"They're Always Right": Lessons on Dementia Care From a Daughter Who's Lived It

The Next Bit Podcast

• 54 min

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One in four New Zealanders knows someone living with dementia. Which means the chances are, you do too. Lesley Harris didn't set out to become a dementia advocate. She became one the hard way, watching her father slowly stop knowing who she was, where he was, and slip back into his own childhood. That experience led her to study for a Diploma in Dementia Care, and eventually to build The Harris List, a navigation website she wishes had existed when her own family needed one. In this episode, Lesley shares the golden rule for talking to someone with dementia (they're always right), the real story behind a hospital "police" hallucination and what it taught her about de-escalation, why a man's nightly cutlery-throwing turned out to be about something else entirely, and why she believes your 50s might be the real turning point most of us miss. She's honest about the gaps in New Zealand's funding and care system, the danger of leaving enduring power of attorney too late, and her unfiltered take on the new blood tests that claim to predict Alzheimer's. It's a personal conversation, and an eye-opening one. If this episode gives you something to think about, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it — every share helps another family walk into this a little more prepared. The Next Bit Host is: Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly Guest: Lesley Harris, Founder of The Harris List Join our community! We love to hear your feedback and questions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbitpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584248556816 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenextbitpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBitPodcast This podcast was written by Shelley Smith and produced by Arama Murray from Mention Direction.