Truth-Lies-Alzheimers-Audiobook/B0BHDZ61RY)

About the Host:

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.

Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.

So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section...

We’re revisiting this episode because its insights remain as powerful and relevant today as when it first aired.

Lisa shares more real-life case studies from her 30 years of experience working with people living with dementia that highlight common behavioral challenges that often accompany this condition on a day-to-day basis. In this episode, Lisa describes a variety of different challenges and situations that are so common to dementia along with intervention strategies and positive outcomes that caregivers can use with their everyday struggles.

You don’t want to miss this enlightening episode!

About the Host:

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.

Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.

So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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