Creativity, Caregiving, and the Art of Alzheimer’s with Marilyn Raichle, Author & Executive Director of Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care
For many, a diagnosis can bring loss. What if, instead of focusing on what’s lost, we saw the vibrant creativity and art that continue to flourish, revealing the fullness of life that still lives within? Today, we’re joined by Marilyn Raichle, Author of "Don't Walk Away: A Care Partner's Journey" and Executive Director of Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, whose personal journey with her mother’s dementia offers a remarkable story of discovery, love, and the power of art.
When Marilyn’s mother began to paint after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, what emerged was not only a vibrant collection of artwork but a new lens through which Marilyn saw her mother— a full person expressing joy, wit, and resilience. Through this art, Marilyn connected with her mother on a deeper level and found a way to invite others into that connection. She began sharing these paintings, seeing firsthand how they challenged perceptions of dementia, and brought light to her mother’s life.
In today’s conversation, we’ll explore Marilyn’s caregiving journey, the moments of joy and challenge, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She’ll share how her mother’s art became a bridge to understanding, why she chose to stay present and connected, and how we all might reimagine caregiving to see not just what is lost, but the humanity that remains. Thank you, Marilyn, for reminding us that even amidst loss, there is beauty to be found.
Learn more at https://dontwalkaway.net/
Listen to our episode HERE.
About Marilyn Raichle and "Don't Walk Away"
When I began my caregiving journey with Mom, I saw only loss not the person, heard only confusion not the thought. Then everything changed. Mom began to paint. Her paintings were fascinating. They invited me in, past my fear, to see a remarkable woman who was living with wit, invention, and joy.
I began sharing her art with family and friends. The reaction was always the same. “I had no idea.” The art effortlessly engaged people, opening an avenue for people to want to listen and see and perhaps understand that people living with dementia are still here, whole people.
And this is crucial. When it comes to Alzheimer’s and related dementias, the vast majority of people are blinded by sadness and fear. They think of dementia only with sorrow, of people living with dementia as “empty shells,” no longer there, not worth caring about, with lives not worth living. That’s all they can see. Not suprisingly, they Walk Away, unwilling to see or hear more.
I want to change that.
I invite them to take a walk with me and Mom. To discover and a much needed bridge to understanding that people living with dementia are valuable human beings, needing and worthy of our support to thrive and live with happiness.
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We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
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*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co., a boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
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