Proactive Perspective In Dementia Care

01/04/2026

A New Year’s Eve celebration with those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s feels sacred, filled with soft moments, memories, and unexpected joy. Paper hats sit crooked, cider overflows, noisemakers honking away, and questions may be repeated, but heart and presence matter most. On this very day at the Veranda, stories unfold—some vivid, some fragments—showing that memory lives in body and spirit. Laughter erupts over funny tales, while tender moments honor loved ones lost. The countdown may vary, but the actual celebration is about togetherness. Hugs, music, and shared memories remind us that feelings matter more than details, and even in forgetfulness, we remain whole and worthy here.

This podcast is what Veranda Ministries and Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's mission are all about. Happy New Year!

We don’t have to remember everything to feel something.
We don’t need every detail to know love.
And even in forgetting, we are still ourselves—still belonging, still worthy, still here.







www.verandaministries.org

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aging-angst-and-alleluias-podcast/id1610397933?i=1000743440196

12/12/2025

This week on the podcast, we’re highlighting The Veranda's extraordinary ministry where dignity, purpose, and compassion come together beautifully.

They are preparing to launch a new dementia-friendly service that will create a safe and sacred space where those living with dementia and their families can worship freely and feel deeply loved. It’s a dream come true for the staff!!

Also shared on this episode is how The Veranda continues to support caregivers through groups that offer encouragement, community, and understanding during difficult times. Additionally, they recently celebrated a major success: their Christmas Wishbook Marketplace! With ornate baskets, handmade gifts, and delicious baked goods, the event raised essential funds to sustain The Veranda’s mission.

Join us as we explore the heart, hope, and miracles happening at The Veranda—where ministry truly meets memory, and every life still has a song to sing.








https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aging-angst-and-alleluias-podcast/id1610397933?i=1000740990262

11/17/2025

The Secret That Needed To Be Told:

In this deeply personal episode, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly reveals a long-hidden family secret, an admission that, once uncovered, changed the course of events forever. Although the truth may be upsetting, Mary Anne stresses that it is also the foundation for healing.

Her story explores how hidden truths affect future generations and how those with dementia may carry the weight of concealed pain and unresolved memories. This discussion highlights that honesty, even when difficult, is an act of compassion. While truth doesn't erase the past, it can help shape a transformative future.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aging-angst-and-alleluias-podcast/id1610397933

10/18/2025

10/18/2025

“This episode delves into the emotional challenges faced by care partners and highlights the crucial role of having an advocate in medical settings. Whether dealing with a planned surgical procedure or an unexpected medical emergency, family members may often feel helpless and vulnerable. Trusting medical professionals to care for your loved one is essential, yet this trust can sometimes be tested.

It is important to recognize the need for an advocate, especially for older adults. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly emphasizes the significance of appointing someone you trust to assist with medical and psychological decisions for your loved one and support yourself during this challenging time




https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aging-angst-and-alleluias-podcast/id1610397933

10/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GyQXkaBSL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

03/29/2025

The Heart of Mary House (HOMH) began in a two-bedroom home in the South Nashville area on the campus of St. Edward Church. The mission of Heart of Mary House is to provide a safe, comfortable, and peaceful home-like setting for underserved people who have been given a terminal prognosis and need somewhere to stay and someone to care for them during their final days and weeks. They were able to host two residents at a time in this home.
In today’s episode, host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and HOMH’s director, Kim Derrick, celebrate HOMH's new property, which was obtained in November 2024. They moved their first resident into the home on February 17, 2025. This home has six bedrooms, two living areas, two full baths, a full kitchen, and two office spaces. The home's design is more perfect than they could have ever imagined. HOMH is grateful and excited to care for triple the number of people who need a safe, comfortable, and peaceful home-like setting.
Nothing could be more perfect than two very distinct ministries with brand new locations (The Veranda Ministries and Heart of Mary House) celebrating new buildings simultaneously.
Two hearts; One mission - to care for those in desperate need.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new “Veranda Ministries” location will be on April 1st, 2025, at 1pm - 650 Nashville Pike, Building 4, Gallatin, TN 37066. Refreshments will follow. The public is invited.

https://heartofmaryhouse.org/
https://theverandaministries.org/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aging-angst-and-alleluias-podcast/id1610397933?i=1000700897499

02/22/2025

🔍 Did you know that behavioral changes in people with dementia can often be a form of communication?

Common behaviors like agitation, restlessness, and withdrawal may indicate unmet needs or discomfort.

💬 Do you have experience with these changes? Share your thoughts below.

02/18/2025

Dementia Myth-Busting – It’s NOT a Normal Part of Aging 🚫
Myth: Dementia is just a normal part of getting older.

Truth: Dementia is not a normal part of aging. While memory changes can happen as we age, dementia is caused by diseases that damage the brain, like Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia.

Early detection and proper care can make a big difference in quality of life. 💙

💬 Have you encountered this myth? Share your experience below!