Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Sam and Susan Simon for an inspiring conversation about what it means to live well after a dementia diagnosis. Together, they share how purpose, creativity, advocacy, and connection continue to shape their lives and relationship as they navigate dementia as a couple.
Years before Sam’s own diagnosis with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, he cared for Susan through Stage 3 breast cancer. Now, their roles are evolving as Susan supports Sam while they proactively plan for the future together.
Sam also discusses how he transformed his experience into his one-man play, Dementia Man, An Existential Journey, using storytelling and advocacy to help others better understand life after diagnosis and hold on to a sense of identity and purpose.
Episode highlights include:
-Experiencing caregiving from both sides
-Living well after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
-Finding purpose through advocacy, creativity, and storytelling
-Supporting independence while navigating dementia together
-Planning proactively for the future with hope and intention
Helpful links from the episode:
-Dementia Man: An Existential Journey: Choosing Life and Finding Meaning with Alzheimer’s: dementiaman.com
-Washington Post article: “In a one-man play, an 80-year-old chronicles his own dementia”
-Facebook: facebook.com/dementiaman
-Instagram: @thedementiaman
-YouTube: youtube.com/@dementiaman_
To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.
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