Play the Game
A podcast discussion with author Terri Leedom about the caregiver journey.
As a former caregiver for a family member with dementia, my interest was immediately piqued when I recently met Iowa author Terri Leedom at an event and learned that she released a book about dementia earlier this year. I had several questions for Terri, who lived as a caregiver for more than eight years with her mother, Donna. Terri previously released a light-hearted children’s book, My Silly Granny (2022), in an effort to help destigmatize dementia for small children. Since that release, friends and family had encouraged her to tell more of the story and share her caregiver and dementia insights with others.
Terri kindly agreed to hop on the podcast to discuss her book (which can be purchased here for $17.95). It’s an incredibly accessible read—full of practical advice and heart. As the great humanitarian and former first lady Roslyn Carter said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”
More About Play the Game from Beaverdale Books
“Play the Game is a deeply compassionate, personal account of author Terri Leedom’s journey as a caregiver to her mother living with dementia. From the earliest signs of the disease to her mother’s final decline, this memoir offers a candid look at the realities of a condition that erodes memory, but never love.
Leedom shares how she learned to play “the game of dementia” one day at a time, following her mother’s lead and finding connection with her mother’s new and ever-changing reality. She showed up each day with good humor and a willingness to meet her mother wherever she was in her mind.
Blending Leedom’s honest storytelling with accounts of others who have faced similar experiences, Play the Game offers guidance for how caregivers can gain access to the mental world of their loved one with patience and empathy, and provides heartfelt insight into establishing new connections. It’s a holistic approach for anyone embarking upon or already navigating this challenging path, including a checklist of common dementia symptoms, practical caregiving suggestions, and self-care tips for desperate times.”
In addition to her work as an author, Terri keeps an active schedule, bringing joy to various assisted living facilities. "I wanted to thank you again for coming to our Memory Café. You made such an impact on our friends who are struggling with the changes in their loved one. You have a story to share that will touch so many lives. Thank you so much!" - Gay Puthoff, Resident Life Coordinator, The Village, a WesleyLife Community. You can order Play the Game or My Silly Granny here, or connect with Terri at terri@terrileedom.com if you’re interested in hosting her for an event.
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Outstanding explanations and insights from someone who really understands the importance of this ubiquitous cultural phenomenon. And, I know what this experience entails, from both sides with frequency.
This is another great interview, Chip! It’s especially important to remind people who are caring for someone to find a support group. There are many ways to handle dementia. Terri’s book offers some advice that worked for her.