Caregivers like Joey Daley, father of three, take the initiative to follow the first tip of caregiving: Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s disease or illness to know what to expect. If that’s not enough, Joey took an even bigger step. He’s helping raise awareness of dementia and his mother’s Lewy body dementia, by posting weekly YouTube videos.
The numbers on the “About” page show the results of his efforts. Since the start of this year, over 72,600 people have subscribed (as of this writing) to his video page with over 4.8 million views.
Recently, his journey made headlines in the national media. In A Mother and Son’s Incredible Journey NBC News article, Daley says, “Dementia’s like an onion. You peel off the layers of the memory on the outer layers until you get to the core, where you’re just a child again.”
He’s gathered quite a large group at Molly and Joey on Facebook with nearly 40,000 members, including me. Filled with caregivers’ stories and questions about caring for their loved ones with dementia, they are of comfort to and a supportive community for caregivers.
Click here to see an overview of his weekly YouTube videos including one of most-viewed videos Episode #6 – I wasn’t expecting this today. It turned out to be the worst day of my life, when teary-eyed Joey realizes his mother doesn’t remember her son.
I enjoyed this episode (embedded below), which I call: Good Golly Miss Molly Enjoys a High School Reunion with Her Friend, Linda If you watch the whole 19 minutes you’ll be treated to both humorous and tender embarrassing moments.
Joey takes his mother, Molly, on fun and stimulating social outings. Sometimes, she even recalls memories from long ago.
For an interesting side note, read a few fascinating facts about why a Grasshopper symbolizes Molly’s Movement.
For more information visit: Molly’s Movement.
Thank you Vince Zangaro for bringing NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt’s piece to our attention via your Facebook post at Alzheimer’s Music Fest.
I have been profoundly affected by Joey and Molly’s adventures and journey. While I do not currently have a loved one affected, I have concerns I may be a caregiver to one or both of my parents whom I believe have early signs of dementia, and that’s why when I found this group, I knew I had to join, visit, and follow. I had no idea when I began watching the videos and posts that I would fall for Miss Molly, and come to love her sweet, beautiful self. The members are all so giving of themselves, their personal stories, and supportive of each other. I know that this journey and Joey sharing this raw, real life videos has and will continue to change peoples lives. I pray it will create a perspective by anyone who follows it, and even more so, that it will raise awareness.