Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure where to start or what’s “normal” vs. “not normal.” In this episode, Laura walks you through the signs to watch for, how to know when it’s time to seek answers, and why getting a diagnosis can actually bring relief and clarity. You’ll also learn about common treatable conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms, and how to prepare for a doctor’s appointment so you feel supported and informed.

👤 Meet Laura Vaillancourt:

Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, and the host of the Life on Repeat Podcast. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families navigating dementia, Laura’s mission is to provide caregivers with education, encouragement, and resources so they never feel alone on the journey.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- What’s “normal” forgetfulness vs. concerning memory changes

- Red flags that signal it may be time to seek medical evaluation

- Treatable conditions that can look like dementia (depression, delirium, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and more)

- Who can provide a diagnosis — from primary care to specialists

- How to prepare for a medical appointment (questions to ask, what to bring, and how to track concerns)

- What to expect after receiving a diagnosis and how to begin building your care team

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Why people wait to seek a diagnosis

04:30 – What’s normal aging vs. not normal memory loss

08:10 – Treatable conditions that mimic dementia symptoms

13:25 – Who can provide a diagnosis and what to expect

19:40 – How to prepare for an appointment

27:15 – What happens after diagnosis and building your care team

34:45 – Resources, planning, and next steps

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Memory impairment is not a normal part of aging.

- Many treatable conditions can cause memory changes, so don’t assume dementia.

- Early evaluation helps rule out reversible causes and provides peace of mind.

- Preparation is key — bring detailed examples, a list of medications, and questions to appointments.

- Getting a diagnosis is not the end; it’s the beginning of support, planning, and resources.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Annual wellness exam (Medicare-covered screening)

Cognitive assessments (MoCA, MMSE, SLUMS)

Local Area Agencies on Aging

Alzheimer’s Association resources

Geriatric care managers and elder law attorneys

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

If you’ve been feeling unsure about your loved one’s memory changes, this episode is for you. Take a deep breath — you don’t have to walk this path alone.

In this heartfelt episode, Laura Vaillancourt offers five powerful, research-backed self-care practices for dementia caregivers who are feeling stretched thin. These small, meaningful shifts are designed to help you nurture your mind, body, and spirit — without adding more to your already full plate.

If you’ve ever wondered, “But what does self-care actually look like when I’m caring for someone 24/7?” — this episode is for you.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Why “take care of yourself” can feel impossible for caregivers
• The difference between busy and truly connected
• How embracing uncertainty can reduce stress and open possibilities
• The surprising link between curiosity and lowering stress
• How to experience authentic gratitude (not forced positivity)
• Why movement — not “exercise” — boosts energy and resilience
• Simple ways to integrate self-care without adding overwhelm

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 — Introduction: Why self-care feels impossible in caregiving

04:10 — Practice #1: Connection

10:15 — Practice #2: Embrace the unknown

17:30 — Practice #3: Invite curiosity

23:20 — Practice #4: Gratitude

32:00 — Practice #5: Movement

39:45 — How to access Laura’s free 10-step self-care journal

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Self-care isn’t about adding more tasks — it’s about noticing what truly nourishes you.
• Quality of connection matters more than quantity.
• Curiosity and stress can’t coexist — curiosity helps unlock creativity and calm.
• Gratitude works when you feel it, not just when you list it.
• Movement moves energy, restores vitality, and doesn’t have to be complicated.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Free 10-Step Self-Care Journal: Email hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com to get your download sent right to you!

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Caring for yourself is one of the most loving things you can do — for you and for the person you care for. 💙

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another caregiver who could use a little extra support today.

What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) — and how does that intersect with the caregiving journey? In this powerful conversation, Laura sits down with Todd Smith, creator of the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People podcast, to explore the gifts and challenges of being highly sensitive while caring for a loved one. Todd shares his personal caregiving experiences, insights on inner and outer work, and practical strategies for reducing stress and embracing reframing as a tool for resilience.

👤 Meet Todd Smith:

Todd Smith is the host of the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People podcast and founder of True Inner Freedom. For over 18 years, Todd has guided highly sensitive people in breaking free from stress and emotional overload through inquiry-based processes, including The Work of Byron Katie. A highly sensitive person himself, Todd draws on his caregiving journey and personal practice to help others find peace without needing the world to change.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

- Todd’s personal caregiving experiences with his grandmother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law

- Understanding the DOES framework for HSP traits (Depth, Overwhelm, Empathy/Emotion, Sensitivity)

- The overlap between high sensitivity and caregiving strengths

- How HSP gifts can also become challenges without boundaries

- Why inner work matters for caregivers (and how to begin)

- Reframing caregiving experiences as gifts rather than burdens

- Using inquiry to manage stress, guilt, and overwhelm

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:02 – Welcome and introduction to Todd Smith

04:00 – Todd’s caregiving journey and family experiences

10:00 – What it means to be an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)

15:00 – Exploring the DOES framework of HSP traits

22:00 – Caregiving strengths and challenges for HSPs

30:00 – Guilt, overwhelm, and the importance of inner work

40:00 – Reframing caregiving as a gift, not a burden

55:00 – Todd’s tools for stress management and daily practices

01:00:00 – Closing reflections and how to connect with Todd

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Around 15–20% of people are Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), and this trait can be both a gift and a challenge in caregiving.
• HSPs often excel at noticing subtle needs and offering deep empathy — essential caregiving strengths.
• Without balance, sensitivity can lead to overwhelm, guilt, or burnout.
• Inner work, like inquiry practices, helps caregivers process emotions and prevent stress from building up.
• Reframing difficult caregiving moments can shift perspective and bring a sense of peace.
• Caregivers need to care for themselves as much as they care for others.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

True Inner Freedom – Todd Smith’s Website

Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People Podcast

Research on Highly Sensitive People by Dr. Elaine Aron

The Work of Byron Katie (thework.com)

🤝 Connect with Todd Smith:

Website: trueinnerfreedom.com

Podcast: Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People

YouTube: @theworkasmeditation

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

YouTube: @LifeonRepeatPodcast

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

If you found this conversation helpful, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with others who may need encouragement on their caregiving journey. Together, we can make caregiving feel less isolating and more supported. 💜