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Are you a Christian Caregiver overwhelmed by the challenges of dementia or Alzheimer’s? Do you find yourself asking questions like: “How can I survive dementia caregiving?” or “What does dementia caregiving look like from a Christian perspective?” This podcast is designed for you. We offer real hope and help by providing practical, faith-driven solutions to make dementia care easier. Answering Your Most Pressing Questions: How to survive dementia caregiving? Caregiving is a long journey that can be emotionally and physically exhausting. This podcast helps you not only survive but thrive by grounding your caregiving approach in faith. What is dementia caregiving from a Christian perspective? Explore how Biblical principles can guide your caregiving journey, offering strength and hope even in the most challenging times. How do I care for elderly parents with dementia? Discover practical strategies for providing care that honors your loved ones, while managing the daily responsibilities that come with dementia caregiving. What are common dementia behaviors, and how do I manage them? Dementia can bring challenging behaviors like agitation or confusion. Learn how to manage these behaviors with grace and faith, using proven caregiving techniques and Biblical insights. How do I cope with dementia behaviors through faith? Faith can be a powerful tool in caregiving. We’ll discuss ways to keep your faith strong, helping you cope with even the most difficult dementia-related behaviors. What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and how can I prepare? Understanding the stages of Alzheimer’s can help you prepare for what’s to come. We break down each stage, offering insight into what you can expect and how to care for your loved one. How do I know if my parent has dementia symptoms? Early detection is key. Learn about the common symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s so you can seek help and make informed decisions for your loved one. Can I practice self-care while being a dementia caregiver? Yes, and it’s essential. Caregiver burnout is real, and this podcast offers practical advice on balancing caregiving with self-care, so you can maintain your health while caring for someone else. How do I provide spiritual care for someone with dementia? Explore ways to integrate spiritual care into your daily caregiving routines, helping your loved one maintain their connection to faith even as their cognitive abilities change. When should someone with dementia go into a care home? Deciding when it’s time to transition your loved one to professional care is never easy. We discuss how to approach this decision with faith, peace, and clarity. What are the best Christian dementia support groups, and how can I find them? Connecting with a community that understands your journey is crucial. We guide you on where to find Christian dementia caregiver support groups that align with your values. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? We cover the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in detail, helping you recognize signs early and providing guidance on how to navigate the journey ahead. Why Christian Dementia Caregiving Is Different: Unlike other caregiving podcasts, Christian Dementia Caregiving offers a unique combination of faith-based caregiving and practical solutions. Grounded in Biblical principles, we provide strategies that help you manage the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges of dementia caregiving. We address the specific needs of Christian caregivers, helping you: Find peace in your caregiving journey. Cope with stress using faith-driven techniques. Prepare for each stage of Alzheimer’s with confidence. Prevent caregiver burnout through faith and practical self-care strategies. Make difficult decisions about care homes, end-of-life care, and more with spiritual clarity. Join Our Christian Caregiver Community: Caregiving doesn’t have to be lonely. Through this podcast, you’ll find a supportive community of like-minded Christian caregivers who understand your struggles and offer the encouragement you need. Together, we can make dementia caregiving easier while glorifying God, despite the diagnosis. Subscribe and Connect: Subscribe to the podcast today to get regular insights and support. We cover everything from practical tips to faith-based encouragement, offering you the tools and hope you need to succeed in your caregiving role. Visit thinkdifferentdementia.com for additional resources, free workshops, and support to help you navigate your caregiving journey. Email: lizette@thinkdifferentdementia.com Website: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com May the Lord bless and keep you, and see you in the next episode.
Episodes
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
In this episode of Dementia Caregiving for Families, I open up about my unexpected journey into caregiving for my dad. As a therapist, I never anticipated being thrown into this role, and the news of my dad being hospitalized was devastating.
The thought of placing him in a nursing home was something I couldn't bear, knowing the emotional toll it takes on both the caregiver and the person being cared for.
Despite knowing it would only be temporary, I couldn't bring myself to do it. This sudden caregiving responsibility was thrust upon me due to my mom's health issues in the past. I found myself overwhelmed and exhausted as it disrupted my own life and responsibilities.
Unfortunately, my dad's health deteriorated rapidly, and I had to fight with healthcare professionals to ensure he received the necessary care. In the end, he ended up back in the hospital, even sicker than before.
In this episode:
0:01:02 Unexpected Phone Call Changes Everything
0:02:03 The Fear of Nursing Homes and Caregiving Responsibilities
0:05:12 Crisis Mode: Dad Readmitted to the Hospital
0:13:09 Choosing to be a caregiver and making a plan
0:14:03 Enforcing the plan and being in control
0:15:12 Overcoming overwhelm and becoming an empowered caregiver
0:16:21 Transitioning from reactive to proactive caregiving
0:19:17 Identifying whether you are an overwhelmed or empowered caregiver
0:20:55 A Heartfelt Invitation to Join Our Supportive Community
It became evident that a significant crisis was unfolding. My parents could no longer be left alone, so my husband and I made the decision to move them in with us temporarily.
However, this period was incredibly challenging and overwhelming for me. Juggling work, taking care of my parents, and facing numerous obstacles took its toll.
It was a devastating time, but it brought about a realization - I had a choice in how I approached caregiving. I made the decision to become a proactive caregiver, and it transformed my life overnight. I discovered that there are two types of caregivers: those who are drowning and overwhelmed, and those who are successful and manage to come out relatively unscathed.
The power to be a proactive caregiver lies within me, not my parents. The successful caregivers I've encountered intentionally took on the role and created a caregiving plan. They had a sense of control and were able to navigate the challenges.
Now, I want to know where our listeners are in their caregiving journey. Are they still overwhelmed and reacting to every situation, or have they become empowered and proactive?
If they're still struggling, I'm here to offer support and guidance to help them transition into becoming proactive caregivers.
We need to shift our mindset about dementia caregiving and put practical strategies in place to assist caregivers. It's important to remember that caregiving isn't a sprint, but a marathon, and preparation plays a crucial role.
In today's episode, we delve into the significance of planning ahead in the caregiving journey. Just like embarking on a vacation, one wouldn't set off on an epic trip without preparing.
The same applies to caregiving. Dementia caregiving is a long and challenging journey that requires proactive planning to prevent burnout. The first step towards becoming an empowered caregiver is actively deciding to assume the role.
We encourage our listeners to join our community, subscribe to the podcast, and share it with other family caregivers. Together, we can navigate the complexities of dementia caregiving and find peace of mind and ease.
Enjoy our podcast? Please take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts—it really supports our show!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementia-caregiving-for-families/id1716187550
Book a Call with Lizette
https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/book-a-call-meeting-with-lizette
Are you helping someone you love with dementia?
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